Clinical Characteristics of Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study in Pakistan

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) caused a global pandemic of severe upper respiratory tract infections known as COVID-19. This single-center study aimed to investigate the demographics, comorbidities, symptoms, and disease severity of COVID-19 patients in Pakistan. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted at the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute and Research Center from April 2020 to August 2020. A total of 430 PCR-positive COVID-19 patients were categorized into symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. The symptomatic group was further classified into severe and non-severe subgroups. Patients' demographics, comorbid conditions, presenting symptoms, laboratory parameters, and clinical outcomes were assessed in these two subgroups. Statistical tests were applied to determine significant differences. Results: A total of 430 patients with COVID-19 presented in our center, of whom 334 (78%) were symptomatic and included in the study. Severe disease was observed in 83 (24.8%) symptomatic patients, with a male predominance (75.9%) and higher mean age (61.7 ± 13.2). Travel to high-risk destinations (p < 0.002) and close contact with COVID-19 patients (p < 0.001) were significant risk factors. Major comorbid conditions included diabetes mellitus (30.5%) and hypertension (39.8%). Frequent symptoms included fever (71.8%), cough (68.8%), dyspnea (53.8%), and myalgias (35.9%). Higher C-reactive protein (median = 12.76 vs. 1.45, p = 0.001), ferritin (median = 996.70 vs. 628, p = 0.004), and D-dimers (median = 1121 vs. 439.50, p = 0.009) were noted in severe vs non-severe disease. Lymphopenia was more prevalent in severe vs. non-severe disease (83.1% vs. 14.3% p-value = 0.033). More deaths (28.9%) and ICU admissions (53%) with a prolonged hospital stay (median = 25 days, IQR = 16.0-31.0) were noted in the severe group. Conclusion: This retrospective study provides insights into the clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients. Age, male gender, comorbidities, and specific symptoms were associated with disease severity. Inflammatory markers, including D-dimers, ferritin, and CRP, were elevated in severe cases. These findings contribute to a better understanding of COVID-19 and may aid in clinical management and decision-making for patients affected by the disease.