Factors associated with survival in older patients affected by COVID-19: A retrospective cohort study

Aim Mortality is high in Coronavirus disease 2019 patients with pre-existing comorbidities and advanced age. Associated complications have added to the negative prognosis. Nevertheless, many have fully recovered, even among the most fragile. Factors associated with their survival was investigated. Methods Retrospective study of patients aged ≥90 years admitted for COVID-19 to the Internal Medicine wards of two hospitals in Lombardy, Italy. Results Among 34 patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, 33 (97.1%) had respiratory failure. Eighteen patients (52.9%) survived and 16 (47.1%) died during hospital stay. Survivors compared to deceased had a significantly longer hospitalization (19 vs. 10 days respectively; p = 0.02), a better PaO2:FiO2 ratio (241 vs. 171 respectively; p = 0.003), higher lymphocyte counts (p = 0.01) and lower serum LDH levels (p
Highlights • Advanced age and comorbidities are associated to worst outcome in Covid-19. • Treatment with low molecular weight heparin improves in-hospital survival. • Beta-blockers might have a protective role in Covid-19, however, more insight is needed. • A focused supportive care to prevent thrombotic and arrhythmic complications related to Covid-19 could result in a better clinical course.