Background

COVID-19 pandemic had huge socioeconomic impact. Uncovering the factors associated with poor prognosis and costs are important for better management.

Aim

To identify poor prognosis factors and analyze costs in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods and material

Consecutive patients with COVID-19 pneumonia were analyzed and followed up for mortality for 2 years. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 19.0.

Results

The study included 112 patients, mean age 68±13,  63.4% males. In hospital mortality was 16.1% with higher mean cost of 660 EUR (p<0,02) compared the survivors. Poor prognosis correlates with age (p<0,001), increased CRP (p<0,001), LDH (p<0,0001), WBC (p<0,0001) and decreased Lymphocytes (p<0,0001) levels. Some comorbidities add additional burden: bronchiectasis (p<0,0001, OR 9,1;95%CI 2,6-32,1), pneumofibrosis (p<0,0001, OR 14,0;95%CI 3,5-55,6), coronary artery disease (p<0,005, OR 4,3;95%CI 1,4-12,2), heart failure (p<0,01, OR 3,6;95%CI 1,2-10,4). Patients with poor prognosis were more often treated with plasma and immunovenin (p<0,05) adding additional cost (p<0,05).

During the 12 months after discharge hospitalisations were found in 8.9% with 1 hospitalization and in 6,3% - with 2 or more. The most common reasons for hospitalisations were: respiratory failure, bronchiectasis exacerbations, stroke, angina and neuropathy. Two patients were diagnosed with colorectal cancer and 1 with stomach cancer. Overall 2 year mortality after discharge was 8%.

Conclusion

COVID-19 pneumonia often leads to increased mortality and cost. One year follow up after discharge is important as mortality remains high.