A comparative study on the outcomes of mechanically ventilated covid-19 vs non-covid-19 patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure

Abstract

Background: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge of patients requiring mechanical ventilation over a short period of time. The morbidity and mortality outcome in these patients have been variably reported in the published literature. Comparative analyses of ventilated COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients during the same time period have been lacking. Methods: Prospective data for each mechanically ventilated patient was collected from both COVID-19 and non-COVID ICU for a period of 8 months. Their demographic details and disease severity scores were included. Risk-adjusted outcomes across two groups were analyzed using multivariable regression methods. Results: Crude ICU and hospital mortality were similar in COVID-19-and non-COVID-19 ventilated groups (43.8 vs 40% and 43.8 vs 41.1%, respectively; p >0.05). After risk adjustment for the severity of illness by APACHE IV, no significant differences were observed in ICU mortality (OR 1.498; 95% CI 0.669–3.327; p = 0.328) and hospital mortality (OR 1.574; 95% CI 0.707–3.504; p = 0.267). However, mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients had increased ICU stay (OR 6.261; 95% CI 3.778–8.744; p <0.001) as well as prolonged ventilatory support (OR 4.358; 95% CI 2.910–7.424; p <0.001) when compared to non-COVID-19 patients. Conclusion: In mechanically ventilated patients, no significant differences in terms of mortality were noted between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients. Mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients had longer ICU stay and more number of days on ventilation.