Clinical Characteristics and Severity Profile of COVID-19 Patient with Hypertension in Palu, Central Sulawesi

Abstract

Until this year, coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is still an unsolved problem in Indonesia. Apart from Java, other islands, including Sulawesi, were also severely affected. The very high mortality rate in Central Sulawesi (3.36%) poses a challenge for health workers; therefore, they should be well informed and with up-to-date information about correct therapeutic decisions. One of the most common comorbidities that often occurs with the severity and mortality of COVID-19 is hypertension. This study aims to determine the clinical characteristics and severity profile and their relationship with the mortality rate of COVID-19 patients with hypertension in Palu, Central Sulawesi. A total of 185 data on COVID-19 patients undergoing treatment at the Palu City Hospital during 2021 and meeting the criteria were recruited as research samples. Patients were divided into hypertensive (43%) and non-hypertensive (57%). The results showed that the age group, comorbid diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels showed a significant relationship between the two groups (p < 0.05). The median length of stay was 12 days, with conditions leading to discharge (83%) and death (17%); patients who died were hospitalized in moderate and severe clinical conditions. Age group, liver function, and kidney function were positively correlated with severity and mortality. However, hypertension did not show a significant relationship with the severity and mortality of COVID-19 patients.