Clinical Characteristics of Patients Under Investigation For COVID-19 In Emergency Department

Abstract

Introduction
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection poses a substantial public health challenge. Understanding the clinical features of patients presenting at the emergency department (ED) who meet the screening and investigation criteria for the novel coronavirus is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management. This study aimed to assess the clinical characteristics and identify risk factors among patients undergoing screening for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods
In this retrospective analytical study, data were collected from 313 patients who visited the ED of Thammasat University Hospital between March 1, 2020, and July 31, 2021. The collected data were analyzed for the patients’ clinical characteristics, risk factors, and treatment outcomes using univariate and logistic regression analysis.

Results
Of the 313 patients, 100 had COVID-19. Among the cases, 22.36% had a history of exposure to individuals exhibiting fever or flu-like symptoms within a 14-day period. The main symptoms were dyspnea, fever, cough, and rhinorrhea (76.04%, 64.86%, 52.08%, and 13.74%, respectively). Additionally, 55.91% of patients had low oxygen saturation (≤80%), while 83.90% showed abnormalities in chest X-ray. Respiratory support was provided to 66% of the patients. The majority of patients (89.14%) were admitted to the hospital, and mortality rate was 20.13%. The study identified a higher body mass index (BMI) of ≥40 kg/m2, oxygen saturation≤80%, rhinorrhea, dyspnea and exposure to individuals with fever or flu-like symptoms within 14 days as risk factors for COVID-19.

Conclusion
Dyspnea, fever, cough, rhinorrhea and desaturation were important signs for patients undergoing investigations for COVID-19. A significant risk factor was close contact with individuals exhibiting fever or flu-like symptoms within 14 days.