Characteristics and early outcomes of patients hospitalised for COVID-19 in North Zealand, Denmark.

Lendorf, Maria Elisabeth; Boisen, Mogens Karsbøl; Kristensen, Peter Lommer; Løkkegaard, Ellen Christine Leth; Krog, Sebastian Moretto; Brandi, Lisbet; Brinth, Louise Schouborg; Nolsöe, Rúna Louise Mortansdóttir; Ryrsø, Camilla; Eiken, Pia; Bestle, Morten Heiberg; Jørgensen, Inger Merete; Pedersen-Bjergaard, Ulrik; Lindegaard, Birgitte; Christensen, Thomas Broe; Fischer, Thea Kølsen

INTRODUCTION Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing pandemic associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Limited data are available describing the clinical presentation and outcomes of hospitalised COVID-19 patients in Europe. METHODS This was a single-centre retrospective chart review of all patients with COVID-19 admitted to the North Zealand Hospital in Denmark between 1 March and 4 May 2020. Main outcomes include major therapeutic interventions during hospitalisation, such as invasive mechanical ventilation, as well as death. RESULTS A total of 115 patients were included, including four infants. The median age of adults was 68 years and 40% were female. At admission, 55 (50%) patients had a fever, 29 (26%) had a respiratory rate exceeding 24 breaths/minute, and 78 (70%) received supplemental oxygen. The prevalence of co-infection was 13%. Twenty patients (18%) (median age: 64 years; 15% female) were treated in the intensive care unit. Twelve (10.4%) received invasive mechanical ventilation and three (2.6%) renal replacement therapy. Nine patients (8%) developed pulmonary embolism. Sixteen patients (14%) died. Among patients requiring mechanical ventilation (n = 12), seven (6.1%) were discharged alive, four (3.4%) died and one (0.9%) was still hospitalised. CONCLUSION In this cohort of hospitalised COVID-19 patients, mortality was lower than in other Danish and European case series. FUNDING none. TRIAL REGISTRATION not relevant.