Early Predictors of Intensive Care Unit Admission Among COVID-19 Patients in Qatar

Background: COVID-19 is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to explore the early predictors of intensive care unit (ICU) admission among patients with COVID-19.

Methods: This was a case-control study of adult patients with confirmed COVID-19. Cases were defined as patients admitted to ICU during the period February 29-May 29, 2020. For each case enrolled, one control was matched by age and gender.

Results: A total of 1,560 patients with confirmed COVID-19 were included. Each group included 780 patients with a predominant male gender (89.7%) and a median age of 49 years (interquartile range = 18). Predictors independently associated with ICU admission were cardiovascular disease (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16-2.32, = 0.005), diabetes (aOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.08-2.13, = 0.016), obesity (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.03-2.08, = 0.034), lymphopenia (aOR = 2.69, 95% CI: 1.80-4.02, < 0.001), high AST (aOR = 2.59, 95% CI: 1.53-4.36, < 0.001), high ferritin (aOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.40-2.74, < 0.001), high CRP (aOR = 4.09, 95% CI: 2.81-5.96, < 0.001), and dyspnea (aOR = 2.50, 95% CI: 1.77-3.54, < 0.001).

Conclusion: Having cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, lymphopenia, dyspnea, and increased AST, ferritin, and CRP were independent predictors for ICU admission in patients with COVID-19.