Fatality due to COVID-19 associated with risk factors in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, 2020

Abstract

INTRODUCTION. The main objective was to evaluate the risk of death in patients according to the presence of one or more risk factors in confirmed cases of COVID-19. METHODS: Cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study of COVID-19 cases in people over 18 years of age, residents of the Province of Buenos Aires, confirmed by laboratory or clinical-epidemiological criteria that have started symptoms from March to December 2020 (n = 622,084). Secondary source information. Four analysis scenarios were considered taking into account the quality of the data and the patient's condition. RESULTS: 21,706 deceased cases were reported (3.5% fatality rate). Age (72.8 ± 13.8 vs 41.2 ± 15.2) and male patients (56% vs 44%; p <0.05) were higher in the deceased. According to the multivariate model, being 60 years or older was the highest risk factor (OR: 8.1) followed by chronic liver disease (OR: 2.3). DISCUSSION: The results show that most of the symptomatic cases had a favorable evolution. The provincial fatality rate is similar to the national rate. The risk factors that were relevant are consistent with studies carried out both in our country and in other countries. Although being 60 years or older was the greatest risk factor, most of the CNCDs analyzed also contributed to the COVID-19 infection becoming worse. This information is relevant to think about health policies for this population.