PREDICTORS OF PNEUMONIA AND SEVERE PNEUMONIA IN PATIENTS WITH CORONAVIRUS DISEASE 2019 AT A TERTIARY-CARE HOSPITAL, THAILAND

Sirawat Srichatrapimuk1, Kulapong Jayanama1, Suppachok Kirdlarp2, Kanin Thammavaranucupt1, Supawadee Suppadungsuk1, Thananya Wongsinin1, Nithita Nanthatanti1, Watchara Lohawijarn2, Thanyakamol Phongnarudech2, Katathep Wiputhanuphongs2, Sithakom Phusanti1, Dhanesh Pitidhammabhorn1 and Somnuek Sungkanuparph1

Abstract

Clinical spectrum of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) encompasses asymptomatic to severe pneumonia. Clinical characteristics of pneumonia and severe pneumonia in patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection admitted to a university hospital in Thailand were recorded and factors predicting pneumonia and severe pneumonia were determined using a Cox-regression analysis. Of 144 patients, mean ± SD age was 39 ±13 years, with 42% males. Following admission, 51% of patients developed pneumonia within median period of 7 days from onset of illness, among whom 27% progressed to severe pneumonia. Multivariate analysis showed age ?40 years, body mass index ?25 kg/m2, absolute lymphocyte count <1500 cells/mm3, and serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level ?200 U/l at admission were significant factors associated with pneumonia, while severe pneumonia was associated with male gender, room-air oxygen saturation <97% and serum LDH level ?300 U/l at admission. These findings should be of assistance in predicting COVID-19 patients at risk of developing pneumonia and those progressing to the severe form, allowing preparation for close monitoring and prompt management of such patients.