Factors Associated with Duration of Hospitalization in Patients with COVID-19

Background and Objective:  Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a large number of casualties and economic losses. Reducing the number of hospitalization days can alleviate pressure on health services and save more people. This study was carried out to find associated factors with the duration of hospitalization at a COVID-19 dedicated hospital in China. Methods:  In this retrospective study, the demographic details and laboratory tests of 556 patients were collected. These patients were cured and discharged. The data was analyzed using statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS), version 22. The Shapiro-Wilk method was used for the normality of data with P ≤ 0.05 as significant to relate factors with the duration of hospitalization. Results:  A total of 556 patients with COVID-19 were included in the study; 249 were males and 307 were females. Among the factors associated with longer hospital stay, lower K+ and Na+ levels were noticed in 102 (18.5%) and 61 (11%) respectively. Among liver functions tests, elevated AST levels was found in 109 (19.6%) patients, decreased serum albumin seen in 301 (54.1%) patients, elevated serum ALT levels in 80 (14.3%) patients with longer hospital stay (P = 0.032). Increased procalcitonin (PCT) was noticed in 66 (11.8%) patients. An elevated level of plasma D-dimer was seen in 125(22.4%) and increased NT-pro BNP levels in 64 (11.5%) patients. Increased cTnT levels were found in 76(13.6%) patients and elevated creatinine levels in 114 (21%) patients.(P = 0.015). Conclusion:  Patients with elevated serum total cholesterol had significantly lesser hospital stay than the normal group. Patients with temperature ≥ 38°C and elevated blood glucose had longer hospitalization stay. We recommend that health care providers should not ignore multiple organ support when treating patients.