Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of Cases During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Study in a Private Clinic in Lima
Abstract
Introduction: COVID-19 caused substantial morbidity and mortality in Peru, particularly during the first pandemic waves. Characterizing hospitalized patients is essential to better understand the clinical course and outcomes of the disease.
Objective: To describe the clinical, epidemiological, and hospital outcomes of patients with COVID-19 admitted to a private clinic in Lima during the pandemic.
Materials and Methods: A descriptive observational case series was conducted including 100 adults with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 by RT-PCR, antigen, or serological tests, hospitalized between March 2020 and December 2022. Clinical records were reviewed to collect demographic, clinical, radiological, comorbidity, and outcome data, which were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: Most patients were men (68%), with the highest proportion aged 40–60 years (41%). The mean interval from symptom onset to clinical evaluation was 6.3 days. Fever occurred in 74% and respiratory distress in 77% of patients. Among those with oxygen saturation measurements, 28% had severe respiratory failure (SpO₂ ≤92%). Chest CT showed predominantly moderate pulmonary involvement (44.8%), followed by mild (25.6%) and severe (19.2%) disease. Comorbidities were identified in 51% of patients, mainly hypertension and obesity. Fifteen percent required intensive care unit admission and in-hospital mortality reached 12%.
Conclusions: Hospitalized patients were predominantly middle-aged men presenting with fever and significant respiratory involvement. More than half exhibited moderate-to-severe pulmonary disease and a substantial proportion required critical care. These findings contribute to understanding the clinical profile and outcomes of COVID-19 in the private healthcare setting in Peru during the first pandemic waves.
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References
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