Risk factors for mortality in patients with COVID-19: the Kuwait experience

Objectives: To describe the baseline characteristics and to evaluate the risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients admitted to hospitals with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Kuwait. Subjects and Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed data of patients admitted to two hospitals in Kuwait with COVID-19. The outcome was assessed by using multivariable analysis of factors affecting survival and mortality. Results: In the 962 patients, the case fatality ratio was 9.04%. The mean age of non-survivors was 63.5 ± 14.8 years, and most deaths occurred in males (80.5%). For the whole sample, source of transmission was significantly related to mortality and the median duration of in- hospital stay was 15 (interquartile range: 2–52) days. In patients with high oxygen requirements, the case fatality rate was 96.6%. Multivariable analysis identified age, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and dyspnoea on presentation as independent risk factors for COVID-19 mortality. Conclusions: The mortality rate was higher in older patients with comorbidities such as hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Early recognition of high-risk patients may help to improve care and reduce mortality.