Abstract

Characteristics of patients with coronavirus disease SARS-Cov-2 in Jordan: Retrospective cross-sectional study

Author(s): Amjad Al Shdaifat, and Hana Taha

Background: COVID-19 exacerbations and severity are more prevalent in older patients with pre-existing comorbidities. This study aimed to explore the characteristics, outcomes and analyze the predictors of severe COVID-19 disease in patients admitted to public hospitals in Amman Jordan.

Methods: Clinical and laboratory data were collected from the medical records of 112 confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to public hospitals in Jordan. Analysis was performed using appropriate statistical tests with SPSS version 24.

Results: Age ≥ 65 years (vs. <65 years), diabetes mellitus, hypertension, lymphocyte count <0.8 × 109/L (vs. ≥ 0.8 × 109/L), and C-reactive protein ≥ 50 mg/L (vs. <50 mg/L), were significantly associated with serious disease. After adjusting for age, lymphocyte count <0.8 × 109/L (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 62.4; Confidence Interval [CI] 1.3-3079.5; p=0.038) and C-reactive protein ≥ 50 mg/L (AOR 19.0; CI 2.3-156.5; p=0.006) remained significant predictors of serious disease.

Conclusion: The findings suggest that the health system in Jordan could identify older age and inflammatory blood markers as predictors of disease severity and death associated with COVID-19. This can enhance targeted preventive inventions and control measures.