The relationship between the need for prolonged oxygen therapy after discharge in COVID-19 patients and mortality

Abstract

Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic has severely burdened healthcare systems worldwide due to the rapid rise in cases, often resulting in respiratory distress requiring oxygen therapy. However, research on the availability and long-term usage of oxygen concentrators upon discharge is limited. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the need for oxygen concentrators in discharged COVID-19 patients, as well as device acquisition and mortality rates. Methods: This study, conducted at a single center, comprised retrospective and prospective phases. Data were gathered from hospitalized COVID-19 patients, with follow-up conducted one year later for those prescribed oxygen concentrators at discharge. Sociodemographic and clinical variables were recorded, and statistical analyses were conducted to determine factors associated with oxygen concentrator need and duration of use. Results: Among 229 patients, 15.7% required oxygen concentrators at discharge. Factors associated with this need included older age, asthma, bilateral lung lesions, and the severity of lesions detected on thoracic computed tomography scans. Patients with corticosteroid use and hypertension required oxygen concentrators for over three months. Economic limitations impeded the acquisition of devices for 22.2% of patients who were prescribed them. Two to three months post-discharge, 72.2% of patients still used oxygen concentrators. Mortality analysis showed a 16.6% fatality rate among oxygen concentrator prescribed patients within one year, with shorter survival observed in those unable to obtain the device. Conclusion: This study highlights the significance of assessing factors impacting oxygen concentrator requirement in COVID-19 patients and their long-term prognosis. These findings should inform healthcare providers and policymakers in pandemic preparedness efforts, emphasizing tailored treatment approaches based on individual patient characteristics. Ensuring device accessibility and regular patient follow-up are crucial for optimizing healthcare delivery during similar crises.