Analysis of the factors that affect survival among patients who developed subcutaneous emphysema monitored on COVID-19 diagnosis: single-centred research

Abstract

Aim: The COVID-19 patients with pulmonary involvement frequently develop pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema due to barotrauma. Reviewing the literature, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema it can be observed among ICU patients due to the pulmonary involvement of the COVID-19 disease, and therefore, can cause mortality and morbidity. This study aims to analyse the factors that affect mortality in COVID-19 patients in ICUs who develop subcutaneous emphysema. Material and Method: A total of 854 COVID-19 patients who were consulted from all branches in the Chest Surgery Clinic of Ankara City Hospital between September 1, 2020 - March 1, 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics, comorbid diseases and COVID-related tests (LDH, D-dimer, procalcitonin, ferritin, CRP, IL-6, lymphocyte percentage and neutrophil and lymphocyte ratio) imaging results and survival of 66 patients with subcutaneous emphysema were analyzed. Results: Of the patients, 41 (62%) were male and 25 (38%) were female. The mean age was 63 years. 55 (83%) of these patients were followed up with invasive ventilation support due to general health impairment, increased oxygen demand and heart problems. Age, intubation and NLR were found to be statistically significant in terms of survival and death, on survival. It was discovered that age and intubation variables could be risk factors. The mortality rates were 1.01 times higher for the elderly compared to the younger patients and 13.8 times higher for the intubated compared to the non-intubated patients. Conclusion: Age of patient and intubation can be regarded as risk factors for mortality in COVID-19 patients with subcutaneous emphysema, monitored in ICUs. Furthermore, comorbid diseases increase mortality rates.