The clinical presentation and outcomes of COVID-19 in immunocompromised hosts in comparison to comorbid and immunocompetent patients: retrospective study of 384 cases

Aim: Immunocompromised hosts (ICH) are at a higher risk of severe infections and mortality. This study aimed to examine the clinical manifestations and outcomes of ICH who were admitted to the hospital for COVID-19. Materials and Methods: A total of 384 patients (mean age 61.5?15.9 y, 168 female) who were hospitalized between March 2020 and December 2020 were included in the study. These patients were examined in three groups: the ICH (n=40), comorbid patients (n=101), and the control group comprising immunocompetent patients without any comorbidities (n=243). All clinical and laboratory data were retrieved from the electronic hospital records and compared between the three groups retrospectively. Results: The mean age was 61.2?15.0 for ICH, 66.1?12.3 for comorbid, and 59.6?17.0 for control groups (p=0.003). We found that the mean leukocyte and neutrophil counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, and D-Dimer levels were significantly higher, and the albumin level was lower in ICH compared to the other two groups (p<0.05). On CT scans, ground-glass opacities were seen less frequently in ICH compared to the other groups (p=0.035). The mortality rate was 32.5% in the ICH, 22.8% in the comorbid, and 15.2% in the control groups (p=0.019). Within the ICH group, the mean leukocyte, and neutrophil counts and LDH levels were higher and the SpO2/FiO? ratio was lower in patients who died (p<0.05). Conclusion: We found that had higher mortality in ICH with COVID-19. Being ICH condition, elder age, elevated LDH levels, and decreased Sat/FiO2 were associated with increased mortality.