Clinical Features and Outcomes of COVID-19 at a Teaching Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica

Objective We examined the demographic, clinical characteristics and indicators of poor outcomes among hospitalized adults with COVID-19 at the University Hospital of the West Indies, Jamaica. Methods A retrospective medical record review between March 10 and December 31, 2020 analyzed data for 362 participants. Results There were 218 males (mean age 59.5 years) and 144 females (mean age 55.7 years). Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, obesity and chronic kidney disease were the most common comorbidities. Cough, shortness of breath, fever and malaise were the most common presenting complaints. Fifty-one percent of patients were moderately to severely ill on admission; 11% were critically ill; 18% were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Death occurred in 62 (17%) patients (95% CI 13.6-21.4%). Among obese participants, there were increased odds of developing respiratory failure (OR 5.2, p < 0.001), acute kidney injury (OR 4.7, p < 0.001), sepsis (OR 2.9, p =0.013) and the need for ICU care (OR 3.7, p 1000 ng/ml (OR 2.78; p = 0.03), serum albumin 485 U/L OR 1.92, p = 0.11). Conclusions Targeted interventions among these high-risk patient subgroups may reduce in-patient morbidity and mortality.