Nosocomial COVID-19. Prospective study in a referral hospital

• Published in: Medicina clinica (English ed.) 2022, Vol.159 (3), p.134-136
• Main Authors: Escolà-Vergé, Laura, Borràs-Bermejo, Blanca, Los-Arcos, Ibai, Esperalba, Juliana, Ferrer, Carmen, Fernández-Hidalgo, Nuria
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2387-0206
• DOI: 10.1016/j.medcle.2021.07.025

Background and objectiveThe objective was to describe the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection. MethodsAn observational and prospective study was performed in a referral hospital. We included all adult patients diagnosed with nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection in October 2020. Nosocomial infection was defined as a negative PCR for SARS-CoV-2 on admission and a positive PCR after 7 days of hospitalization. ResultsWe included 66 cases of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection: 39 (59%) men, median age at diagnosis was 74.5 years (IQR 56.8-83.1) and median Charlson comorbidity index was 3 points (IQR 1-5). Twenty-seven (41%) developed pneumonia and 13 (20%) died during admission. Mortality at 28 days was 33% (22 patients). Mortality at 28 days in the 242 patients with community-acquired SARS-CoV-2 infection who were hospitalized during the same period was 10%. ConclusionsPreventive measures and early detection of nosocomial outbreaks of COVID-19 should be prioritized to minimize the negative impact of this infection.