Contemporary assessment of short- and functional 90-days outcome in old intensive care patients suffering from COVID-19

• Published in: Journal of critical care 2025-04, Vol.86, p.154984, Article 154984
• Main Authors: Bruno, Raphael Romano, Wernly, Bernhard, Artigas, Antonio, Fuest, Kristina, Schaller, Stefan J., Dannenberg, Lisa, Kindgen-Milles, Detlef, Kelm, Malte, Beil, Michael, Sviri, Sigal, Elhadi, Muhammed, Joannidis, Michael, Oeyen, Sandra, Kondili, Eumorfia, Moreno, Rui, Leaver, Susannah, Guidet, Bertrand, De Lange, Dylan W., Flaatten, Hans, Szczeklik, Wojciech, Jung, Christian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Covid-19; COVIP-study; Elderly; Long-term outcomes
• ISSN: 0883-9441; 1557-8615; 1557-8615
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2024.154984

There are limited data about the outcome of old intensive care (ICU) patients suffering from Covid-19 in the post-vaccination era. This study distinguishes the pre- and post-acute illness living conditions of ICU survivors from non-survivors. This prospective international multicenter study included 642 old (≥ 70 years) ICU patients, including data ranging from pre-illness condition to functional 90-days follow-up. The primary endpoint was the difference of living conditions of ICU-survivors before ICU admission and 90-days after ICU discharge. Secondary outcomes were 90-days mortality, and quality of life. A total of 642 patients were included. Significantly more ICU survivors lived at their own homes without support before ICU admission than non-survivors (p = 0.016), while more non-survivors resided in nursing homes (p = 0.016). ICU mortality was 39 %, 30-days and 90 days mortality were 47 %and 55 %. After 90 days, only 22 % maintained the same living conditions. Surviving patients viewed ICU admission positively after 90 days, while relatives were more uncertain. Quality of life indicated a self-reported average score of 60 (50–75). Living conditions influence the outcome of critically ill old patients suffering from Covid-19. Only a minority returned to their initial habitat after ICU survival. Trial registration numberNCT04321265 [Display omitted] •46 ICUs from 13 countries recruited 642 patients, showing diverse backgrounds.•ICU and 90-day mortality rates were 39 % and 55 %, respectively.•Pre-ICU living conditions impacted short-term and 90-day mortality outcomes.•58 % of ICU survivors would choose ICU treatment again; 6 % would not.•Post-ICU quality of life varied widely, with moderate mobility challenges common.