Abstract
We evaluated the factors associated with a prolonged SARS-CoV-2 RNA shedding in a large population of patients followed-up at our hospital from March to September 2020 including 681 subjects with a confirmed COVID-19 infection by a nasopharyngeal swab. Population was divided into 3 groups according to the time needed to swab negativization. Group A included 284 patients who got negative < 3 weeks (early); Group B included 225 patients who got negative after 3–6 weeks (medium); Group C included 172 patients who got negative > 6 weeks (late).
At univariate analysis, male gender was associated with a prolonged time to recovery (p<0.05), while younger age was associated with earlier recovery (p<0.05). The percentage of hospitalized patients was higher, though not statistically significant among Group “late” compared to others (p=0.08), as the percentage of deaths (p=0.09).
At multivariate analysys we found statistically significant relationship between age, male sex, delayed admission to hospital after symptoms onset and invasive mechanical ventilation with time to negativization (P<0,05).
Demographic and clinical characteristics
In conclusion we can suggest how age is an important risk factor for prolonged viral shedding of Sars-COV-2.
Group Early n.284 |
Group Intermediate n.225 |
Group late n.172 | P | |
Age | 50.5 | 57.0 | 65.8 | <0.05 |
Male | 208 | 105 | 75 | <0.05 |
Days to recovery | 17 | 29 | 53 | <0.01 |
Hospitalization | 118 | 109 | 139 | 0.08 |
Deaths | 3 | 12 | 14 | 0.09 |
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2021; 58: Suppl. 65, PA924.
This abstract was presented at the 2021 ERS International Congress, in session “Prediction of exacerbations in patients with COPD”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2021