Characterization of asthma and risk factors for delayed SARS-CoV-2
clearance in adult COVID-19 inpatients in Daegu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is still rapidly
spreading worldwide, and remains a global health crisis. We investigated
the impact of asthma on the prevalence and outcomes of COVID-19 and
identify the risk factors for delayed viral clearance. METHODS: Adult
patients with COVID-19 admitted to 10 hospitals in Daegu were
retrospectively registered, and their clinical information was
collected. Delayed viral clearance was divided into two groups based on
30 days. RESULTS: A total of 2,200 patents were evaluated, and the
prevalence of asthma in COVID-19 was 3.2%. Compared with Korea
nationwide survey data, there were no differences in asthma prevalence.
In the univariate analysis, the risk of death (13.6% vs 6.4%, P =
0.021) and high flow oxygen therapy (18.2% vs 10.5%, P = 0,048) was
increased in asthma patients, with a stronger tendency among elderly,
women, and overweight patients. However, in a multivariate analysis
using the logistic regression model, any clinical outcomes according to
asthma was not significant. The risk factors for delayed viral clearance
were older age >65 years (Odds ratio [95% confidence
interval] 2.002 [1.292–3101]), dementia (3.123
[1.833–5.321]), skin rash (15.943 [1.613–157.535]), and anemia
(2.156 [1.061–2.377]), whereas headache (0.673 [0.485–0.932])
lowered the risk. CONCLUSIONS: There may be a difference depending on
phenotypes, but asthma prevalence was not significantly different in
patients with COVID-19, and asthma did not affect outcomes of COVID-19.
Older age, dementia, headache, skin rash, and anemia were independently
associated with delayed viral clearance.