MATERIAL AND METHODS
Among the patients aged 18 and over who applied to the emergency
department with suspicion of COVID-19 between 01.04.2020 and 31.05.2020,
the patients whose COVID-19 diagnostic code (U07.3) was entered
according to the ICD-10 classification were included in the study. The
medical records of the patients were retrospectively examined through
the hospital data processing database. Patients younger than 18 years
old, patients for whom the COVID-19 diagnosis code was not entered, and
those whose any of RT-PCR, thorax CT or rapid antibody tests were absent
were excluded from the study.
A verified COVID-19 case was identified based on Coronavirus Pandemic
Outbreak Management Guide published by the Republic of Turkey Ministry
of Health the Science Board National Healthcare Commission. According to
this guideline, the gold standard in the diagnosis of COVID-19 was
considered to be RT-PCR positivity in nasopharyngeal swab (NS), sputum
or endotracheal aspirates. Disease onset date, clinical classification,
RT-PCR test results during the hospitalization period and personal
demographic information were obtained from the clinical records.
This study was reviewed and approved by the Bakırçay University Medical
Ethics Committee. Written and verbal consents were obtained from all
participants in the study.