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.