Clinical characteristics of patients infected with SARS-COV-2 hospitalized (2020–2023)

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic imposed substantial challenges on healthcare systems, highlighting the need to characterize the clinical profile of hospitalized patients to support care planning and resource allocation. Objective: To describe the sociodemographic and clinical profile and outcomes of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in the São Lourenço Valley, Mato Grosso, between January 2020 and December 2023. Materials and methods: This is a descriptive, observational, and retrospective study conducted in a regional referral municipal hospital. Patients residing in the municipalities of São Pedro da Cipa, Juscimeira, Dom Aquino, and Jaciara were included, with a diagnosis confirmed by RT-PCR (detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by molecular biology) or by rapid antigen test (TR-Ag), with identification of viral proteins in nasal or nasopharyngeal swab samples. Records with incomplete data or that did not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded. Data collection was performed using the Fiorilli Software system, including variables such as age, sex, signs and symptoms, length of hospital stay, municipality of residence, and outcome. Statistical analysis was conducted using Microsoft Excel 2020. Results and Discussion: A predominance of males was observed (n=106; 21.2%), especially in the 50-69 age group. The most frequent symptoms were hypoxemia (n=155; 31.1%), asthenia (n=117; 23.4%), cough (n=115; 23.0%), and dyspnea (n=102; 20.4%). Most patients presented with moderate to severe symptoms, requiring transfer to the Intensive Care Unit in 29.5% of cases (n=147). 21 deaths were recorded during the analyzed period. Conclusion: The findings highlight the predominance of respiratory manifestations and significant clinical evolution, reinforcing the importance of epidemiological surveillance and clinical characterization for the improvement of care protocols and public health strategies in the fight against COVID-19.