Clinical Parameters Determining Mortality in COVID-19 Patients: Effects of PCR Positivity, Vaccination Status, Comorbidities and Thoracic CT Findings on Diagnosis and Treatment Process

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study is to evaluate the clinical parameters that affect mortality in patients diagnosed with COVD-19. We examined the following variables: Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test positivity, vaccination status, chest CT images and degree of lung involvement, hospitalization status, and chronic disease parameters. METHODS: In this retrospective observational study, a total of 2,325 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 between January 2020 and December 2021 were examined. The vaccination status, RT-PCR test results, and comorbidity of the patients were documented. The impact of these parameters on mortality was subsequently analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 2,325 patients were included in the study, 50.4% male and 49.6% female. The mean patient age was 48.8 +- 17.4 years. The RT-PCR test yielded 38% positive and 55% negative results. Among those diagnosed with COVID-19, 763 were fully vaccinated, while 1,256 were unvaccinated. Of the 1,598 patients who underwent chest CT, 791 had normal findings and 807 showed lung involvement. The most common comorbidities were hypertension (HT), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and diabetes mellitus (DM). A total of 272 patients were hospitalized, and 59 patients died. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Lower rates of RT-PCR positivity and pulmonary involvement have been observed in vaccinated patients. It is noteworthy that the majority of patients presenting with severe chest CT findings were unvaccinated, and higher mortality rates were also observed in the unvaccinated group. These findings suggest that vaccination may provide a significant protective effect in reducing the severity of pulmonary involvement and mortality.