Background: Age has been implicated as the main risk factor for COVID-19-related mortality. Our objective was to determine patient factors associated with mortality in hospitalized older adults with COVID-19.
Methods: Retrospective cohort study of adults age 65+ (N=4,949) hospitalized with COVID-19 in the greater New York metropolitan area between 3/1/20-4/20/20. Data included patient demographics and clinical presentation. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate associations.
Results: Average age 77.3 (SD=8.4), 56.0% male, 20.8% African American, 15.1% Hispanic. In a multivariate analysis, male gender (OR=1.47), higher comorbidity index (OR=1.10), admission from a facility (lower baseline function; OR=1.71), early DNR (declining life-sustaining treatments, OR=2.45), and higher illness severity (higher MEWS, OR=6.26, and higher oxygen requirements, OR=15.00) were associated with mortality, while age was not (p = 0.22).
Conclusion: Our findings highlight the need to look beyond age in hospitalized older adults with COVID-19 when considering prognosis and treatment decisions.