Differences in inflammatory markers in COVID-19 mortality in patients aged 18-65, 65-80 and 80 years and older

Background: Since its emergence, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a challenge to manage and has resulted in high mortality rates. Aim: This study aimed to reveal the differences in the parameters at the time during the first admission, according to age groups in patients who applied due to Covid-19 and died in the hospital. Methods: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, and descriptive study covering the period from March 16 to May 9, 2021. The study population (1169 patients) included patients with COVID-19 who presented to the emergency department and died in the hospital. The data required for this study were obtained from the electronic medical records of the patients in the information system of our hospital. The patients were divided into three groups and analyzed. Results: It was determined that the highest mortality rate was 547 (46.8%) in the 65-80 age group. In terms of comorbidities, there was a statistically significant difference between the three groups only in the incidence of asthma (p = 0.037). When the laboratory parameters and patient age groups were compared; a statistically significant difference was found in D-dimer, ferritin, WBC, platelet, and neutrophil values (respectively: p = 0.001, p = 0.020, p = 0.005, p = 0.029, p = 0.037). Conclusion: The highest death rate in Covid 19 patients is seen in the 65-80 age group. In patients over 80 years of age, the presence of asthma and the increase in D-dimer and ferritin levels among laboratory parameters can be used to predict mortality.