COVID-19 still increases your risk of dying in ICU

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2024-08-05 12:36

Australia; New Zealand; VIC; ACT

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Despite improved treatments and widespread vaccination in Australia and New Zealand, COVID-19 infections are still linked with an increased risk of dying and longer hospital stays for people admitted to ICUs, according to Australian research. The study found that the risk of dying in hospital was higher and the average length of ICU stay was longer for people admitted to intensive care in Australia or New Zealand with SARS-CoV-2 infections, even if they were in ICU for another reason. The researchers say doctors should be aware that patients with SARS-CoV- 2 infections at ICU admission have a higher risk of death, regardless of whether it is the main reason for their admission or an incidental finding.

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Journal/
conference: Medical Journal of Australia

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: Monash University, St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Australian Government - Dept of Health and Aged Care, Centre for Outcome and Resource Evaluation, Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Society

Funder: Alastair Brown is supported by a Research Training Program scholarship provided by the Australian government. Martyn Kirk is supported by a National Health and Medical Research Council fellowship (GNT1145997).

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