ABSTRACT Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause multisystem complications, with pulmonary involvement associated with the highest mortality. Pneumothorax (PT) and pneumomediastinum (PM) are uncommon complications of COVID-19 that have been reported to occur in the absence of trauma or mechanical ventilation. This study seeks to determine the incidence of these complications in patients with COVID-19 and evaluate clinical characteristics and outcomes. Methods: We identified 3375 patients admitted to our health system during March 2020 through November 2020 who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 with a polymerase chain reaction test. Patients were screened for PT or PM and were matched to COVID-19 positive patients without PT and/or PM. Data compared demographics, clinical characteristics, and laboratory values. Results: Out of a total of 3375 COVID-19 admissions, 33 patients with PT/PM (1%) were compared to 32 matched controls without PT and/or PM. The patients with PT and/or PM demonstrated a significantly higher incidence of concomitant cancer diagnosis than those without PT and/or PM (18% vs 3%, respectively; P = 0.05). Those with PT and/or PM required significantly more invasive mechanical ventilation than those without PT and/or PM (79% vs 47%; P < 0.01). Mortality was significantly higher among those patients with PT and/or PM than those without PT/PM (55% vs 25%; P < 0.05). Discussion: A significant number of COVID-19 patients with PT and/or PM had a concomitant cancer diagnosis, required supplemental oxygen on admission, and invasive mechanical ventilation during hospitalization. Additionally, the COVID patients with PT and/or PM had significantly higher mortality compared to those without PT and/or PM. However, with all retrospective studies, there are limitations.
- Provider:University of Wisconsin-Madison Interprofessional Continuing Education Partnership
- Activity Link: https://ce.icep.wisc.edu/node/48840
- Start Date: 2024-06-21 05:00:00
- End Date: 2024-06-21 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AAPA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.0 hours
AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.0 hours
Nursing: 1.0 hours - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: No, it's free
- Measured Outcome: Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Jointly Provided
- Registration: Open to all