A RETROSPECTIVE INVESTIGATION ON THE INCIDENCE, CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS, AND OUTCOMES OF PNEUMOTHORAX IN HOSPITALIZED COVID-19 PATIENTS IN NORTH-EAST OF ROMANIA

Authors

  • Catalina ALDEA ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași
  • Raluca Erika IRIMIE-BALUTA “Sf. Parascheva” Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases Iasi, Romania
  • Catalina Mihaela LUCA ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22551/8k82sn68

Abstract

The COVID-19 clinic ranges from asymptomatic to critical and fatal disease. Pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum are rare complications of COVID-19 infection but can occur at any time during the disease. The aim of this retrospective study was to analyze the impact of acute respiratory complications on patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Materials and methods: 177 patients with COVID-19 were recruited to analyze the correlation between pneumothorax and demographics and general data of the patients. Results: In our study, pneumothorax or pneumomediastinum was much more frequent among younger, smoking individuals from urban environments. Moreover, the pneumothorax group had statistically significantly higher white blood cells and erythrocyte sedimentation rate values than the control group. The duration of hospitalization in patients who developed pneumothorax was similar to those who did not develop this complication. Conclusions: Patients experiencing this consequence had a significantly higher mortality rate compared to those in control groups. Although the precise origins of this complication remain unclear, individuals with preexisting pulmonary dysfunction appear to experience it more frequently.

Author Biographies

  • Catalina ALDEA, ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași

    Doctoral School

  • Catalina Mihaela LUCA, ‟Grigore Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy Iași

    Faculty of Medicine
    “Sf. Parascheva” Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases Iasi, Romania

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Additional Files

Published

2025-04-07

Issue

Vol. 129 No. 1 (2025): The Medical-Surgical Journal

Section

INTERNAL MEDICINE - PEDIATRICS

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