Racial Differences Impact COVID-19 Care

Hospitalized patients who are Black or Hispanic are disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the results of a recent study presented at the American Heart Association (AHA) Scientific Sessions 2020.

This retrospective observational study aimed to highlight racial/ethnic differences that impact risk factors, care patterns, and outcomes for patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

The researchers utilized the AHA COVID-19 Cardiovascular Disease Registry to examine data on the first 8591 COVID-19 patients. These patients were treated between January 2020 and July 2020 at 88 hospitals throughout the United States.

The results included a breakdown of the hospitalized COVID-19 patients by race/ethnicity: 33% were Hispanic, 25.5% were non-Hispanic Black, 6.3% were Asian, and 35.2% were non-Hispanic White. Of the patients included in the study, 92% identified their race/ethnicity.

The researchers found that hospitalized patients who were Hispanic and Black were younger than patients who were White and Asian. Patients who were Hispanic were more likely to be uninsured, while patients who were Black had the highest prevalence of obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and prior cerebrovascular disease. The researchers also found that patients who were Asian had the longest duration before admission to the hospital after symptom onset.

Mechanical ventilation was required in 1 in 5 patients. Patients who were Hispanic had the lowest need for mechanical ventilation. In comparison, patients who were Black had the highest use of renal replacement therapy initiation. Patients who were Black also had the lowest rate of use for remdesivir, while patients who were Asian had the highest rate of use for hydroxychloroquine. Patients who were Black also had the lowest enrollment in a COVID-19-related trial, where just 9.5% of patients studied were enrolled.

“Hispanic and Black patients comprise over half of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and differences in socioeconomic, clinical, and presentation characteristics among racial/ethnic groups may drive outcomes differences,” the researchers concluded.

—Leigh Precopio

Reference:

Rodriguez F, Solomon N, De Lemos J, et al. Racial and ethnic differences in treatment and outcomes for patients hospitalized with COVID-19: findings from the American Heart Association COVID-19 Cardiovascular Disease Registry. Paper presented at: American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2020; November 13-17, 2020; Virtual. https://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/?#!/9144/presentation/40343