Comorbidities and Severe COVID-19 Outcomes: A Retrospective Analysis of Hospitalized Patients in Three Counties in Romania

The COVID-19 pandemic represents a major global health crisis, with clinical manifestations ranging from asymptomatic infection to fatal outcomes. While all individuals are susceptible, specific populations, particularly those with pre-existing medical conditions, face a heightened risk of severe disease. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of severe COVID-19 among hospitalized patients with comorbidities in the Central Region of Romania, and to analyze the association between these conditions and mortality. We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from the Corona Forms platform (2020-2022), encompassing hospitalized cases across three Romanian counties. A total of 1458 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and documented comorbidities were included. Demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, and hospitalization outcomes were analyzed. The overall mortality rate among comorbid patients was 89.3%. Renal, neurologic, hepatic disease, cardiovascular conditions, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cerebrovascular accidents are significant risk factors for death outcomes in the SARS-CoV-2-infected study population. The strength of their association varies, with odds ratios ranging from 25.32 to 1. The findings underscore the critical impact of comorbidities on COVID-19 severity and mortality among the Central Romanian population, emphasizing the necessity of targeted clinical interventions and public health strategies to protect high-risk populations.