COVID-19 inpatient treatments and outcomes during the conflict in Syria: an observational cohort study

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, countries undergoing conflict have faced difficulties in mounting an effective health response. This observational cohort study describes the treatments and outcomes for inpatients with COVID-19 in the Syrian city of Latakia.Design and methods: A single-centre observational cohort study was conducted at Tishreen University Hospital, involving all patients over 18 admitted between October 1 and December 31, 2021 with a positive RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2. Clinical features, investigations, treatments, and outcomes were reported.Results: In total, 149 patients fitted the study criteria. Only one patient was double vaccinated against COVID-19. Oxygen supplementation was required in 87% ( n = 130) of participants. Invasive mechanical ventilation was required in 4% ( n = 5). Therapeutic anticoagulation was administered in 97.3% ( n = 144). Intravenous dexamethasone was received by 97.3% ( n = 145) of participants. All patients received empiric antibiotic treatment. In-hospital mortality was 48.4% ( n = 72), while only 40.9% ( n = 61) were discharged during the study period.Conclusion: The pandemic has placed a compromised Syrian healthcare system under more significant strain. This requires urgent international relief efforts from health agencies in order to aid the pandemic response.