Evaluation of outpatient COVID-19 patients' readmissions to the emergency department

Aim: In this study, we aimed to analyze variables regarding emergency department (ED) readmissions of COVID-19 patients who were treated as outpatients. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective observational study. COVID-19 PCR-positive patients treated on an outpatient basis who were admitted to the ED during the treatment period or in the first week of the post-treatment period were analyzed. Demographic findings, complaints, comorbidities, vital parameters, laboratory, radiologic findings, and outcomes were analyzed by using the data registration system of the hospital. Results: A total of 505 patients were evaluated, with the median age of 57 and 45% were female. Fever (%73), cough and dyspnea (%56 each) were the most common complaints. Two-thirds of the patients had two or more comorbidities. There was significant progress in radiologic and laboratory findings. Forty-one percent were hospitalized in inpatient clinics, and 15% in intensive care units on readmission to the ED. Fifty-one patients died. Discussion: In COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms and favorable laboratory and radiological findings on index admission, followed up as outpatients, the disease might progress rapidly and readmission to ED, need for hospitalization and even death may occur. Thus, close follow-up of patients and being alert to new symptoms and signs that may develop is necessary.