Fever as a Predictor of COVID-19 Outcomes in Hospitalized Patients

INTRODUCTION

With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, numerous questions have arisen regarding the screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of infected patients. Among these, screening infected patients through body temperature measurement has proven ineffective. However, doubts persist regarding the role of fever as a prognostic factor in the disease.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of fever and its relevance as a marker of mortality in COVID-19.

METHODOLOGY

This prospective and longitudinal cohort study was conducted between April 2020 and December 2021 and analyzed 1400 COVID-19 patients systematically admitted to the emergency department of a reference hospital during the period from April 2020 to December 2021, in the city of Curitiba, Brazil. [LG1] The study evaluated [LG2] the presence of fever (body temperature above 37,7ºC) upon admission and/or during hospitalization, patient profiles, and outcomes (in-hospital death, discharge, admission at the intensive care unit, need of mechanical ventilation).

RESULTS

Fever was present in 128 participants (9.1%), with a higher prevalence in males (71%) and obese individuals (42.9%). Among the febrile patients, 39 required intubation (30.4%), with two intubated upon admission (1.5%), 104 were discharged (81.2%), and 24 deceased (18.7%). Fever was not associated with a higher mortality rate.

CONCLUSION

Fever showed low prevalence, is more common in males and obese individuals, and is not related to worse clinical outcomes.

Phlegmasia Cerulea Dolens, a Deadly Complication of Deep Vein Thrombosis: Case Report and Review of Literature

Phlegmasia cerulea dolens (PCD) is a rare limb and life-threatening condition caused by extensive deep vein thrombosis of the extremities, and it is classically associated with extensive oedema, severe pain, and skin mottling, which may lead to compartment syndrome, venous gangrene, and even death. A 40-year-old male, with a background history of right femoral vein thrombosis, cardiomyopathy, with an ejection fraction of only 10%, presented with three days history of progressive swelling, pain, and discolouration of the right lower limb. He was treated with therapeutic low molecular weight heparin along with supportive care with intravenous fluids and pain relief. In view of his poor ejection fraction, he was treated non-operatively with supportive care. The patient succumbed after three months of presentation. PCD is a rare vascular emergency condition that if not recognized early and treated aggressively may lead to higher morbidity and mortality.