Clinical Profile of COVID-19 Older Patients Hospitalized

Abstract

Introduction Older adults are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, facing heightened risks of severe disease and mortality due to age-related physiological changes and comorbidities. This literature review synthesizes evidence to delineate the clinical profile, risk factors, and outcomes of older patients hospitalized with COVID-19.

Methods This comprehensive literature review analyzes and synthesizes findings from six key articles published between 2020 and 2021, including systematic and narrative reviews. The analysis focuses on comorbidities, clinical manifestations, immunological factors, and mortality rates in hospitalized elderly COVID-19 patients.

Results The literature consistently identifies a high prevalence of comorbidities—notably hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and COPD—as major drivers of disease severity and mortality in older patients. A key finding is the frequent atypical clinical presentation in this demographic; the classic triad of fever, cough, and dyspnea is less common, which can delay diagnosis. Increased age directly correlates with higher ICU admission and case fatality rates. Contributing factors include age-related immunosenescence, such as reduced T and B cell function, and nutritional deficiencies like low vitamin D.

Discussion The synthesized findings indicate that the heightened risk for older adults is multifactorial, stemming from the convergence of a high burden of multimorbidity, age-related immune decline, and atypical disease presentation. This complexity challenges standard diagnostic and management protocols, suggesting that a one-size-fits-all approach is insufficient for this vulnerable population.

Conclusion The clinical profile of hospitalized older COVID-19 patients is marked by high comorbidity rates, atypical symptoms, and significant mortality. This necessitates targeted healthcare strategies, including heightened clinical vigilance for non-classic presentations and comprehensive management of chronic conditions to improve outcomes for this at-risk population.