Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mechanical ventilation cases and mortality rates in non-SARS-CoV-2 patients: A nationwide analysis in Spain

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for healthcare systems globally, impacting critical care resources and patient outcomes. Understanding its multifaceted effects is crucial for future crisis response.

Objective

Analyze the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic on mechanical ventilation cases and mortality among non-SARS-CoV-2 patients.

Methods

A nationwide database encompassing all patients receiving mechanical ventilation in Spain was used to compare the number of cases and clinical outcomes during COVID-19 (March 2020 - December 2021) to pre-pandemic cases (May 2018 - February 2020). Univariate and multivariate analyses were employed.

Results

COVID-19 significantly reduced access to ventilation for non-COVID-19 patients. A 16 % decrease (12,099 fewer patients) was observed during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic times. This reduction affected all analyzed conditions except self-inflicted injuries, coinciding with a rise in overall mortality risk (34.5% vs 35.6 %, OR 1.09, 95 %CI 1.06–1.12). The increased mortality was consistent across diverse admission types, including cancer (37.1% vs. 41.5 %, OR 1.18, 95 %CI 1.09–1.29), hemorrhagic strokes (55.4% vs. 56.6 %, OR 1.07, 95 %CI 1.02–1.20), acute myocardial infarction (35.6% vs. 38 %, OR 1.11, 95 %CI 1.01–1.21), non-SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia (44.5% vs. 45.8 %, OR 1.12, 95 %CI 1.02–1.24), septic shock (54.7% vs. 56.3 %, OR 1.10, 95 %CI 1.06–1.15), and prolonged ventilation (≥96 h) (37% vs. 38.2 %, OR 1.10, 95 %CI 1.06–1.10).

Conclusions

The findings underscore the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on critical care utilization and patient outcomes among non-SARS-CoV-2 patients. As healthcare systems strive to mitigate future crises, these insights emphasize adaptable strategies for equitable access to life-saving treatments.