A comparison of the features of RT-PCR positive and negative COVID-19 pneumonia patients in the intensive care unit

Background/Aim: COVID-19 is a serious disease, primarily affecting the respiratory system. The disease spreads from person to person and has become a global health problem of great concern worldwide. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and laboratory characteristics and the mortality rates of suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases admitted to the intensive care unit with severe pneumonia. Methods: A retrospective case-control study examination was made of 397 patients diagnosed with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 who were followed up in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University Medical Faculty Hospital between 20 March 2020 and 31 December 2020. The cases were compared in respect of demographic, clinical and laboratory characteristics, prognosis, and mortality rates. Results: 397 patients comprised of 37 (9.3%) with suspected COVID-19 and 360 (90.7%) confirmed COVID-19. No difference was determined between the suspected and confirmed cases in respect of age, gender, and comorbidities (P