Modified Early Warning Score: Clinical Deterioration of Mexican Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19 and Chronic Disease

Healthcare (Basel). 2023 Sep 29;11(19):2654. doi: 10.3390/healthcare11192654.

Abstract

The objective was to evaluate the Modified Early Warning Score in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 plus chronic disease.

Methods: Retrospective observational study, 430 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 and chronic disease. Instrument, Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS). Data analysis, with Cox and logistic regression, to predict survival and risk.

Results: Of 430 patients, 58.6% survived, and 41.4% did not. The risk was: low 53.5%, medium 23.7%, and high 22.8%. The MEWS score was similar between survivors 3.02, p 0.373 (95% CI: -0.225-0.597) and non-survivors 3.20 (95% CI: -0.224-0.597). There is a linear relationship between MEWS and mortality risk R 0.920, ANOVA 0.000, constant 4.713, and coefficient 4.406. The Cox Regression p 0.011, with a risk of deterioration of 0.325, with a positive coefficient, the higher the risk, the higher the mortality, while the invasive mechanical ventilation coefficient was negative -0.757. By providing oxygen and ventilation, mortality is lower.

Conclusions: The predictive value of the modified early warning score in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 and chronic disease is not predictive with the MEWS scale. Additional assessment is required to prevent complications, especially when patients are assessed as low-risk.

Keywords: COVID-19; clinical deterioration; early warning score; intensive care unit; mortality; vital signs.

Grants and funding

This research did not receive external funding.