A cross-sectional, retrospective study analyzing the impact of COVID-19 on surgical mortality in Johannesburg, South Africa.

BACKGROUND

Various comorbidities are known to exacerbate the risk of surgical mortality with COVID-19 infection. The effect of HIV infection on surgical mortality in the context of COVID-19 has also not been investigated. The aim of our study was to investigate the influence of HIV status on mortality in surgical patients admitted during the COVID-19 pandemic in Johannesburg, South Africa.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We reviewed records of patients who were admitted and underwent surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic and died. Data regarding perioperative COVID-19 infection, risk factors, comorbidities, mortality preventability, and contributing factors were extracted. Logistic regression was used to analyze comorbidities associated with COVID-19 infection among surgical mortalities.

RESULTS

A total of 404 records of mortalities were found and 25% (82/404) tested positive for COVID-19. 40% Of the mortalities were either potentially preventable or preventable. Comorbidities in patients who were COVID-19-positive surgical mortalities compared to their negative counterparts included smoking in 35% versus 4%, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 20% versus 3%, and diabetes mellitus in 23% versus 13%, respectively. The odds of being COVID-19 positive in surgical mortalities with hypertension, smoking, and COPD were 1.96 times [OR = 1.96, 95% CI (1.06, 3.59)], 7.78 times [OR = 7.78, 95% CI (3.45, 18.35)], and 3.09 times [OR = 3.09, 95% CI (1.08, 8.95)], respectively. 55% of COVID-19-positive patients who died were HIV positive compared to 31% among the COVID-19-negative group. 26% of HIV-positive patients were on anti-retroviral treatment (ART). 22% of HIV-/COVID-19-coinfected surgical mortalities were not on antiretroviral treatment compared to 9% in the HIV-positive and COVID-19-negative groups. The odds of COVID-19 infection in surgical mortalities who were HIV positive and not on ART was 3.10 [95% CI (1.55, 6.11)].

CONCLUSION

The rate of COVID-19 infection was higher in HIV-positive patients who died, especially if they were not on ART. Smoking, COPD, and hypertension imparted the largest risk on COVID-19 infection in cases of surgical mortality. These comorbidities likely superimpose the pathological effects of COVID-19 infection, worsening surgical prognosis.