The Effect of Age on Mortality in Patients With COVID-19: A Meta-Analysis With 611,583 Subjects
Abstract
Objectives Initial data on COVID-19 infection has pointed out a special vulnerability of older adults. Design We performed a meta-analysis with available national reports on May 7, 2020 from China, Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, and New York State. Analyses were performed by a random effects model, and sensitivity analyses were performed for the identification of potential sources of heterogeneity. Setting and participants COVID-19–positive patients reported in literature and national reports. Measures All-cause mortality by age. Results A total of 611,1583 subjects were analyzed and 141,745 (23.2%) were aged ≥80 years. The percentage of octogenarians was different in the 5 registries, the lowest being in China (3.2%) and the highest in the United Kingdom and New York State. The overall mortality rate was 12.10% and it varied widely between countries, the lowest being in China (3.1%) and the highest in the United Kingdom (20.8%) and New York State (20.99%). Mortality was 50 years and, especially, >60 years. Older adult patients should be prioritized in the implementation of preventive measures.
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 6,111,583 participants or records.
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