Effects of the COVID-19 Epidemic on Hospital Admissions for Non-Communicable Diseases in a Large Italian University-Hospital: A Descriptive Case-Series Study

Abstract

Background: Concern is growing about the negative consequences that response measures to the COVID-19 epidemic may have on the management of other medical conditions. Methods: A retrospective descriptive case-series study conducted at a large University-hospital in northern Italy, an area severely hit by the epidemic. Results: Between 23 February and 14 May 2020, 4160 (52%) COVID-19 and 3778 (48%) non-COVID-19 patients were hospitalized. COVID-19 admissions peaked in the second half of March, a period characterized by an extremely high mortality rate (27.4%). The number of admissions in 2020 was similar to 2019, but COVID-19 patients gradually occupied all available beds. Comparison between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 admissions in 2020 revealed significant differences concerning all age classes and gender. Specifically, COVID-19 patients were older, predominantly male, and exhibited more comorbidities. Overall, admissions for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in 2020 vs. 2019 dropped by approximately one third. Statistically significant reductions were observed for acute myocardial infarction (−78, −33.9%), cerebrovascular disease (−235, −41.5%), and cancer (−368, −31.9%). While the first two appeared equally distributed between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients, chronic NCDs were statistically significantly more frequent in the former, except cancer, which was less frequent in COVID-19 patients. Conclusions: Prevention of collateral damage to patients with other diseases should be an integral part of epidemic response plans. Prospective cohort studies are needed to understand the long-term impact.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Patients Affected by Non-Communicable Diseases in Europe and in the USA

“…In Europe, 79% of countries reported disruptions to rehabilitation services [ 10 , 12 ]. As noted by Caminiti et al, admissions for NCDs in northern Italy dropped by approximately one third in 2020 compared to 2019 [ 13 ]. Similarly, Jones et al described a substantial decrease in screening, case identification, and referral in symptomatic cancer diagnosis in the UK for the same period, with all UK national cancer screening programs being suspended [ 14 ].…”

Sexuality, Quality of Life, Anxiety, Depression, and Anger in Patients with Anal Fissure. A Case–Control Study

“…This case–control study [ 32 , 33 , 34 ] was carried out from January 2016 to February 2017 [ 3 ]. Cases were defined as patients diagnosed with acute or chronic idiopathic AFs during the study period who wished to participate in the study and provided written informed consent for this purpose.…”

Non-COVID-19 In-Hospital Admission in a Large Academic Center in Belgium During the First Two Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…[4][5][6][7][8] Preliminary reports described in some countries a reduction on non-COVID in-hospital admissions during the first wave of the pandemic including some of critical diseases such as cancer, myocardial and cerebral infarctions. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Belgium is among countries severely hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the first wave, Belgium was ahead of the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy and Sweden in terms of deaths related to COVID-19 per 100,000 inhabitants.…”