COVID-19 Mortality in Older Patients: Study Reveals Key Risk Factors

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at Autonomous University Barcelona have published a new study investigating the factors contributing to COVID-19 mortality in older patients. The study, conducted in a general hospital in Mataro, Spain, from April 2020 to January 2021, assessed the impact of frailty, oropharyngeal dysphagia, and malnutrition on mortality in patients aged 70 years and older.

According to the study, 258 patients were included in the analysis, with 82.5% being women. The prevalence of frailty, oropharyngeal dysphagia, and malnutrition was 66.7%, 65.4%, and 50.6%, respectively. The study concluded that functionality, oropharyngeal dysphagia, and malnutrition were independent risk factors for intra-hospital mortality.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that frailty, oropharyngeal dysphagia, and malnutrition were common among older patients hospitalized for COVID-19, with 66.7% of patients having frailty, 65.4% having oropharyngeal dysphagia, and 50.6% having malnutrition.
  • The prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia increased with the severity of frailty, from 29.8% in patients with mild frailty to 96.2% in those with severe frailty.
  • Functionality, oropharyngeal dysphagia, and malnutrition were identified as independent risk factors for intra-hospital mortality in older patients with COVID-19.
  • The study highlights the importance of addressing frailty, oropharyngeal dysphagia, and malnutrition in older patients hospitalized for COVID-19 to improve outcomes and reduce mortality.

Statistics:

  • 288 patients were initially assessed for inclusion in the study (NewsRx)
  • 258 patients were included in the analysis (82.5% women; 58.9% with frailty; 65.4% with oropharyngeal dysphagia; 50.6% with malnutrition)
  • 66.7% of patients had frailty, with 28.7% having mild frailty, 27.1% having moderate frailty, and 10.9% having severe frailty
  • The prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia increased with the severity of frailty, from 29.8% in patients with mild frailty to 96.2% in those with severe frailty (p < 0.001)

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New COVID-19 Study Findings Recently Were Reported by Researchers at Autonomous University Barcelona (The Impact of Frailty, Oropharyngeal Dysphagia and Malnutrition On Mortality In Older Patients Hospitalized for Covid-19). World Disease Weekly. June 10, 2025; p 170.
  • The Impact of Frailty, Oropharyngeal Dysphagia and Malnutrition On Mortality In Older Patients Hospitalized for Covid-19. Aging and Disease, 2024;15(2):927-938.
  • NutriCOVer Program by Danone Trading Medical BV
  • Strategic Plan for Research and Innovation in Health (PERIS)
  • Generalitat de Catalunya
  • Territorial Competitiveness Specialization Project (PECT) of Mataro-Maresme
  • Government of Catalunya-Generalitat de Catalunya