Fatores associados à mortalidade de pessoas idosas por Covid-19

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, has triggered an unprecedented global public health crisis, with particularly severe impacts on the elderly population. Since its emergence in Wuhan, China, at the end of 2019, the disease has profoundly reshaped daily life and the functioning of societies worldwide, resulting in an alarming death toll and significant economic and social disruptions. COVID-19 can present asymptomatically or symptomatically, with severity ranging from no symptoms to severe respiratory complications, especially among older individuals. Advanced age has been identified as a significant risk factor for severe manifestations and complications, partly due to the physiological changes associated with aging, which weaken the immune system. Consequently, the elderly have become particularly vulnerable to the devastating effects of COVID-19. Objective: To analyze the factors associated with COVID-19 mortality in the elderly. Methodology: Different theoretical and methodological approaches were applied, organized by articles as follows: (a) Factors associated with COVID-19 mortality in the elderly: systematic review and meta-analysis protocol; (b) Factors associated with COVID-19 mortality in the elderly: a systematic review of global data; (c) Spatial analysis of socioeconomic and demographic factors associated with COVID-19 mortality in the elderly in Brazil. Results: The findings of this thesis underscore the significant influence of biological and clinical factors on COVID-19 mortality among the elderly worldwide. Advanced age emerges as a crucial factor, with mortality rates increasing progressively with age. The presence of comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension significantly contributes to fatal outcomes. Impaired functional status is also an important predictor of mortality, emphasizing the need for geriatric assessments to identify prognostic factors. Clinical manifestations and laboratory changes, including dyspnea, fever, cough, and elevated inflammatory markers, are strongly associated with disease severity and increased mortality in the elderly. Additionally, women showed higher survival rates due to biological and behavioral differences. Racial and ethnic minorities, as well as individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, faced higher risks, reflecting structural inequalities. These findings highlight the need for a multidisciplinary and personalized clinical approach to effectively manage COVID-19 in elderly patients, considering not only clinical conditions but also functional status and individual risk factors. Final Considerations: This study has demonstrated that advanced age is a critical factor in COVID-19 mortality among the elderly, influenced by socioeconomic and health conditions. The research emphasizes the importance of integrated public policies to mitigate these disparities and promote equity in future health crises.