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A Postmortem Portrait of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic: A Large Multi-institutional Autopsy Survey Study

Authors :
J Matthew Lacy
Thora S. Steffensen
Luiz Fernando Ferraz da Silva
Meenakshi B. Bhattacharjee
Andrea R Gilbert
Paulo Hilário Nascimento Saldiva
Holly Harper
Jody E. Hooper
Marisa Dolhnikoff
David S. Priemer
Lucy Fu
Paul V. Benson
Miroslav Sekulic
Desiree A. Marshall
Alex K. Williamson
Kirsten J. Threlkeld
Isaac H. Solomon
Meghan E. Kapp
Robert F. Padera
Bihong Zhao
Juan C. Felix
Sharon Mount
Michelle McDonald
Stephanie D. Reilly
Amy Rapkiewicz
Thais Mauad
Dwayne A. Wolf
Kara L. Gawelek
William A. Muller
Amaro Nunes Duarte-Neto
Silvio H. Litovsky
Jon W. Lomasney
Taylor Zak
Elisheva D Shanes
Source :
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine. 145:529-535
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, 2021.

Abstract

Context.— This study represents the largest compilation to date of clinical and postmortem data from decedents with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It will augment previously published small series of autopsy case reports, refine clinicopathologic considerations, and improve the accuracy of future vital statistical reporting. Objective.— To accurately reflect the preexisting diseases and pathologic conditions of decedents with SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) infection through autopsy. Design.— Comprehensive data from 135 autopsy evaluations of COVID-19–positive decedents is presented, including histologic assessment. Postmortem examinations were performed by 36 pathologists at 19 medical centers or forensic institutions in the United States and Brazil. Data from each autopsy were collected through the online submission of multiple-choice and open-ended survey responses. Results.— Patients dying of or with COVID-19 had an average of 8.89 pathologic conditions documented at autopsy, spanning a combination of prior chronic disease and acute conditions acquired during hospitalization. Virtually all decedents were cited as having more than 1 preexisting condition, encompassing an average of 2.88 such diseases each. Clinical conditions during terminal hospitalization were cited 395 times for the 135 autopsied decedents and predominantly encompassed acute failure of multiple organ systems and/or impaired coagulation. Myocarditis was rarely cited. Conclusions.— Cause-of-death statements in both autopsy reports and death certificates may not encompass the severity or spectrum of comorbid conditions in those dying of or with COVID-19. If supported by additional research, this finding may have implications for public health decisions and reporting moving forward through the pandemic.

Details

ISSN :
15432165 and 00039985
Volume :
145
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....d48d791cdea38d8f0f3334714f2d1adb