Table 2 Multivariable analysis (stepwise Cox proportional hazard model): factors associated with the risk of negativization of nasopharyngeal swab.

From: Viral clearance after early corticosteroid treatment in patients with moderate or severe covid-19

Covariates

Category

Adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval)

p-value

Age, years

 ≤ 70 vs > 70

1.57 (1.11–2.23)

0.011

Days from symptoms to hospital admission

Per 5-days longer

0.76 (0.61–0.94)

0.013

PaO2/FiO2

 > 200 vs ≤ 200

1.42 (1.03–1.97)

0.035

Total lymphocytes, per 109/L

 > 1 vs ≤ 1

1.55 (1.12–2.15)

0.009

  1. All covariates were measured at baseline. The other tested variables were: gender, body mass index (normal/overweight vs obese), the number of comorbidities* (≥ 1 vs none), use of immunomodulatory drugs (yes vs no), use of antiviral drugs or hydroxychloroquine (yes vs no), use of steroid (yes vs no), lactate dehydrogenase (≤ 330 vs > 330), C-reactive protein (≤ 68.7 vs > 68.7).
  2. *The following comorbidities were considered: malignancies, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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