The Covid-19 mortality rate has significantly decreased in Germany due to improved treatment options and increased experience with the disease. According to a medical informatics initiative by the University Medicine Network, the lethality of Covid-19 patients in Germany has decreased significantly over the past year. The scientists attribute this to the improved therapy options and increasing experience with the disease. In the first phase of the pandemic, until April 19, 2020, 20.7% of Covid-19 patients died in university hospitals. The mortality rate was even higher at 39.8% for ventilated patients. In the following months, until September 18, 2020, the mortality rate for ventilated patients decreased to 33.7% and the overall mortality rate decreased to 12.7%.
During the study period, the 14 university hospitals treated a total of 1,318 Covid-19 patients. Of these, 490 (37.2%) had to be ventilated, and 124 (9.4%) underwent extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). This saved the lives of 58 of the 124 Covid-19 patients. In addition, 17.5% of Covid-19 patients required hemodiafiltration, hemofiltration, or hemodialysis, especially those who were artificially ventilated. The data also showed that age is the most important risk factor for a fatal outcome in Covid-19. On average, the patients treated in university hospitals were 61.2 years old. The average age of ventilated patients was 63.7 years, and the average age of deceased patients was 71.2 years.
The study also revealed comorbidities in patients with kidney failure (35.2%), anemia (26.0%), and diabetes mellitus (21.1%). In addition, 10.1% of patients had diseases that lead to immune system disorders. According to the scientists, the RECOVERY study, which found that dexamethasone reduces mortality in ventilated patients, has led to a significant decrease in lethality. The new knowledge about anticoagulation therapy for Covid-19 is also seen as a major influencing factor. The study emphasizes the importance of continued research and improvement in treatment options to further decrease the mortality rate of Covid-19 patients.
