Characteristics and outcomes of patients with severe COVID-19 in Indonesia: Lessons from the first wave

Erlina Burhan, Keibun Liu, Eva M. Marwali, Samuel Huth, Navy G. H. M. L. Wulung, Dafsah A. Juzar, Muhammad A. Taufik, Surya O. Wijaya, Dyah K. Wati, Neurinda P. Kusumastuti, Saptadi Yuliarto, Bhirowo Y. Pratomo, Erwin Pradian, Dadang H. Somasetia, Desy Rusmawatiningtyas, Arie Z. Fatoni, Jose M. Mandei, Eka Y. Lantang, Fajar Perdhana, Bambang P. Semedi, Muhammad Rayhan, Tiffany R. S. Tarigan, Nicole White, Gianluigi L. Bassi, Jacky Y. Suen, John F. Fraser. DOI https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0290964

Background: Indonesia’s national response to COVID-19 evolved rapidly throughout 2020. Understanding pandemic response and outcomes is crucial for better mitigation strategies ahead. This study describes the characteristics and outcomes of patients admitted to ICU during the early stages of the pandemic.

Methods: This is a multi-centre prospective observational study including patients from twelve collaborating hospitals in Indonesia. All patients were clinically suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases admitted to ICU between January 2020 and March 2021. The primary outcome was monthly ICU mortality. Descriptive statistics of patient characteristics and treatment were generated as secondary outcomes.