Objective We observed patients to have variable temperatures. The objective of the study was to identify if hypothermia in a patient infected with SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a higher than expected mortality. Methods We reviewed 331 charts from patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 between March 9 to April 20, 2020. Results The probability of death was 2.06 times higher for those with hypothermia than those without [95% C.I. (1.25, 3.38)]. In ventilated patients, there were 32 deaths. Of those, 75% had been hypothermic. In a prior review of 10,000 non-SARS-CoV-2 patients with sepsis, the mortality rate in patients with hypothermia was 47%. Reviewed studies demonstrated a range of expected mortality rates in patients with ventilator dependent respiratory failure and sepsis. In comparison, our study shows that within a group of critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 and hypothermia, the mortality rate exceeded those rates. Conclusion Our review showed a significant association between hypothermia and death (p = 0.0033). Predictors of mortality in SARS-CoV-2 disease can expedite earlier aggressive care. Additionally, in areas with limited resources or overburdened healthcare systems, there may be a need for resource allocation management and information about mortality risk may be helpful.

Patients with sickle cell disease are at risk of vaso-occlusive crises including acute chest syndrome (ACS) and pulmonary hypertension. ACS is a life-threatening complication of sickle cell disease and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. It is known that pulmonary pressures increase during episodes of acute chest syndrome and may lead to acute right ventricular failure leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Given the paucity of randomized controlled trials, the management of ACS and pulmonary hypertension in the setting of a sickle cell crisis largely relies on expert opinion. We present a case of acute chest syndrome complicated by acute right ventricular failure that was managed with prompt red cell exchange transfusion with favorable clinical outcomes.

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