Factors Affecting Survival and Mortality Rates among Cancer Patients Hospitalized in the ICU

Abstract

Background: Due to their underlying cancer, comorbidities, and critical illness, cancer patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) encounter particular difficulties.

Objective: Assess the variables affecting the outcomes and discharge status of cancer patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI) in Karbala, Iraq.

Methodology: A retrospective observational study conducted at WICI involving all cancer patients admitted to the ICU between August 2021 and March 2024. Comorbidities, cancer-related traits, ICU interventions, complications, and outcomes were among the data that were taken from electronic medical records. SPSS was used for statistical analysis. Bivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with mortality, and significant factors were entered into a binary logistic regression model. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: 24.8% of 113 patients died in the intensive care unit. Higher APACHE II scores, neutropenia, acute renal failure, illness progression, mechanical ventilation, hypotension, tachycardia, and pulmonary aspergillosis were all substantially linked to mortality.  

Conclusion: these results emphasize the necessity of early detection of high-risk individuals and targeted interventions to improve outcomes in environments with limited resources.