Severe Morbidity and Mortality From Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Hmong Individuals With Gout.

BACKGROUND

Given the disproportionate impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on patients with comorbidities -  including gout - and on diverse populations such as the Hmong community, it remains unclear whether a combination of these factors lead to more severe COVID-19 outcomes.

METHODS

We reviewed the outcomes of 21 Hmong patients with coexisting gout and COVID-19 admitted to 2 tertiary care centers from March 1, 2020, through December 31, 2021.

RESULTS

Seven patients required low-flow nasal cannula oxygen, 3 required high-flow nasal cannula, 1 required noninvasive ventilation, and 10 (48%) required mechanical ventilation. The 30-day mortality rate was 57% (n=12).

DISCUSSION: The findings highlight a potentially disproportionate burden of severe COVID-19 outcomes among Hmong patients with gout. The high observed mortality raises questions about the role of comorbidities, vaccination disparities, and structural factors contributing to poor outcomes in this population.