Poor outcomes noted for mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patientsA PLOS One study yesterday showed a 43% overall mortality rate for mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients, with an even higher risk of death for patients of advanced age.This study included 164 US COVID-19 patients who required invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) within the Inova Health System in Virginia—five hospitals and a large tertiary care center—from Mar 5 to Apr 26, and followed patient outcomes to reassessment on Aug 19.Health system hospitals were experiencing a high volume of COVID-19 patients at that time, but not a surge that outstripped their ability to provide critical care.