highly significantp < 0.001
After comprehensive adjustment for all 25 prespecified covariates—encompassing demographics, disease severity, 7 comorbidities, vital signs, 11 laboratory parameters, and antibacterial therapy—this association remained highly significant (adjusted OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.67–4.11, p < 0.001), with only moderate attenuation in the effect estimate.