Characteristics and Outcomes of COVID-19 during the Third Wave of COVID Pandemic: A Single-center Descriptive Study

Aim: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has been causing a global pandemic of Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease in recurring waves. On November 24, 2021, a new SARS-CoV-2 variant (B.1.1.529) was identified in South Africa. We aimed to study the clinical profile, laboratory parameters, complications, and outcomes in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 infection during the third wave in India. Materials and methods: This was a single-center cross-sectional study conducted from 10th January 2022 to 10th February 2022. Data on demographic profile, clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, complications, and clinical outcome was collected and compared between nonsevere and severe cases. Results: A total of 74 patients were included. Four (5.4%) had a severe disease while 70 (94.6%) had a nonsevere disease. The most common symptoms were fever (60.8%), cough (52.7%), and sore throat (45.9%). There was a significant difference between severe and nonsevere groups in terms of vaccination history (p = 0.0412), and time elapsed from symptom onset to hospitalization (p ?0.001). The severe disease group also had significantly higher levels of leukocyte count, C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, ARDS, sepsis, and a higher need for respiratory support (p < 0.001). A total of 70 (94.6%) patients were discharged while four (5.4%) patients succumbed to complications of COVID-19 infection. Complete vaccination against COVID was associated with significantly lower chances of severe disease [odds ratio (OR) 0.083, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.0080–0.8632]. Conclusion: As compared to the previous two waves, the current wave of the pandemic had milder symptoms, less severe disease, and fewer ICU admissions and deaths. Successful completion of vaccination against COVID was associated with significantly lower morbidity and mortality.

Type 2 DM An Independent Risk Factor For Poor Outcome In Moderate To Severe COVID-19

Background:Diabetes Mellitus has been shown to be a risk factor for severe COVID-19 disease. Few studies asse ssed effect of diabetes on the outcome exclusively in moderate to severe COVID 19 disease. Objective: To compare the clinical characteristics and outcome of hospitalized moderate and severe COVID-19 disease among patients with and without diabetes. Material And Methods:This retrospective study was conducted at Parul Sevashram Hospital from 1stApril 2021-30thApril 2021. Data on demographic profile, clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, complications and clinical outcome was collected and compared between patients with and without diabetes.Result:Total 319 patients were included with mean age 54.81±11.72 years. 28.5% had diabetes. The most common symptoms were fever, cough and shortness of breath. As compared to patients without diabetes, these patients had significantly higher levels of leucocyte count, CRP, Ferritin, LDH and D-Dimer. They also had more complications like ARDS, secondary infection and stroke and higher need of respiratory support (92.3% vs. 69.7%, P < 0.001). We also observed significantly greater mortality in patients with diabetes compared to those without diabetes (29.7% vs. 13.6%; P = 0.0014). These findings held true even on comparingpatients with only diabetes as comorbidity to those without any comorbidity.Conclusion:The study confirms that diabetes is an independent risk factor for higher inflammatory markers, risk of complications and in hospital mortality during hospitalization with moderate to severe COVID 19. New strategies are needed for more aggressive management of COVID 19 cases with diabetes to improve prognosis in these cases.

Identifying Risk Factors For ICU Admission During The Second Wave Of COVID 19 In A Tertiary Care Centre In Western India

Background:The substantial morbidity and mortality seen during second wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic necessitated identifying demographic, clinical and laboratory markers to assist the clinicians in early recognition of severe disease. We aimed to identify new factors or confirm previously identified factors for risk of ICU (Intensive care unit) admission during the second wave of COVID-19 infection. Material And Methods:This retrospective, single-centre study was conducted from April 1 2021-May30 2021. Data on demographic profile, clinical symptoms, and laboratory findings on admission was collected and compared between ICU and non-ICU patients. Result:Total 440 patients were included. Among these, 184(41.8%) needed ICU admission. The mean agewas 52.75±14.46years. 283(64.3%) patients were males. The most common symptoms were fever (70.7%), cough (65.5%), and shortness of breath (54.1%). As seen in previous studies, mean age, leucocyte count, CRP, S. ferritin, LDH, D-Dimer and comorbidities like diabetes mellitus, COPD, obesity were found more commonly in ICU patients as compared to non-ICU patients. (P= 0.0107, 0.0447 and 0.0314 respectively for diabetes, COPD and obesity). Presence of more than one comorbidity was associated with greater ICU admission (ICU vs. Non-ICU: 92(50%) vs. 99 (38.7%), p=0.0234).Time from symptom onset to hospitalization was also significantly longer in ICU patients (7.5±1.05 days vs 4.0±1.26 days; p=0.004). Conclusion:The study confirms that COVID patients who need ICU admission have significantly higher mean age, leucocyte count, CRP, S. ferritin, LDH, D-Dimer and comorbidity. In addition, COVID patients in ICU had significantly lower s. albumin levels and late presentation to hospital.