RESUMEN
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.