ABSTRACT
Introduction: Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection risks in co-morbid patients are still unknown two years after the pandemic began. The prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 infection is crucial for determining disease preventive and mitigation strategies. Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and chronic cardiovascular disease can raise the risk of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19), which has a greater morbidity and fatality rate. Aim(s): To determine the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) antibodies and their relationship to co-morbidities in Kashmir's ethnic population. Material(s) and Method(s): The present observational cohort study was done in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine at Chest Disease Hospital Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India, from September 2020 to September 2021 and 1,846 co-morbid unvaccinated patients were chosen for the study. As per standard methodology, a cohort study was undertaken, a questionnaire was prepared, and demographic and associated parameters were recorded. All participants had their immune profiles tested, and the existence of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies for SARS-CoV-2 was determined using the chemiluminisence immunoassay technique. Chi-square and Fischer exact test were used for stastical analyses and p-value <0.05 were taken as statistically significant. Result(s): As per the present study estimates, demographic and socio-economic characteristic affected test attendants. The SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody response among co-morbid patients were found to be 54.3%. The hypertension and diabetes were most prevalent co-morbidity found in the individuals (p<0.001). Conclusion(s): Co-morbidities including hypertension and diabetes in an individual are more likely have COVID-19 which can lead to death. COVID-appropriate conduct is required to limit infection transmission in the community, and immunisation is of paramount importance for all individuals. More research is needed to determine the risk of co-morbidities among Kashmir's ethnic community. Copyright © 2022 Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The impact of COVID-19 upon acute care admission rates and patterns are unknown. We sought to determine the change in rates and types of admissions to tertiary and specialty care hospitals in the COVID-19 era compared with pre-COVID-19 era. METHODS: Acute care admissions to the largest tertiary care referral hospital, designated national referral centers for cardiac, cancer and maternity hospital in the State of Qatar during March 2020 (COVID-19 era) and January 2020 and March 2019 (pre-COVID-19 era) were compared. We calculated total admissions, admissions for eight specific acute care conditions, in-hospital mortality rate, and length of stay at each hospital. RESULTS: A total of 18,889 hospital admissions were recorded. A sharp decline ranging from 9% to 75% was observed in overall admissions. A decline in both elective and non-elective surgeries was observed. A decline of 9%-58% was observed in admissions for acute appendicitis, acute coronary syndrome, stroke, bone fractures, cancer, and live births, whereas an increase in admissions due to respiratory tract infections was observed. Overall length of stay was shorter in the COVID-19 period possibly suggesting lesser overall disease severity, with no significant change in in-hospital mortality. Unadjusted mortality rate for Qatar showed marginal increase in the COVID-19 period. CONCLUSIONS: We observed a sharp decline in acute care hospital admissions, with a significant decline in admissions due to seven out of eight acute care conditions. This decline was associated with a shorter length of stay but not associated with a change in in-hospital mortality rate.