ABSTRACT
Severe course of cOVID-19 among men compared to the female led to a detailed study of the hormonal status of men with cOVID-19. The earliest works about this focused on the incidence and severity of cOVID-19 depending on the intake of androgen deprivation therapy. At the same time, different classes of androgen deprivation therapy have different effects on androgen concentration that was not always considered in the analysis. In this regard, we conducted a review of the available literature data with a targeted study of works that included androgen deprivation therapy with a unidirectional effect on the concentration of male sex hormones. In addition, we conducted a review of studies focused on the relationship between cOVID-19 and androgens (testosterone and dihydrotestosterone).Copyright © 2022 Authors. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) continues to pose serious challenges to healthcare systems globally with the disease progressing over time in crest-trough pattern of waves. We compared the patient characteristics and outcomes of critically ill patients admitted during the first and second waves of COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We did a retrospective analysis of medical records of critically ill patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) at the peak period of both waves. The data on demographics, symptoms, treatment received, and outcomes of patients were recorded. RESULTS: Compared to first wave, significantly more females, younger age group, and those without underlying comorbidities required ICU admission during the second wave. The treatments received during both periods were similar except for preferential use of methylprednisolone over dexamethasone and proclivity of bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) ventilation over high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). There was no significant difference in the duration of ICU stay and mortality of patients. During the first wave, the factors associated with nonsurvival of patients were advanced age, comorbidities, severe disease, and a lesser number of days on HFNC. All these factors along with higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score were observed to be linked with patient nonsurvival during the second wave. CONCLUSION: In India, the second wave of COVID-19 significantly influenced ICU demographics with a predominance of females and young adults requiring critical care. During both time periods, patients received similar treatment except for the propensity to use methylprednisolone and BiPAP as opposed to dexamethasone and HFNC in second wave. No significant difference in ICU mortality was noted. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Kerai S, Singh R, Dutta S, Mahajan A, Agarwal M. Comparison of Clinical Characteristics and Outcome of Critically Ill Patients Admitted to Tertiary Care Intensive Care Units in India during the Peak Months of First and Second Waves of COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Analysis. Indian J Crit Care Med 2021;25(12):1349-1356.