Clinicoepidemiological Profile of COVID-19-positive Migrant Population and Their Outcomes: A Multicentric, Retrospective Study from Northeast India

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Emergence of a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and its subsequent spread to India lead to declaration of lockdown by the government in various phases to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Northeastern India being relatively remote had its first case relatively late. Later, with incoming migrant population, there was a surge in cases. This study aims to determine the clinicoepidemiological characteristics and outcomes in COVID-19-positive migrant population treated at multiple centers in Northeast India. Methods: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional,multicentric study. Data were collected from case sheets of 198 COVID-19 positive patients treated at designated COVID-19 hospitals in Northeast India. Results: Independent t-test and Fisher's exact test were used. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Majority of the study population were between 31 and 50 years (62.1%) with overall male preponderance (94.9%). Nearly one-third (31.8%) of the study population gave a history of contact. Fever was seen 92.4% of patients. Majority (97.0%) of the study population had mild-to-moderate disease and only 3.0% were severely diseased/critically ill. 30%, 7%, and 3% of the study population received oxygen support, noninvasive ventilation, and ventilator support, respectively. Only 1.5% of the study population had complications of acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock, and sepsis, and the mortality rate was 1.1%. The average duration of hospitalization was 14.17 +/- 5.48 days, and the average time taken to become COVID negative by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was 37.93 +/- 7.54 days. Conclusion: A large number of COVID-positive patients had mild-to-moderate course of disease. Fever was the most common symptom. Around one-third of patients required respiratory support. Rate of complications and mortality were low in the study population. Presence of comorbidities, "O" blood group, abnormal X-ray findings, elevated levels of C-reactive protein, D-dimer, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate had a significant positive association with severity.