Pattern of comorbidities and clinical profile of young adults who died due to severe coronavirus disease: A descriptive study

Abstract

Introduction: Mortality due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a significant problem among the non-elderly population. Aims: The primary objective was to estimate the prevalence of comorbidities among the deceased in the age group of 18–64 years and the secondary objective, was to describe their clinical profile. Settings and Design: The study setting was a tertiary care center catering to COVID-19 patients. This was a record-based descriptive study. Materials and Methods: Sampling strategy and Sample size: The formula used for sample size calculation is Z2 FNx01 P(1 – P) / d2. The sample size required was 97. The study period was from July 1 to November 30, 2021. Data collection: Demographic data including comorbidities, and clinical and laboratory features were studied. The laboratory investigations were done on the day of admission, and either on the last day or one day before death were taken for analysis. Statistical analysis used: Statistical analysis was carried out in IBM SPSS Version 26. Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests, Wilcoxon signed rank test, and Correlation tests were used for analysis. Results: The majority of the patients had more than one comorbid condition. The parameters which showed significant variation as the illness progressed were lymphocyte count, total protein, and albumin. Conclusion: Special vigilance should be kept while managing young patients with comorbidities. Lymphocyte count and serum albumin can be helpful in prognostication.