Clinical Characteristics of Non-Survivors of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Abstract

Introduction: The pattern of infection and mortality rates of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has varied significantly amongst the countries. There is scarcity of data regarding characteristics of non-survivors ofCOVID-19 in Bangladesh. The purpose of this study was to delineate demographics, clinical characteristics and treatment of Bangladeshi individuals who died due to COVID-19.

Method: This prospective observational study included all confirmed symptomatic and asymptomatic COVID-19 positive non-survivors from April 2020 to July 2023at the National Heart Foundation Hospital & Research Institute of Bangladesh. Demographic and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 positive non-survivors were evaluated.

Result: During this study period, 2506 patients were enrolled. Of whom 100 (4.0%) were non-survivors and included in this study. The mean age of the non-survivors was 62.94 ± 13.43 years. Male were predominant (71.0% vs 29.0%). Healthcare personnel (HCP) were 2.0% and non-HCP were 98.0%. Cardiovascular disease (88.0%) was the commonest comorbidity followed by hypertension (70%),chronic kidney disease (70.0%), diabetes mellitus (61.0%), dyslipidemia (43.0%), smoking (38.0%), and obesity (27.0%) among non-survivors. Most of the patients (94.0%) had multiple comorbidities. Most of the non-survivors were unvaccinated (56%). Shortness of breath (82.0%), fever (77.0%), cough (52.0%), and fatigue (32.0%) were the most common symptoms. Asymptomatic non-survivors were 2.0%, 39 (39%) had mild disease; one (1.0%) had moderate disease; 45 (45%) had severe disease, and 13 (13%) had critical ill form of disease.

Conclusion: In our study, the mortality rate in patients with COVID-19 was 4.0%. Most of deceased were older in age, male, unvaccinated, had multiple co-morbidities and more severe disease.