Deaths after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 in Norway

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Advanced age is the primary risk factor for COVID-19 mortality.
• Limited knowledge exists regarding the impact of chronic diseases on COVID-19 outcomes.
• This study focuses on the disease profiles of individuals who died from SARS-CoV-2 in Norway.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the disease profiles of individuals who died from SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To analyze the impact of chronic diseases on COVID-19 mortality in Norway.
• To provide insights into risk groups during the early stages of the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• Utilized linked health registry data from Norwegian specialist and primary health services.
• Included data on confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections, hospitalizations, and deaths.
• Data covered the Norwegian population from March 1, 2020, to May 31, 2020.

Main Results:

• Out of 8,412 confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections, 244 (2.9%) resulted in death.
• Mortality risk increased significantly with age, from 0.2% (<60 years) to 52% (≥90 years).
• Chronic diseases were prevalent in older age groups, with varying distributions between in-hospital and out-of-hospital deaths.

Conclusions:

• A small proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals died in Norway during the initial pandemic phase.
• Most deaths occurred in individuals aged 70 and older, often with pre-existing chronic conditions.
• Health registry data are valuable for understanding and advising at-risk populations during pandemics.