COVID-19 Mortality in the Delta Wave in India: A Hospital-Based Study From Ramanagara District, Karnataka

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted India, with Karnataka reporting its first death in March 2020.
• Limited in-depth research exists on COVID-19 mortality data in India.
• This study focused on in-hospital mortality during the second wave at a tertiary care center in Karnataka.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess in-hospital mortality at a tertiary care center during the COVID-19 second wave in Karnataka.
• To identify comorbidities, age/sex distribution, and other factors influencing COVID-19 mortality.
• To analyze clinical and laboratory characteristics of fatal COVID-19 cases.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, observational-analytical study of 91 adult COVID-19 deaths (April-August 2021).
• Data collected from case sheets and mortality audits, including demographics, symptoms, comorbidities, and management.
• Analysis using JASP software with frequencies, averages, and bivariate/multivariate analysis.

Main Results:

• Predominantly male (60%) patients, average age 53.4 years, with most in the 36-65 age range.
• Common symptoms: fever, breathlessness, fatigue. Diabetes and hypertension were frequent comorbidities.
• High prevalence of hyperglycemia (83%), tachypnea, and low SpO2. Elevated inflammatory markers (WBC, CRP, d-dimer) observed.

Conclusions:

• The study highlights clinical and laboratory features of 91 adult COVID-19 deaths during the Delta wave in Karnataka.
• A high frequency of hyperglycemia was a significant finding in fatal cases.
• Findings contribute to understanding clinical correlates and progression of severe COVID-19.