Study of Clinical Profile & Outcome in Elderly Patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: Novel beta coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has caused widespread transmission of coronavirus illness (COVID-19) in India from March 2020. In comparison to younger adults, older people and those with numerous co-morbidities are known to be more severely affected by seasonal flu and to have a higher mortality rate. The mortality rate increases significantly in the age groups over 60 years old with SARS-CoV-2 infection. With this objective present study was undertaken to study clinical profile and outcome in elderly COVID 19 patients Materials and Methods: Data of 100 elderly patients aged 60 years and older with COVID-19 were obtained from hospital record section. It consisted of clinical characteristics, respiratory manifestations, laboratory parameters and radiological findings. COVID-19 confirmation was based on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). 100 patients were divided into two groups based on outcome as Group A (Survivors) and Group B (Non-Survivors). They included 66 males and 34 females. Observation and Results: Respiratory rate more than 30 was mainly present in group B patients (19%) compared to group A. In majority patients i.e. 79 (79%) SpO2 was between 80 to 95 range and majority i.e. 35 (35%) given Oxygen via nasal prongs. Haemoglobin <12 and Leucocytes ≤ 11000 was found in maximum patients. CRP, D dimer and random blood sugar showed statistically significant difference between two groups (P<0.0001). Ground glass opacities was main pattern found in 46 (46%), Bilateral Consolidation found in 41 (41%) and Unilateral Consolidation in 13 (13%). Results showed no statistically significant difference amongst two groups (P=0.725) Discussion: A progressive and relatively linear increase in nasal cavity volume with increasing age along with an age-dependent decrease of nasal resistance are possible determinants for a higher prevalence of COVID in the elderly population Conclusion: An individualized approach should be offered to older adults targeting the beneficial and negative effects of therapeutic approach