Indian Journal of Respiratory Care (Jan 2022)

Epidemiological and clinical features of COVID-19 in elderly patients: A cross-sectional study

  • Bidhata Khatri,
  • Kena,
  • Shantha Kumari,
  • K K Shyamala,
  • Usha

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/ijrc.ijrc_63_22
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 11, no. 4
pp. 333 – 336

Abstract

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Background: Elderly population represents the most vulnerable group with increased risk of developing severe COVID-19 infection and high mortality. More research is needed in understanding the complexity of disease due to limited data as only few studies have been conducted till date in India. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the epidemiological and clinical features among elderly population with COVID-19 infection at a tertiary care center, south India. Materials and Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted among reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-confirmed COVID-19 elderly patients ≥60 years admitted at a tertiary care center in south India from June 2021 to August 2021 after the institutional ethical committee clearance. Their demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 32 RT-PCR–confirmed patients of age ≥60years were included. Majority (62.5%) of them were in the age group of 60–70 years, and the mean age was 70.25 ± 5.68 years. Females were predominant. Severe infection was found in 31.25% of the patients, and 56.25% had moderate infection. Hypertension (43.75%) was the predominant comorbidity followed by diabetes mellitus (34.37%). Cough (82%), dyspnea (70%), and fever (63%) were the most common presenting symptoms. The mean duration of symptoms to hospitalization was 4.7 ± 2.09 days, with majority of patients presenting bilateral lung involvement. Conclusion: There is high prevalence of COVID-19 in the age group of 60–70 years, predominantly female patients. Cough and dyspnea are common presenting symptoms. Hypertension and diabetes are major comorbidities. Most patients presented with bilateral lung involvement and longer duration of symptom onset to hospitalization. High index of suspicion with preventive strategies is required for better healthcare in elderly patients.

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