Demographic and clinical presentation of hospitalised patients with SARS-COV-2 omicron variant

Introduction

Objectives of this retrospective study were to describe clinical presentations and mortality outcome of hospitalised patients with COVID-19 omicron variant within two acute district general hospitals and to evaluate demographic factors associated with these presentations and mortality.

Methods

Data was obtained over a month in 2021-22 from a retrospective survey of all patients hospitalised and detected to have SARS-COV-2 omicron variant infection. The trust serves a diverse multi-ethnic inner-city population. Data included socio-demographic details, vaccination status, admitting specialty and mortality outcome. Patients were sub-divided into three groups; Group 1 were admitted with ‘true’ COVID pneumonitis; Group 2 were found to have ‘incidental’ COVID on admission screening; Group 3 were negative for COVID on admission but developed COVID >7days after admission.

Results

Of 553 patients, only 24.1% [133/553] were in Group 1; 322[58.2%] in Group 2; 98[17.7%] in Group 3. Patients with Group 1 and Group 3 were significantly older than those in Group 2 (p<.001). 30% patients from BAME ethnicity had covid pneumonitis compared to 19% white ethnicity[p="0.002]." 20% were admitted within non-medical specialties i.e., Surgical specialties, Paediatrics and Obstetrics. of 36 requiring critical care, only 21 in group 1; 20 />21[95%] of these were unvaccinated;7/21 who died were all unvaccinated [100%]. This study showed that common COVID presentations included delirium, falls (and fractures), seizures, COPD, and antenatal problems. 13.7% [76/553] patients died; only 21 were in Group 1[27.6%]. Only 26 deaths were directly attributable to COVID: 4.7% [26/553] of all patients.

Discussion

This large multi-ethnic study has described clinical presentations and mortality of hospitalised patients with omicron. It has determined socio-demographic factors associated with these presentations including ethnicity and vaccination rates. The study useful information for future COVID studies examining outcomes and presentations of omicron and future COVID variants.