79% of COVID deaths had co-morbidities: PMC study

Only 305 of the 1,450 mortalities so far had no pre-existing health issues

An analysis of the nature of mortality of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients done by Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has revealed that the majority of COVID-19 patient from the city to fall to the virus had co-morbid conditions. Out of the 1,450 deaths reported in the city, while a mere 21per cent had no other health conditions, a staggering 79 per cent reported pre-existing complications.

According to officials, most patients who died without any co-morbidity started their treatment late. As per PMC’s health department study of COVID-19 deaths in the city since the outbreak till August 6, of the 1,450 mortalities, only 305 patients had no co-morbidity.

“The majority of deceased people fell in the vulnerable population. Those with no other conditions sought medical help late. Prognosis and recovery from the virus are difficult if the treatment is late,” said Dr Pralhad Patil, senior health medical officer, PMC.

According to the report, of those dead, over 146 had hypertension and 110 had diabetes. Around 543 patients died due to multiple co-morbid conditions like hypertension, diabetes with liver disease, kidney ailment or cardiac issues.

Gender-wise analysis of the patients showed that 65 per cent deceased were male and 35 per cent were female, including one transgender person. The data also revealed that those above 60 years, comprising 63.72 per cent of patients, were the highest number to die due to the virus, with those between 40 and 60 years falling in the second bracket, comprising 30.41per cent ofpatients.

Dr Sanjeev Wavare, assistant health chief, PMC, added that citizens, especially those with co-morbid conditions and with symptoms like fever, sore throat and cough, should get themselves tested for the virus. “We are seeing that the patient’s body’s inflammatory response is causing deaths. In serious cases, the infections reach the lungs and can cause heavy damage. However, the virus, or the body’s response to it, can injure many other organs,” he informed.

“We are doing the survey of patients with co-morbid conditions as early identification and risk assessment can reduce mortality in patients,” he added.