NAGPUR: Among 2,900 Covid-19 deaths in the district, 1,053 (36.31%) were brought dead or passed away within 24 hours of hospitalization. Also, 74.13% deceased were over 51 years old.
The district became the 4th among 35 districts in the state to cross 3,000 deaths on October 21. The district’s case fatality rate was 3.26% on October 21, which was higher than state (2.64%), India (1.51%) and world (2.80%). Total positive cases were 91,988.
The district office of Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) collected detailed data regarding hospitalization of 2,900 deceased whereas data of remaining 100 could not be known.
Of the 2,900 deaths, 359 (12.38%) were brought dead to Covid Hospitals, 193 (6.65%) deceased died within 12 hours of hospitalization, and 501 (17.28%) passed away within 12-24 hours. Thus, total number of deceased who died within 24 hours of hospitalization was 1,053 (36.31%).
Also, 583 (20.11%) of total deceased died within 24-72 hours of hospitalization, while remaining 1,264 (43.58%) deceased passed away after 72 hours of admission in Covid Hospitals.
If age-wise data of deceased is considered, highest number of 74.13% deaths were in age group of 50 and above.
The findings of IGGMCH doctors, led by deputy medical superintendent Dr Sagar Pande and infectious diseases specialist Dr Nitin Shinde, say complications in Covid patients develop between 8-12 days after onset of symptoms, and this is critical, especially for comorbid and those aged above 50.
Consultant physician and intensivist Dr Nikhil Balankhe said, “Onset of illness to commencement of treatment or medicines is golden period in clinical management. There is better outcome with narrowing of this period. Also, recovery rate of the district is above 91%, which is highly appreciable. All deaths within 72 hours of hospitalization indicate late testing and reporting to Covid hospitals since onset of symptoms, despite comorbidities and high age.”
Medical superintendent of GMCH Dr Avinash Gawande said, “Some deceased lost golden period of treatment due to 3-4 or more days of treatment at private clinics. Some patients even reached government Covid hospitals in critical condition, after hospitalization in private hospitals for some days. Hypoxia is also one of the reasons behind deaths, especially in outstation patients who did not get oxygen on time.”
Dr Balankhe added, “Earlier, patients with symptoms avoided tests and hospitalization due to social stigma, quarantine and other norms. Now, norms are relaxed so patients should immediately get tests done after onset of symptoms.”
Infectious diseases specialist Dr Nitin Shinde said, “Those above 50 are most vulnerable, and should get priority in vaccination.”
Dr Shinde also said the 43.58% deaths after 72 hours of admission stress on the need to start definitive treatment (antivirals) early. “In initial stage, drugs like Remdesivir were delayed in government-run Covid hospitals till patients became really sick.”
In the district, deaths have remained higher among male compared to females. Among 3,000 deceased, 2,109 (70.3%) were men and 891 (29.7%) were women.