INVESTIGATIVE OUTCOME OF HOSPITALIZED COVID-19 PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN BANGLADESH

Dr. Mohammad Jahidul Hasan, Dr. Maher Banu, Dr. Shammin Haque*, Dr. Rakibul Islam Mollah, Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Samsuzzaman

ABSTRACT

Background: The novel Corona virus has been affecting human population in millions and seized lives of many more. COVID-19 presents with a wide range of symptoms, which may become severe in elderly and immunocompromised patients. This study was conducted with an aim to present the clinico-demographic characteristics, basic laboratory investigations and radiological findings in hospitalised COVID-19 patients. Materials and methods: This retrospective observational study recruited 150 COVID-19 cases from Sarkari Karmachari Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, aged ≥ 25years who were admitted from April to June 2021. Inclusion criteria was based on exposure, symptoms, laboratory tests, chest X-ray, CT-scan and positive rt-PCR test reports. Complete relevant clinical data were collected by a structured questionnaire with informed consent from the patients, who were included through convenient sampling from the hospital register records. Statistical analysis was done by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 22.0. Data were expressed as frequency, percentage and mean ± standard deviation. Results: Among the total 150 hospitalized COVID-19 infected patients, mean age was 57.3±10.1years (range 25-77years) with male predominance being 102(68%) patients and majority 108(72%) belonged to age group of 55-64years. They lived mostly in urban areas 111(74%) and 102(68%) patients had contact with COVID-19 patients in the last 14 days, while 48(32%) patients had history of exposure. Fever 141(94%), sore throat 135(90%), cough 129 (86%), shortness of breath 126(84%), fatigue 123(82%), anosmia 93(62%), headache 87(58%), diarrhea 84(56%), bodyache 81(54%), loss of appetite 78(52%) were the most common presentations. Hypertension 42(28%), diabetes mellitus 33(22%) and bronchial asthma 30(20%) were common comorbidities. Blood routine examination revealed monocytes and platelets were within normal range in most 138(92%) patients, leukocytes were below normal in 96(64%) patients, while 114(76%) patients had low lymphocyte count. Alanine transferase was elevated in 78(52%) and normal in 72(48%) patients, D-dimer was above normal in 126(84%) patients. C-reactive protein (CRP) was elevated in 123(82%) and normal in 27(18%) patients. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) increased in 120(80%) patients. Among total 150 patients, rt-PCR test was found positive in 132(88%) and negative in 18(12%) patients. Maximum patients 141(94%) revealed pneumonia on Chest X-ray, mostly 111(74%) with bilateral pneumonia. Chest CT scan showed multiple mottling and ground glass opacity in majority 141(94%) of them. Conclusion: Epidemiological features vary countrywise. Detailed knowledge of disease according to regional context is essential for potential management in future. Basic instructions for prevention of COVID-19 stating proper and regular use of mask, sanitizing hands and maintaining social distance should be ensured.

Keywords: Clinical presentation; investigations; COVID-19 patients; Bangladesh.