Mortality analysis of COVID-19 cases during the second wave and its comparison with the first wave: A hospital-based study

OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to determine the characteristics of COVID-19 deaths during the second wave and to compare these characteristics with the mortality during the first wave in a dedicated COVID hospital (DCH). STUDY DESIGN: It was a hospital record–based descriptive study. METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted in a tertiary care COVID hospital, using a standard death audit proforma. The data were analyzed to know various demographic characteristics and factors related to mortality during the second wave from March to June 2021. The findings were compared with the mortality data during the first wave from April to July 2020 at the same hospital. RESULTS: A total of 264 deaths occurred at the center during the study period with a mortality rate of 22.8%. Male cases were more in number, the age group was 21–70 years, the highest number of mortality was seen in the mid of the study period, duration of stay was five days on average and common causes of death were pneumonia alone or with acute respiratory distress syndrome with sepsis. In comparison to the first wave, the mortality rate was four times higher, the age group was younger and opportunistic infections viz. mucormycosis and aspergillosis were present during the second wave. CONCLUSION: The mortality rate was significantly higher and the younger age groups were involved during the second wave, with opportunistic fungal infections due to the use of immunomodulators.