Post-Covid Mortality: Delving into ICMR's Recent Findings

Post-Covid complications is taking a toll; particularly on elderly patients.

In the ongoing battle against Covid-19, understanding the virus's aftermath has become as crucial as dealing with the immediate threat. While the world may be familiar with the immediate dangers posed by the virus, its long-term ramifications remain an area of deep concern. Moris Media, India's best digital marketing agency, highlights a recent study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has unveiled alarming statistics about post-Covid complications, particularly mortality rates, further emphasizing the pandemic's long shadow. With 6.5% of Covid-19 patients succumbing to the virus within a year of hospital discharge, this revelation underscores the pressing need to address and navigate the post-Covid landscape.

Backdrop of the ICMR Research

The global scientific community has been tirelessly working to decode the myriad facets of Covid-19, from its transmission dynamics to its long-term impact. As part of this global effort, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), one of India's premier medical research organizations, initiated a study to probe the long-term consequences of the virus, especially the post-Covid conditions patients face after their hospital discharge. This study was timely and significant, considering the rapidly evolving nature of the virus and the emergence of new variants, such as the EG.5 and BA.2.86.

While international health organizations like WHO and US CDC have defined “long-Covid,” the ICMR research started its enrolment process before these definitions were introduced. Therefore, their study utilized a unique set of criteria, primarily focusing on symptoms like persistent fatigue, breathlessness, and cognitive abnormalities. By taking a sample size of 14,419 patients across 31 hospitals, the ICMR sought to provide a comprehensive look into the post-Covid conditions faced by a large segment of the Indian population, creating a foundation for further analysis and action.

Symptoms and Identification of Post-Covid Conditions

While the immediate effects of Covid-19 have been widely studied and discussed, the long-term implications, often referred to as "long-Covid", have begun to emerge as a significant area of concern. The ICMR study deviated from the typical WHO or US CDC definitions, shedding light on a particular set of symptoms indicative of post-Covid conditions.

Patients who had recovered from Covid-19, but still experienced persistent or newly developed symptoms, became the focus of this research. The predominant symptoms identified were fatigue that lasted for weeks, notable breathlessness even with minimal activity, and cognitive abnormalities. These cognitive challenges, colloquially referred to as “brain fog”, manifested as difficulties in concentration, memory lapses, and general mental fatigue.

The key criterion for classifying patients under post-Covid conditions, as per the ICMR study, was the reporting of these specific symptoms during the first follow-up, typically occurring four weeks after hospital discharge. By using this approach, the research aimed to develop a more streamlined understanding of post-Covid implications, making it easier for medical professionals to identify, diagnose, and subsequently manage these conditions in patients who have recovered from the virus.

Key Findings: The Numbers Speak

The ICMR research provides some startling numbers that accentuate the lasting impacts of Covid-19 on previously hospitalized patients. From the extensive sample of 14,419 patients across 31 hospitals, a significant 6.5% of them succumbed to the aftermath of a moderate to severe Covid-19 infection within a year of being discharged. This statistic, on its own, is a grim testament to the lingering clutches of the virus.

Diving deeper, the research unveils that 17.1% of patients hospitalized since September 2020 grappled with post-Covid conditions, highlighting the pervasive nature of these lingering symptoms. One of the more alarming revelations from the study is the heightened vulnerability of a specific demographic: male patients above the age of 60. They faced an increased susceptibility to death in the year succeeding their discharge post-Covid-19.

Yet, amidst these dire findings, there emerges a beacon of hope. The research highlights that vaccines are going to be crucial in reducing long-term mortality. Patients  with at least one vaccine dose had 40% reduced death risks particularly during the four-week post-discharge follow-up. This significant reduction emphasizes the paramount importance of vaccination in the fight against both immediate and long-term effects of Covid-19.

The Protective Role of Vaccines

In a world grappling with the ramifications of Covid-19, vaccines have consistently emerged as a front-line defense. The ICMR research reinforces this sentiment, shedding light on the vital role vaccines play in long-term protection post-Covid-19 hospitalization. Among the gamut of insights, one stands out prominently: even a single dose of the vaccine can make a notable difference.

Even single-dose vaccinated patients had 40% reduced mortality risks during the initial four-week follow-up after hospital discharge. This statistic should not be considered as a mere number. It testifies the vaccine's efficacy in bolstering the body's defence against the longer-term effects of the virus.

The immediate benefits of vaccines in preventing Covid-19 infections and reducing disease severity have already been established and documented. However, the ICMR study adds another layer to the importance of vaccination – its role in curbing post-Covid complications and mortality.

In essence, this research underscores an urgent message: the value of vaccination extends beyond immediate protection. It offers a shield against the lingering shadows of the virus, emphasizing the pressing need for global vaccine campaigns and the importance of achieving herd immunity.

Perspectives from the Experts

The ICMR study's findings have spurred discussions among medical experts, prompting them to re-evaluate the long-term effects of Covid-19 on recovered patients. A prominent scientist, previously associated with the ICMR, offered valuable insights, emphasizing the specificity of the study's context. According to him, the 6.5% mortality rate detailed in the research relates explicitly to those hospitalized with moderate to severe Covid-19 symptoms. This means the figure isn't a blanket rate for all Covid-19 patients, especially those with mild symptoms or simple upper respiratory infections.

Furthermore, he pointed out that these findings shouldn't be extrapolated to mild, unreported cases. It's crucial for the public and medical community to understand the nuance of this statistic. The mortality rate doesn't pertain to everyone who has contracted the virus but is specific to a certain severity level.

In addition, the expert emphasized the heightened risk for individuals with coexisting health conditions. Patients with underlying conditions like liver cirrhosis and chronic kidney disease not only face a greater risk of severe Covid-19 but also potential post-Covid complications.

These expert perspectives underscore the importance of a nuanced understanding of the study, ensuring that its findings are interpreted and applied in the correct context.

The ICMR's recent findings shine a light on the profound implications of post-Covid conditions and the significance of timely medical intervention and vaccination. While the research provides essential data on the repercussions of severe Covid-19 infections, it also underscores the need for public awareness and continuous monitoring of recovered patients. The results also champion the benefits of vaccination in reducing long-term mortality risks. As the pandemic continues to evolve, understanding these long-term impacts and arming ourselves with preventive measures, including vaccination, becomes imperative. The journey with Covid-19 is a long one, and studies like this help in navigating its multifaceted challenges.