Effect of SARSCoV-2 Variants on The Progression of COVID-19 Disease: A Retrospective Analysis From A Pandemic Hospital

INTRODUCTION: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS CoV-2) is agent of the pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). New variants that have emerged throughout this pandemic presented new challenges and made the disease control process even more difficult. In our study, we aimed to investigate the effect of variants on the progression of COVID-19 disease and add value to the medical literature by providing valuable information.
METHODS: The current study was designed as a retrospective and single-center study. 3193 patients whose SARSCoV-2 PCR test came positive between June 1, 2020, and June 1, 2021, were included in the study. Demographic data and the medical history of patients were collected and recorded.
RESULTS: 50% of the cases were male and the mean age was 39.5 years. Among variant types, the lowest median age was observed in the beta variant. Alpha is the most contagious SARS CoV-2 variant, and the highest mortality was seen in the delta variant. Considering all SARS CoV-2 variants, the most common patient complaints were dyspnea and fever. In fatal cases, blood pressure and saturation levels were low, whereas pulse rate and body temperature were higher. In addition, compared to the nonfatal cases, the median age was higher in fatal cases, 39 years to 55 years. Most of the fatalities occurred in patients who required Intensive Care Unit (ICU) admission. The mortality was low in people with double-dose vaccination, regardless of variant types.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In the current study, SARSCoV-2 alpha variant was found to be more contagious, and the delta variant appeared to be more fatal. Patients with delta variant could be at high risk for morbidity and mortality. Therefore, meticulous patient care should be delivered to patients with the delta variants, no history of the double-dose of vaccination, patients with unstable vital parameters, and patients who were admitted to the ICU.