A Comparative Study in Hematological Parameters between First Wave Vs Second wave in ICU and non- ICU COVID-19 Patients in India

Aim: This study aims to determine similarities and differences in haematological parameters between the patients from two waves of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection at the time of hospital admission and identify risk biomarkers of COVID19 severity.

Study Design: A retrospective study.

Place of Study: The study was carried out in Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, Tamil Nadu, India.

Methodology: A total of 300 patients with COVID-19 infection, consisting of 150 patients from the first wave (April to June 2020) and 150 patients from the second wave (March to May, 20) were considered for this study. The hematological parameters of the patients were examined. Of the sample population from the first wave, 131 were admitted to the non-intensive care unit, and 19 were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Of the sample population selected from the second wave, 101 were admitted to the non-intensive care unit and 49 were admitted to the intensive care unit. Statistical analysis of the data for both waves was carried out, and relevant findings were presented.

Results: Haematological parameters data were compared between the COVID19 positive patients admitted to ICU and non- ICU across both infection waves. On gender distribution, males were more than females in both waves. Degree of freedom analyses revealed an association of hematological parameters with the subsequent illness progression and severity in both the waves.

Conclusion: Our study showed that the severity of the disease was more in the second wave, especially among ICU patients than in the first wave. The majority of the infected patients were males in both waves. However, the presence of comorbidities, immune response, the severity of the infection, and other risk factors determines the progression of the disease.