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British Journal of Medical and Health Research

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Clinico-Laboratory Profile and Outcomes of Geriatric COVID-19 Patients in a Tertiary Healthcare Setting in Kerala

Published in June 2026 Issue 6 (Vol. 13, Issue 6, 2026)

Clinico-Laboratory Profile and Outcomes of Geriatric COVID-19 Patients in a Tertiary Healthcare Setting in Kerala - Issue cover

Abstract

Introduction: Older adults experienced disproportionate levels of morbidity and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by physiological senescence and multi-morbidity. This research evaluates the clinical features, biochemical markers, and survival outcomes of elderly patients within a tertiary care environment in Kerala. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, record-oriented analysis of 626 COVID-19-positive individuals (age ≥60) admitted to T.D. Medical College Hospital, Alappuzha, between June 2020 and January 2021. Statistical associations between demographics, laboratory indices, and clinical outcomes were determined using IBM SPSS version 25. Results: The study population was mostly male (57.7%), with the majority falling in the 60–70 age bracket. Fatigue (58.6%) was the primary clinical complaint, whereas pyrexia was notably absent in many cases. Hypertension (67.3%) was the most prevalent underlying condition. A significant mortality risk was identified in Category C patients (33.9%), those with an admission SpO₂ below 90% (46.0%), and individuals with pre-existing cardiac disease. High ESR, D-dimer, and ferritin levels, along with sodium and potassium imbalances, served as robust predictors of mortality. Conversely, standard antiviral and corticosteroid therapies did not show a correlation with improved survival in this specific cohort. Conclusion: COVID-19 in the elderly frequently presents with non-classical symptoms, complicating early detection. Management should prioritize the monitoring of inflammatory markers and electrolyte levels, as conventional pharmacotherapy demonstrated limited benefit in this demographic.

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Authors (5)

Padmakumar Balasundaram

Government Medical College, Al...

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Mohammed Jassim

Government Medical College, Al...

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Mehnaz Ameen Nechikkadan

Government Medical College, Al...

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Afeef Abdul Rahman Mansoor

Government Medical College, Er...

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Muhammed Nihal

Jawaharlal Institute of Postgr...

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Article Information

BJMHR6130002

BJMHR-13-000021

14-19

2026-06-01

Article Impact

Views:3,687
Downloads:583

How to Cite

Balasundaram & Jassim & Ameen, M. & Afeef Abdul Rahman Mansoor & Nihal (2026). Clinico-Laboratory Profile and Outcomes of Geriatric COVID-19 Patients in a Tertiary Healthcare Setting in Kerala. British Journal of Medical and Health Research, 13(6), 14-19. https://bjmhr.com/articles/BJMHR6130002

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