Comprehensive Multicentric Study Reveals Key Factors Linked to Sudden Deaths in Apparently Healthy Individuals

In a groundbreaking multicentric matched case–control study conducted across 47 tertiary care hospitals in India, researchers investigated the factors associated with sudden unexplained deaths in apparently healthy young adults aged 18-45. The study, spanning from October 2021 to March 2023, aimed to unravel the mysteries surrounding these tragic events and shed light on potential connections to COVID-19 infection or vaccination.

Key Findings:

1. Vaccination Impact: The study involving 729 cases and 2916 controls unveiled a crucial revelation – individuals who had received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated significantly lower odds [aOR 0.58 (95% CI 0.37, 0.92)] of experiencing unexplained sudden death.

2. Hospitalization History: Contrarily, a history of past COVID-19 hospitalization emerged as a risk factor, with an elevated odds ratio of [aOR 3.8 (95% CI 1.36, 10.61)].

3. Family History Influence: Individuals with a family history of sudden death were found to have an increased likelihood [aOR 2.53 (95% CI 1.52, 4.21)] of experiencing unexplained sudden death.

4. Lifestyle Factors: Certain lifestyle behaviors were positively associated with these events, including binge drinking 48 hours before death/interview [aOR 5.29 (95% CI 2.57, 10.89)], use of recreational drugs or substances [aOR 2.92 (95% CI 1.1, 7.71)], and vigorous-intensity physical activity 48 hours before death/interview [aOR 3.7 (95% CI 1.36, 10.05)].

5. Dose Dependency: Notably, two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine further decreased the odds of unexplained sudden death [aOR 0.51 (95% CI 0.28, 0.91)], while a single dose did not exhibit the same protective effect.

Conclusion:

The study concludes that COVID-19 vaccination does not increase the risk of sudden unexplained deaths among young adults in India. Instead, past COVID-19 hospitalization, a family history of sudden death, and specific lifestyle behaviors were identified as potential risk factors. These findings provide valuable insights into understanding and preventing sudden deaths in this demographic.

Source:Indian Journal of Medical Research

Original article  can be accessed by clicking on the link-

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VCGVp3Sav4CergVOLi91oJvFFew5FKk1/view?usp=drive_