Corona virus (COVID۱۹) risk groups: Scrutinizing the death cases reported in South Korea

Introduction: The outbreak of COVID۱۹ has led to a global health and economic crisis. Although no approved treatment exists to date, vaccine prototypes, antiviral medication, preventive measures, and treatment strategies are studied by scientists and pharmaceutical companies worldwide. The objective of this paper is to examine the COVID۱۹ death cases in South Korea in order to identify the distinct features of the deceased, such as sex, age, underlying medical conditions, which can be targeted when searching for a COVID۱۹ treatment strategy.Material and Methods: Data regarding sex, age, and underlying conditions of the deceased and current cases was obtained from South Korea’s Centers for Disease Control and the Korean Statistical Information Service (data retrieved on May ۲۱, ۲۰۲۰). The data were examined to identify any trends between the parameters using direct statistical analysis. Personal variables of COVID۱۹ patients were studied, such as their sex, age, and preexisting health conditions. The data were analyzed in terms of possible factors leading to COVID۱۹ complications and resulting in patients' deaths.Results: As of May ۲۱, ۲۰۲۰, ۱۱۱۴۲ confirmed cases and ۲۶۴ deaths were reported in South Korea. Sex has not had an impact on the death rate, but it directly correlates with age. No deaths were reported for cases of individuals under ۳۰ years old, and only five deaths were reported between the ages of ۳۰ and ۵۰. Additionally, ۹۸.۵ % of victims suffered from an underlying condition. The primary underlying condition in deceased cases was related to circulatory system disorders. The results of the statistical analysis were further used to devise a classification of COVID۱۹ risk factors. It consists of three categories ranging from low to high-risk levels.Conclusion: Treatment targeted at patients over ۶۰ years old and with circulatory system disorders can reduce the death rate of COVID۱۹ infected patients in South Korea.

Keywords:

COVID۱۹ , South Korea , Death Rate , Elderly Patients , Circulatory System Disorders