COVID vaccines did not increase risk of unexplained sudden death among young adults: Study

COVID-19 vaccinations did not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death among young adults in the country, a study by the Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR) has found. Instead, factors such as past COVID-related hospitalisation, family history, and certain lifestyle behaviours were behind the increased likelihood of unexplained sudden death. IJMR is a publication of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the country's top body responsible for formulating, coordinating, and promoting biomedical research. 

The study sought to understand the key factors associated with unexplained sudden deaths among adults aged 18-45 years in the country in the backdrop of anecdotal reports of such deaths in apparently healthy young adults.

As part of the study, 729 cases and 2,916 controls were analysed, with 87 per cent of cases and 81 per cent controls having received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccination any time before the outcome. A total of 29,171 sudden deaths among individuals aged 18-45 years were listed as potential cases under the study. 

Here are some key findings of the study: 

• A small proportion (two per cent of cases and one per cent of controls) had been hospitalised for COVID-19
  • Among these, two per cent of cases and one per cent of controls had a history of post-COVID-19 conditions at one month after COVID-19 diagnosis
• Nearly 10 per cent of the cases and four  per cent of the controls had a family history of sudden death
• About 27 per cent of cases and 19 per cent of controls were smokers
• Alcohol use was reported among 27 per cent of cases and 13 per cent of controls
  • Among these, almost seven per cent of the cases and a little over one per cent of the controls reported binge drinking 48 hours before death or interview
• Vigorous intensity physical activity in the past one year was reported by 18 per cent of cases and 17 per cent of controls 

A case-control study is designed typically to help find out if an exposure is associated with an outcome.