# Analysis of Variants' Dynamic Using the CLIMB Database in COVID‐19 Patients Admitted to Hospitals of Barts Health NHS Trust

## TL;DR

This study examines how SARS-CoV-2 variants, including the alpha variant, affect patient outcomes in a UK hospital system during the early pandemic.

## Contribution

The study uses the CLIMB database to analyze variant dynamics and clinical outcomes, emphasizing the importance of age adjustment in variant impact assessments.

## Key findings

- Mortality rates increased significantly with age for both alpha and other SARS-CoV-2 lineages.
- Adjusting for age and comorbidities is crucial for accurate assessment of variant impacts.
- Genomic sequencing and data completeness are vital for reliable pandemic insights.

## Abstract

The COVID‐19 pandemic, caused by SARS‐CoV‐2, has led to significant global health challenges. This study analyzes the dynamics of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants among patients admitted to Barts Health National Health Service (NHS) Trust hospitals using data from the CLIMB‐COVID decentralized digital infrastructure allowing precise identification of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. A total of 423 patients admitted between October 2020 and March 2021 were included in the study and divided into two groups: the alpha lineage group, which comprised the B.1.1.7 variant, and the other lineages group, which included all other variants. Whole‐genome sequencing of SARS‐CoV‐2 genomes was conducted using the COVID‐CLIMB pipelines. Clinical outcomes, such as mortality rates and deterioration within 28 days, were analyzed. To ensure robust findings, analyzes were adjusted for confounding factors, including age and comorbidities. Our findings revealed a significant increase in mortality with age for the alpha lineage and other lineages. The study underscores the importance of age adjustment in clinical studies to accurately assess the impact of different variants. Consistent genomic sequencing and data completeness are crucial for obtaining reliable results and guiding public health responses. These insights are vital for improving patient outcomes and providing a truthful picture of the pandemic, informing both current and future healthcare strategies.