SEROLOGICAL BIOMARKERS IN PREDICTING THE SEVERITY ANDOUTCOMES OF COVID-19 PATIENTS

Biomarkers have always played a crucial role in clinical decision-making. The study aimed to identify the latest findings on the role of various biomarkers in assessing the severity and mortality of COVID-19 patients. To select bibliographic sources in advance, various filters were applied in more stages. Relevant information was collected, organized, evaluated, and summarized, emphasizing key aspects of the current understanding of biomarkers. Based on the search criteria, 275 articles focused on biomarkers' informative role. Elevated procalcitonin in COVID-19 patients is commonly used to assess disease severity and predict mortality. Monitoring C-reactive protein is crucial for early diagnosis, identifying severe cases, and ensuring appropriate management of COVID-19 patients, even prior to the progression of the disease and the onset of clinical and imaging manifestations. Serum levels of D-dimers and elevated lactate dehydrogenase activity are associated with the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection and are considered a valuable prognostic marker for mortality in this patient group. However, there is significant heterogeneity among studies regarding the association between D-dimer and COVID-19 outcomes, possibly due to variability in the accuracy and reliability of parameter measurements depending on the kit manufacturer. There is no consensus on the optimal value of the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio and its association with the severity and mortality of COVID-19 patients. In various studies, a neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio value of ≥ 6.0, ≥ 6.5, and ≥ 8 points have been associated with an increased 28-day mortality in COVID-19 patients.