Evaluation of biochemical and hematological parameters as prognostic markers in COVID-19

ABSTRACT Background: A retrospective analysis study was undertaken in a tertiary care hospital in Northern India to evaluate the prognostic role of various biochemical and hematological parameters in COVID-19. Objectives: To study the prognostic role of analytes such as D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), various blood counts such as neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil, and platelet counts along with certain ratios such as neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and white blood count to neutrophil ratio (WNR) in predicting the severity and outcome of COVID-19 disease. Materials and Methods: The study cases were divided into severe and non-severe categories. Depending upon the clinical outcome, the severe cases were further segregated into Group A (severe, expired) and Group B (severe, discharged). The discharged patients who had mild to moderate disease were clubbed together into Group C (non-severe, discharged). The study parameters were documented from routine clinical workup. Mean values were calculated in each category. Intra-category and inter-category comparisons were performed using the chi-square test. Analysis was conducted using SPSS software. Results: Rising levels of parameters such as D-dimer, CRP, NLR, WNR, neutrophil, and monocyte counts and falling levels of platelet, lymphocyte, and eosinophil counts are markers of poor prognosis and point to a deteriorating clinical condition in COVID-19 disease. Conclusion: Careful monitoring of the above mentioned parameters can help clinicians in the differentiation and segregation of patients who require intensive therapy vs. those who do not.