Assessment of erythrocyte osmotic fragility in male and female COVID-19 patients

Objectives: At the end of December 2019, coronavirus disease (COVID-19) emerged as a global health concern, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study aimed to evaluate the osmotic fragility of red blood cells in male and female COVID-19 patients. Material and Methods: A total of 65 individuals with pneumonia confirmed by computed tomography and SARS-CoV-2 infection (positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]) were included, along with 23 healthy controls. Participants were divided into two groups: 30 females and 35 males. Results: The results showed a significantly higher percentage of red blood cell hemolysis in patients compared to controls. Increased hemolysis may contribute to elevated hemolysis and ferritin levels and other physiological changes, potentially influencing disease pathogenesis and prognosis. Conclusion: These findings suggest that red blood cell abnormalities may play a critical role in the pathophysiology of COVID-19.