SARS-CoV-2 - a new challenge for laboratory medicine

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Immunology
• Infectious diseases

Background:

• COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, disproportionately affects the elderly and those with chronic conditions due to immunosenescence and inflammaging.
• Laboratory medicine is crucial for diagnosing COVID-19 and predicting its progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and evaluate biomarkers for predicting COVID-19 disease progression.
• To investigate the role of immunosenescence and inflammaging in severe COVID-19 outcomes.
• To explore potential diagnostic and prognostic markers for COVID-19.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of general inflammation biomarkers (CBC, CRP, IL-6, procalcitonin).
• Assessment of myocardial damage biomarkers (troponin I/T, BNP, NT-proBNP).
• Evaluation of vascular biomarkers (D-dimer, PT, fibrinogen).

Main Results:

• Several biomarkers of inflammation, myocardial damage, and vascular function show potential for predicting COVID-19 progression.
• General inflammation markers, cardiac biomarkers, and coagulation markers are being investigated.
• Specific biomarkers for immunosenescence require further identification and evaluation.

Conclusions:

• Biomarkers related to inflammation, cardiac function, and coagulation are promising for predicting COVID-19 severity.
• Validation of these biomarkers in larger cohorts is essential.
• Further research into specific immunosenescence biomarkers is critical for a comprehensive understanding of COVID-19 pathogenesis.