Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 1, 2025
Digital PCR for Quantifying Circulating MicroRNAs in Acute Myocardial Infarction and Cardiovascular Disease
Published on: July 3, 2018
A cohort study of 676 patients indicates D-dimer is a critical risk factor for the mortality of COVID-19
Yongsheng Huang1, Xiaoyu Lyu2, Dan Li3
1School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
Insights
Elevated D-dimer levels at admission are a significant predictor of mortality in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. This finding suggests D-dimer can aid in managing COVID-19 mortality risk.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomarkers
Background:
- Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic with limited understanding of mortality risk factors.
- Prognostic potential of clinical markers for COVID-19 mortality requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and analyze risk factors associated with COVID-19 mortality.
- To evaluate the prognostic potential of specific biomarkers in predicting COVID-19 patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 676 COVID-19 patients (140 non-survivors, 536 survivors).
- Comparison of admission levels for D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and procalcitonin (PCT) between survivors and non-survivors.
- Dynamic tracking of biomarker levels post-admission.
Main Results:
- Significantly higher D-dimer, CRP, LDH, and PCT levels were observed in non-survivors upon admission.
- D-dimer levels showed a continuous increase in non-survivors, unlike CRP, LDH, and PCT.
- D-dimer demonstrated the highest C-index for predicting in-hospital mortality, with levels ≥0.5 mg/L associated with increased mortality risk (HR: 4.39).
Conclusions:
- D-dimer is a potent predictor of mortality in COVID-19 patients.
- Elevated D-dimer levels at admission can inform patient management strategies for COVID-19.
Abstract:
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has recently become a public emergency and a worldwide pandemic. However, the information on the risk factors associated with the mortality of COVID-19 and of their prognostic potential is limited. In this retrospective study, the clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome data were collected and analyzed from 676 COVID-19 patients stratified into 140 non-survivors and 536 survivors. We found that the levels of Dimerized plasmin fragment D (D-dimer), C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), procalcitonin (PCT) were significantly higher in non-survivals on admission (non-survivors vs. survivors: D-Dimer ≥ 0.5 mg/L, 83.2% vs. 44.9%, P<0.01; CRP ≥10 mg/L, 50.4% vs. 6.0%, P<0.01; LDH ≥ 250 U/L, 73.8% vs. 20.1%, P<0.01; PCT ≥ 0.5 ng/ml, 27.7% vs. 1.8%, P<0.01). Moreover, dynamic tracking showed D-dimer kept increasing in non-survivors, while CRP, LDH and PCT remained relatively stable after admission. D-dimer has the highest C-index to predict in-hospital mortality, and patients with D-dimer levels ≥0.5 mg/L had a higher incidence of mortality (Hazard Ratio: 4.39, P<0.01). Our study suggested D-dimer could be a potent marker to predict the mortality of COVID-19, which may be helpful for the management of patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
01:29Pulmonary Embolism II: Diagnostic Studies and Interprofessional Care
01:18Anticoagulant Drugs: Vitamin K Antagonists and Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Warfarin, a prominent vitamin K antagonist family member, exerts its effect by inhibiting the enzyme VKORC1 (vitamin K epoxide reductase complex 1). By hindering this enzyme, warfarin...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
01:20Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies