How do routine laboratory tests change in coronavirus disease 2019?

Area of Science:

• Clinical Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Laboratory Hematology

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health crisis.
• Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on routine laboratory parameters is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze changes in routine laboratory tests in COVID-19 patients.
• To identify laboratory markers associated with disease severity and ICU admission.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 555 COVID-19 patients' laboratory data.
• Comparison of laboratory values between non-ICU and ICU groups.
• Statistical analysis to determine risk factors and diagnostic parameters.

Main Results:

• ICU patients showed higher White Blood Cell (WBC), Neutrophil (NEU), and Procalcitonin (PCT) levels, and lower Lymphocyte (LYM), Red Blood Cell (RBC), and hemoglobin levels compared to non-ICU patients.
• Significant alterations in various biochemical, hematological, and inflammatory markers were observed in both groups.
• Low LYM count (lymphopenia) was a significant risk factor for ICU admission (OR: 125, AUC: 0.74).

Conclusions:

• Routine laboratory tests offer valuable insights into COVID-19 diagnosis and severity.
• Lymphopenia is a critical indicator of severe COVID-19 and warrants close monitoring.
• Laboratory parameters can aid in predicting patient outcomes and guiding clinical decisions.