Chromogranin A plasma levels predict mortality in COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Chromogranin A (CgA) and vasostatin I (VS-I) are secreted by neuroendocrine cells and modulate stress responses.
• The role of CgA and VS-I in Coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19) has not been previously explored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between plasma CgA and VS-I levels and COVID-19 outcomes.
• To determine if CgA and VS-I can predict in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

• Plasma CgA and VS-I concentrations were measured in 190 COVID-19 patients and 40 healthy controls.
• Statistical analyses included Mann Whitney U test, Spearman correlation, Cox regression, and Kaplan Meier survival curves.
• The relationship between CgA/VS-I levels and patient demographics, comorbidities, disease severity, and mortality was assessed.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 patients exhibited significantly higher median plasma CgA and VS-I levels compared to healthy controls.
• Elevated CgA levels, but not VS-I, were significantly higher in non-survivors compared to survivors.
• CgA levels independently predicted in-hospital mortality, even after adjusting for clinical factors.

Conclusions:

• Plasma CgA levels are increased in patients with COVID-19.
• Elevated CgA serves as an early and independent predictor of in-hospital mortality in COVID-19 patients.