CA 15-3 prognostic biomarker in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Oncology
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Lung involvement severity is a key prognostic factor in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.
• Carbohydrate antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3) is a marker for lung damage and fibrosis.
• CA 15-3 may predict prognosis in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prognostic value of CA 15-3 in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.
• To assess the correlation between CA 15-3 levels and in-hospital complications.
• To determine if CA 15-3 can predict severe outcomes in COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective observational study of 539 patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.
• Analysis of blood samples for CA 15-3, IL-6, CRP, D-dimer, troponin T, and NT-ProBNP.
• Registration of in-hospital complications: death, intensive care admission, and oxygen therapy at discharge.

Main Results:

• CA 15-3 levels correlated with male sex, older age, and other severity markers (IL-6, CRP, D-dimer, troponin T, NT-ProBNP).
• Elevated CA 15-3 was significantly higher in patients who died, required intensive care, or were discharged on oxygen.
• CA 15-3 levels above 34.5 U/mL strongly predicted death (aOR 3.74) and intensive care needs (aOR 4.56).

Conclusions:

• CA 15-3 concentration reflects lung damage and fibrosis in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.
• CA 15-3 serves as a valuable biomarker for early identification of high-risk patients.
• This marker can aid in predicting complicated in-hospital courses and guiding clinical management.