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Published on: April 21, 2015
Association of human myxovirus resistance protein A with severity of COVID-19
Otto Lehtinen1, Niklas Broman2, Matti Waris3
1Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Clinical Allergology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
Background:
In this retrospective cohort study, we explored the correlation of blood human myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) level with severity of disease in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Methods:
All 304 patients admitted for COVID-19 in our hospital until 30th of April 2021 were included in this study. MxA was measured from peripheral blood samples in 268 cases. Patients were divided into groups based on their level of MxA on admission. We studied baseline characteristics and severity of disease on admission based on clinical parameters and inflammatory biomarker levels in each group. Severity of disease during hospitalization was determined by the applied level of respiratory support, by the usage of corticosteroids and by the duration of hospitalization.
Results:
Higher MxA levels on admission were associated with a shorter duration of symptoms before admission, and with more severe disease. Adjusted Odds Ratios for any respiratory support were 9.92 (95%CI 2.11-46.58; p = 0.004) in patients with MxA between 400 μg/L and 799 μg/L (p = 0.004) and 20.08 (95%CI 4.51-89.44; p < 0.001) in patients with MxA ≥ 800 μg/L in comparison with patients with initial MxA < 400 μg/L. The usage of corticosteroids was significantly higher in the high-MxA group (77%) in comparison with the intermediate-MxA group (62%, p = 0.013) and low-MxA group (47%, p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
Higher initial levels of MxA were associated with more severe COVID-19. MxA may be a helpful additional biomarker to predict the severity of the disease.
Insights
Higher blood levels of human myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) correlate with increased COVID-19 severity and greater need for respiratory support. MxA may serve as a valuable biomarker for predicting disease progression in hospitalized patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- COVID-19 is a significant global health concern.
- Understanding biomarkers for disease severity is crucial for patient management.
- Human myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) is an interferon-induced protein with antiviral activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between blood MxA levels and COVID-19 severity.
- To determine if MxA can serve as a predictive biomarker for disease progression.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of 304 hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
- MxA levels measured in peripheral blood samples.
- Patients grouped by MxA levels; clinical parameters and inflammatory biomarkers assessed.
Main Results:
- Higher MxA levels correlated with shorter symptom duration and more severe disease.
- Significantly increased odds of requiring respiratory support in patients with elevated MxA.
- Higher MxA levels were associated with increased corticosteroid use.
Conclusions:
- Elevated initial MxA levels are linked to increased COVID-19 severity.
- MxA shows potential as an additional biomarker for predicting disease severity.
