The Association of Hematological and Biochemical Parameters With Mortality Among COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective

Asha K S1, Vandini Singh2, Yatiraj Singi3

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, Raipur, IND.

Cureus
|October 24, 2022
PubMed

Insights

This study analyzed COVID-19 patient outcomes in India, finding that elevated bilirubin, urea, uric acid, and leukocyte counts indicate a higher risk of death. Understanding these clinical and laboratory features can improve patient management strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Research
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Pathology

Background:

  • Previous Indian studies on COVID-19 patient demographics and outcomes were limited by small sample sizes.
  • A comprehensive understanding of COVID-19 disease progression and influencing factors in the Indian population is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the demographics, clinical characteristics, and laboratory parameters of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in India.
  • To identify factors associated with mortality and discharge among COVID-19 patients.
  • To correlate clinical and laboratory findings with COVID-19 patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective observational study was conducted using medical records of COVID-19 patients admitted to AIIMS, Raipur, India, between June 1 and August 31, 2021.
  • Data included demographics, symptoms, hospitalization duration, laboratory results, and outcomes (discharged or deceased).
  • Statistical analysis utilized chi-square or Fisher's exact tests, with significance set at p<0.05.

Main Results:

  • The study included patients with a mean age of 53.77 years; 84.2% had moderate to severe COVID-19.
  • Mortality rate was 26.3%, with 73.7% of patients discharged.
  • Significantly elevated levels of serum bilirubin, urea, uric acid, hematocrit, total leukocyte counts, neutrophils, sodium, chloride, and phosphate were observed in deceased patients compared to discharged patients.

Conclusions:

  • Clinical and laboratory features are indicative of COVID-19 disease pathophysiology and severity.
  • Identifying specific laboratory markers associated with poor outcomes can aid in developing clinical management algorithms.
  • Improved understanding of these factors can potentially enhance patient care and outcomes for COVID-19.