Cq values as an indicator for COVID-19 outcomes: A study of the correlation between laboratory parameters

The ongoing outbreak of the respiratory disease coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is currently presenting a major global health threat. This pandemic is unprecedented in recent human history. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between cycle quantitation (Cq) and laboratory parameters in COVID-19 patients, aiming to determine if Cq levels can provide valuable insights into the COVID-19 disease.

This study involved 234 participants who were divided into case and control groups. Real-time PCR tests were used to diagnose COVID-19 cases in the study participants. Blood tests, including complete blood count, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer, IgG, and IgM, were also conducted. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22 software.

The findings showed that COVID-19-positive cases had significantly higher levels of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), D-dimer, ESR, CRP, and LDH compared to normal cases. Additionally, the case group had significantly lower lymphocyte and platelet counts. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between Cq levels and lymphocyte count (r = .124, p = .014). Conversely, there was a statistically significant inverse correlation between Cq levels and NLR (r = -.208, p = .017). Furthermore, the evaluation of hematological, inflammatory, and biochemical indexes in COVID-19 patients using the receiver-operating characteristics curve demonstrated statistically appropriate sensitivity and specificity.

Our outcomes indicated a significant association between Cq levels and PLR, NLR, D-dimer, CRP, and ESR in COVID-19 patients. Consequently, including the report of laboratory parameters alongside Cq values offers a promising prognosis.