Prognostic value of static and dynamic biomarkers in COVID-19 patients: a prospective cohort study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze in a prospective cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients the relationship between biomarkers levels and their variation within the first 4 days since admission, and prognosis. METHODS: Prospective cohort study. Individuals with confirmed diagnosis of covid-19 admitted in our hospital were included. Blood samples were obtained systematically on days 1 and 4 of hospitalization. Levels of RCP, LDH, Ferritin and D-dimer, together with platelets, lymphocytes and neutrophils counts were measured. A combined outcome that included ICU admission and death was considered the primary outcome. Logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: We included 335 patients with confirmed COVID-19. During their hospitalization, 23 (6.8%) needed ICU admission, and 10 (2.9%) died. In the multivariate analysis, a value of RCP greater than 10 mg/dl (OR 8.69, CI95% 1.45-52), an increase in RCP greater than 20% (OR 26.08, CI 95% 3.21-211.3), an increase in LDH greater than 20% (OR 6.29, CI 95% 1.84-21.44), a count of lymphocytes lower than 1500/mm3 (OR 2.74, CI 95% 1.04-7.23), a D-dimer value greater than 550 ng/ml (OR 9.8, CI 95% 1.78-53.9) and a neutrophil/lymphocyte index greater than 3(OR 4.5, CI 95% 1.43-14.19) were all associated with the primary outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that the utilization of static and dynamic biomarkers may represent an important tool to assess prognosis of COVID-19 patients.