Ldh Ferritin & D-Dimer Levels as Predictor of Mortality in COVID-19 Patients

This single-center observational study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of LDH, Ferritin, and D-Dimer levels as early predictors of mortality in COVID-19 patients. Conducted at Dr. Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi, from April to December 2020, the study included 532 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses. Data were collected retrospectively following approval by the institutional ethics committee. Of the total patients, 408 (76.7%) with mild symptoms were admitted to the general ward, while 124 (23.3%) required intensive care. Among them, 150 patients (28.2%) died, and 382 (71.8%) were discharged home. Significant differences in biomarker levels were observed between survivors and non-survivors. The overall median (IQR) levels were LDH 434.00 (±328.75), Ferritin 765.50 (±1138.25), and D-Dimer 1564.00 (±5113.75). In discharged patients, median LDH was 389.00, Ferritin 622.50, and D-Dimer 1235.00, whereas in deceased patients, the corresponding values were 576.00, 1027.00, and 3885.50. Elevated LDH was found in 141 (94.0%, p=0.17), elevated Ferritin in 121 (80.7%, p=0.00), and elevated D-Dimer in 137 (91.3%, p=0.00). These findings suggest that elevated levels of LDH, Ferritin, and D-Dimer are significant indicators of disease severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients and should be monitored closely and managed proactively to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.