Hematological profile and biochemical markers of COVID-19 non-survivors: A retrospective analysis

Background Coronavirus disease is primarily transmitted through the respiratory route and bodily contact. The fatality in COVID-19 cases was alarming in the initial days. This study analyzes hematological and biochemical markers of COVID-19 non-survivors . Material and methods In this single-center study, records of 249 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 were studied for hematological profile and biochemical markers. Records of patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 disease hospitalized between April 14, 2020, to August 15, 2020, were included in the analysis. Results Significantly, the disease mortality was associated with increased procalcitonin ( P < 0.05), C-reactive protein ( P < 0.05), aspartate transaminase ( P < 0.05), serum potassium ( P < 0.05), neutrophils count ( P < 0.05), white blood cell count ( P < 0.05), prothrombin time ( P < 0.05) and activated prothrombin time ( P < 0.05) in patients reported abnormal x-ray findings. Further, patients with abnormal radiological findings significantly showed a reduced level of lymphocyte counts ( P < 0.05), oxygen saturation ( P < 0.05), and partial oxygen pressure ( P < 0.05). Reduced level of aspartate aminotransferase ( P < 0.05), alanine aminotransferase ( P < 0.05) and lactate dehydrogenase ( P < 0.05) reported significant association with mortality among patients with COVID-19. Conclusions The clinicians may consider the hematological and biochemical parameters in the patients with COVID-19 in future decision-making. These indicators might support clinical decisions to identify high fatality cases and poor diagnosis in the initial admission phase. In COVID-19 patients, we recommend close monitoring on procalcitonin, C-reactive protein, neutrophils count, and white blood cell count as a clinical indicator for potential progression to critical illness.