Narrative Review on the Significance of Ferritin, D-Dimer, and C-Reactive Protein in the Severity and Mortality of COVID-19 Patients

Ferritin, the principal intracellular iron-storage protein, performs multiple physiological functions in the human body, including a significant role in inflammatory processes. COVID-19 pathogenesis is marked by a profound inflammatory response and disruption of iron homeostasis. Patients with COVID-19 have consistently been reported with altered iron levels. In this literature review, we aim to examine the association of ferritin, along with D-dimer and C-reactive protein, with hospitalization, disease severity, and mortality in COVID-19 patients. As a primary biomarker, ferritin, particularly when evaluated in combination with the other markers, may play a crucial role in improving risk stratification and enabling timely clinical interventions to prevent progression to severe respiratory or systemic failure.