The Relationship Between Inflammatory Indicators and the Severity of the Disease in Coronavirus Disease

Abstract

Objective: The complete blood count parameters and biochemical biomarkers important for the follow-up of patients in the inflammatory process of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) inpatients in the ward, and intensive care were analysed retrospectively. Materials and Methods: One hundred thirty inpatients in the intensive care and 147 inpatients in the COVID-19 ward were included in this study. Additionally, 47 healthy people were added as a control group. Whole blood parameters [white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte, monocytes, platelet, neutrophil, monocyte/ lymphocyte (MLR), neutrophil/lymphocyte (NLR)], ferritin, C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, erythrocyte sedimentation ratio (ESR) and albumin values of these patients and individuals were analyzed retrospectively. Obtained laboratory values were compared. Results: The procalcitonin, CRP, ESR, WBC, neutrophil, NLR, MLR, ferritin and procalcitonin values of the patients the intensive care patients were higher than the other two groups (p<0.001). However, the albumin and lymphocyte levels of the patients in the intensive care unit were lower (p<0.001). Additionally, the CRP and ESR values of the inpatients in the ward were higher than those in the control group (p<0.001). Conclusion: Hematological findings such as lymphocytes, NLR, WBC and inflammatory findings such as procalcitonin, ESR, CRP, and ferritin are associated with disease severity. Additionally, increased NLR levels may indicate aggravation of the inflammatory process and the possibility of intensive care admission. Therefore, monitoring of inflammatory findings, and NLR, can help predict and treat the prognosis of COVID-19.