Persistence of Abnormal Inflammatory and Coagulation Laboratory Tests in Critically-ill COVID-19 Survivors: Case Series

Abstract

Aim: In this study, the aim was to evaluate the persistence of abnormalities in laboratory variables regarding inflammation and coagulation during the recovery process of the critically-ill COVID-19 patients. Materials and methods: Medical records of patients who were treated for COVID-19 in our intensive care unit (ICU) were examined retrospectively. Baseline characteristics and latest abnormal test result dates for lymphocyte counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ferritin, fibrinogen and D-dimer levels from the first day of ICU admission were noted. Results: In total, 15 patients were enrolled in the final analysis. Overall median value (Interquartile range) for the latest abnormal test result dates from the first day of ICU admission and the ratio of patients with abnormal test results after hospital discharge were 11 (7.5-17) days and 7.7% for lymphocyte count, 15 (8-20) days and 20% for LDH, 15 (10.5-40) days and 30% for CRP, 15.5 (10.3-30.3) days and 25% for ferritin, 17 (12-95.5) days and 50% for fibrinogen, and 28 (18-68.5) days and 71.4% for D-dimer. Conclusion: In critically-ill COVID-19 survivors, abnormality of laboratory tests regarding inflammation and coagulopathy persists after hospital discharge and even after 90 days after ICU admission which suggests the probability of sustained risk for multi-organ damage and thromboembolic events.