Research Into the Differences and Clinical Diagnostic Importance of Different Ct Values in COVID-19 Patients of Different Age, Albumin, Lactate Dehydrogenase, and Lymphocyte Percentages

Introduction: This study aims to investigate the differences and clinical diagnostic importance of different Ct (cycle threshold) values in COVID-19 patients of different age, albumin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and lymphocyte percentage (LYM%).

Methods: A total of 2836 patients confirmed with COVID-19 in our Hospital between January 1 and May 30, 2023 were divided into the high Ct value (34.21–40.00), the medium Ct value (26.51–34.21), and the low Ct value groups (0.00–26.51) using the interquartile method against the negative (control group).

Results: Significant differences were observed in clinical indicators between the middle Ct group and the control group; however, no significant differences were noted between the middle and high Ct groups. In the high Ct group, notable disparities in albumin and LDH were found compared to the control. The low Ct group exhibited significant differences from the high Ct group regarding age and LYM%. Furthermore, age was significantly different within the low Ct group when compared to the middle one. Nonetheless, no significant variations in LDH were detected between the low Ct group and the control.

Conclusion: People over 59 years old are at an elevated risk for higher viral loads and increased susceptibility to COVID-19 infection. Albumin and LYM% serve as protective factors against this disease. Age, albumin, and LYM% demonstrate favorable predictive values for distinguishing individuals within the low Ct category from other groups.