COVID-19 Study of biochemical haematological parameters in patients dying from COVID-19 in a tertiary care centre

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a death of 419 patients among total admissions of 10682 with a death rate of 3.92% in the tertiary care COVID-19 hospital. We studied the biochemical and hematological parameters among 241 patients who died of the disease. CRP values were raised above 12mg/L in 58% of patients. 83% of patients had elevated LDH levels of >250 IU/L. Procalcitonin levels were above 0.5 microgram/L in nearly 66% of patients. Serum ferritin was more than 500 micrograms/L in 51% of patients. Elevated IL-6 were found in 83% of patients making it a significant inflammatory parameters. D-dimer levels were more than 500ng/ml in 74% of patients. HS Troponin I was raised in 83% of patients. Leukocytosis of more than 11000/Cu mm was seen in 38%. Leukopenia was seen in 35%. Thrombocytopenia was seen in 27% and normal platelet count was seen in 62%. Biochemical parameters help in assessing the severity of inflammation in COVID-19 disease. They aid in the process of treatment particularly anticoagulants and corticosteroid. Specific parameters like IL-6 can help in decision making by treating physician regarding the use of anti IL-6 drugs like Tocilizumab. Elevated HS troponin I in our study showed myocardial injury played a significant role in mortality of COVID 19 patients at our centre.