EVALUATION OF HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS IN PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 INFECTION – A TEACHING HOSPITAL EXPERIENCE

Abstract

Introduction - The mankind is facing a major pandemic seen in decades known as COVID-19 disease whose etiological agent is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2).[1] Haematological Parameters play a very important role in the management of the disease.[4] The present study was designed to evaluate the Haematological Parameters and assess any significant findings associated with the severity of COVID-19 disease. Methods – The COVID-19 RT-PCR confirmed cases were admitted in Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Memorial Hospital, Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India. Two groups were formed and admitted according to the severity of the disease and ICMR Guidelines. Asymptomatic and Mildly Symptomatic cases (ILI cases) were admitted in COVID ward while Severe cases presenting with SARI were admitted in ICU Ward. Haematological Parameters of both the groups from 1st June 2020 to 31st July 2020 were assessed and Biostatistical Analysis was done. Results – Total 87 RT-PCR COVID-19 confirmed cases were admitted with 67 admitted in COVID Isolation ward (Non- ICU) & 20 in ICU ward respectively. No gender differentiation was observed regarding COVID19 infection. Median age of admission is 41.2 years (± 15.5 years, n=87) with ICU admission at 52 years (± 13.9 years, n=20) and Non-ICU admission at 38 years (±14.4 years, n=67). Conclusion – Mean age of Hospitalization in COVID19 disease is 41.2 years ((±15.5, n=87) with ICU admission at 52 years (± 13.9, n=20) and Non-ICU admission at 38 years (±14.4 , n=67). Severity of COVID19 disease increases with senility and co-morbidities while high and/or increasing Total Leucocyte Count (TLC), Absolute Neutrophil Count (ANC), Absolute Monocyte Count (AMC) & low and/or decreasing Absolute Lymphocyte Count (ALC) are the most important Haematological Parameters for COVID-19 diagnosis, severity assessment, prognosis and management.