Abstract
AbstractObjectivesCOVID-19 is an ongoing global pandemic. There is an urgent need for identification and understanding of clinical and laboratory parameters related to progression towards a severe and fatal form of this illness, often preceded by a so-called cytokine-storm syndrome (CSS). Therefore, we explored the hemocytometric characteristics of COVID-19 patients in relation to the deteriorating clinical condition CSS, using the Sysmex XN-10 hematology analyzer.MethodsFrom March 1st till May 16th, 2020, all patients admitted to our hospital with respiratory complaints and suspected for COVID-19 were included (n=1,140 of whom n=533 COVID-19 positive). The hemocytometric parameters of immunocompetent cells in peripheral blood (neutrophils [NE], lymphocytes [LY] and monocytes [MO]) obtained upon admission to the emergency department (ED) of COVID-19 positive patients were compared with those of the COVID-19 negative ones. Moreover, patients with CSS (n=169) were compared with COVID-19 positive patients without CSS, as well as with COVID-19 negative ones.ResultsIn addition to a significant reduction in leukocytes, thrombocytes and absolute neutrophils, it appeared that lymphocytes-forward scatter (LY-FSC), and reactive lymphocytes (RE-LYMPHO)/leukocytes were higher in COVID-19-positive than negative patients. At the moment of presentation, COVID-19 positive patients with CSS had different neutrophils-side fluorescence (NE-SFL), neutrophils-forward scatter (NE-FSC), LY-FSC, RE-LYMPHO/lymphocytes, antibody-synthesizing (AS)-LYMPHOs, high fluorescence lymphocytes (HFLC), MO-SSC, MO-SFL, and Reactive (RE)-MONOs. Finally, absolute eosinophils, basophils, lymphocytes, monocytes and MO-FSC were lower in patients with CSS.ConclusionsHemocytometric parameters indicative of changes in immunocompetent peripheral blood cells and measured at admission to the ED were associated with COVID-19 with and without CSS.
Highlights
IntroductionMartens et al.: Hemocytometric parameters at presentation in SARS-CoV-2 or mild symptoms, some patient groups, in particular, older patients and those with chronic underlying conditions may have a worse outcome [1]
COVID-19 is a still ongoing global pandemic
All patients admitted to Zuyderland Medical Center (ZMC) suspected for COVID-19 were retrospectively registered in the ZuyderLand COVId-19 regiStry (ELVIS)
Summary
Martens et al.: Hemocytometric parameters at presentation in SARS-CoV-2 or mild symptoms, some patient groups, in particular, older patients and those with chronic underlying conditions may have a worse outcome [1]. These patients often have a clinical constellation including respiratory failure, cytokine storm syndrome (CSS) and eventually death [2]. CSS is an uncontrolled increase of the inflammatory response, usually occurring after 7–10 days of relatively mild, stable disease [3, 4] It may be characterized by excessive stimulation of cytokine release, and activation of macrophages, complement-, coagulation- and fibrinolytic pathways [5]. Identification and treatment of CSS is of utmost importance because it can lead to a reduction in mortality [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
