Laboratory markers and image findings of a severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by the new coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2): what can we find?

Maikiane Aparecida Nascimento,Elorraine Coutinho Mathias Santos,Savyla Franciele Soares Silva,Rosana Brambilla Ederli,João Pedro Brambilla Ederli,Camila Aparecida Nunes De Albuquerque

doi:10.33448/rsd-v9i8.6399

Abstract

COVID-19 is an emerging infectious disease that represents a significant threat to public health worldwide. That indicates the need for adherence to public policies with preventive, control, and rapid and accurate diagnosis measures as part of the measures to contain the pandemic's advance. This study aimed to analyze the main laboratory findings of the respiratory syndrome caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 through a narrative review of the literature. The coronavirus viral RNA detection technique has been described as the principal methodology used for clinical diagnosis. Among the laboratory findings, lymphocytopenia decreased hemoglobin and serum albumin values, increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and C-Reactive Protein (CRP), increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were observed. D- dimer has been linked to poor prognosis in critically ill patients. In the current context, laboratory tests can contribute to the early identification of signs of severity and poor prognosis of the respiratory syndrome caused by the new SARS-CoV-2.

Highlights

In China, at the end of 2019, a small group of patients with pneumonia of unknown cause was reported
This study aimed to analyze the main laboratory findings of the respiratory syndrome caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 through a narrative review of the literature
The current context, laboratory tests can contribute to the early identification of signs of severity and poor prognosis of the respiratory syndrome caused by the new SARS-CoV-2

Summary

Introduction

In China, at the end of 2019, a small group of patients with pneumonia of unknown cause was reported. Laboratory tests allowed the isolation and sequencing of a virus that crossed the barrier among species, initiating infection among humans. The new virus, belonging to the Coronavirus family, was named SARS-CoV-2, more popularly known as COVID-19 (Zhu, et al, 2020). The definitive diagnosis depends on the collection of the material and the correct identification of the infectious agent. In this context, laboratory tests provide relevant information, helping in the correct diagnosis. This study aimed to analyze the primary laboratory markers and findings of the respiratory syndrome caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 through a narrative review of the literature

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Conclusion