Role of C-reactive protein, serum ferritin, albumin, and lactate dehydrogenase in hospitalized coronavirus disease-19 infected patients - A study in tertiary care coronavirus disease-19 center in Eastern India

Abstract

Background: Acute phase reactants such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum ferritin are elevated in acute inflammatory conditions and albumin acts a negative acute phase reactant. Studies have also shown that CRP, serum ferritin, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels are increased and albumin level decreased in coronavirus disease (COVID-19) patients. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to know whether there is any change in CRP, serum ferritin, and albumin and LDH level in moderate-to-severe hospitalized COVID patients. Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 50 adult symptomatic hospitalized COVID-19 infected patients 18 years of age or older diagnosed by Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Patients already diagnosed with anemia, thalassemia, and liver disease and receiving treatment were excluded from the study. CRP, LDH, and parameters of Liver function test were measured by commercial kits in fully automated Biochemistry Analyzer (ERBA XL 640). Ferritin analysis was performed by Siemens Advia Centaur XP (CLIA method). Results: Mean value for CRP, albumin, LDH, and ferritin was 47.43 ± 40.51 mg/L, 3.21± 0.68g/dl, 1281.86 ± 799.95 U/L, and 683.89 ± 503.21 ng/ml, respectively. Conclusion: CRP and serum ferritin along with LDH are markedly raised and albumin is decreased in moderate to severe COVID infected patients.