Spectrum of Biochemical Derangements in Patients with Covid-19 Infection

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the biochemical derangements in COVID-19 patients according to disease severity. Place and Duration of Study: This Cross-Sectional Study was conducted at Chemical Pathology Department of Armed Forces Institute of Pathology, Rawalpindi from March to August 2021. Methodology: A total of 996 patients of age between 20 to 75 years admitted at Pak Emirates Military Hospital Rawalpindi with COVID-19 were selected and further categorized into mild, moderate, and severe groups. Serum samples were collected and analyzed for various biochemical parameters. A mean comparison of the results of these biochemical markers amongst three groups was carried out by applying a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), p value = 0.05 was statistically significant. Results: The values of total bilirubin, ALT, AST, CK, CK MB, troponin I, LDH, urea, creatinine, CRP, PCT, and ferritin increased with the severity of the disease. Whereas the values of albumin and total protein decreased with the severity of the disease. The difference in these parameters amongst all three groups was found to be statistically significant with p value <0.05. However, the values of GGT, total cholesterol, and TG were found non-significant amongst all three groups (p value>0.05). Conclusion: Derangement of biochemical parameters increased proportionately with the severity of the disease. Hence these markers can provide significant assistance to categorize patients into different severity groups as well as monitoring and prognosis of the disease. In this way, earlier and more accurate medical interventions can be provided to patients for a better outcome from this pandemic.