The Role of Haematological and Biochemical Parameters for Diagnosis and Management of COVID-19 Patients

ABSTRACT

Introduction: COVID-19 Pandemic has affected the Healthcare System adversely. It should be diagnosed early to prevent mortality and morbidity. Thus various Haematological and Biochemical markers can be used specially in developing countries where clinicians have limited access to Molecular Diagnostic Technique. Aim and objectives: The study aims to observe the role of haematological and biochemical parameters in diagnosing as well as predicting the prognosis along the course of the disease. Material and methods: Retrospective study performed in Department of Pathology from April, 2021 to May, 2021 on 200 COVID-19 positive patients. The tests were conducted using the Haematological and Biochemistry Auto analysers. Results: Out of 200 Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) positive COVID-19 patients analysis of Haematological Parameters showed Leucocytosis, Neutrophilia, Lymphopenia and Eosinopenia. Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio and Systemic Inflammatory Index were also found to be elevated in comparison to the control cases. Statistically significant difference was observed in Total Leucocyte Count, Absolute Neutrophil Count, Absolute Lymphocyte Count, Kidney Function Tests (KFT) and Liver Function Tests (LFT) between severe and non severe cases. Biochemical parameters were found to be more elevated in severe cases. C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels >50 mg/dl and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) levels >1000U/L were found only in severe cases. Conclusion: Haematological and Biochemical Markers being easily available and reliable can be utilised as useful prognosticator for early prediction of disease. Elevated Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio, Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio and Systemic Inflammatory Index can be useful in diagnosing COVID-19 especially when clinical suspicion is present despite negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) reports