ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIM: In this study, we aimed to examine the changes in Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Ferritin, Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), D-Dimer and Systemic immune inflammation index (SII) parameters according to age and gender in patients with COVID-19 infection. METHODS: A total of 322 inpatients (Female: 180, Male: 142) who applied to Lokman Hekim University Ankara Hospital between March 2019 and August 2021 and had positive PCR tests were included in the study. The patients were divided into five age groups (1st group: 1-17 years;2nd group: 18-30 years;3rd group: 31-45 years;4th group: 46-60 years;5th group: 61-92 years). Laboratory results and demographic findings of PCR-positive patients were reviewed retrospectively. WBC, NLR, CRP, Ferritin, LDH, D-Dimer, SII values of the patients included in the study were examined in the study. RESULTS: When NLR, CRP, Ferritin, LDH, D-Dimer parameters were evaluated according to age groups, there was a significant difference (p<0.05). When the first and 2nd groups were compared, there was a significant difference in the D-dimer level. When the first and 3rd groups were compared, there was a significant difference in LDH, WBC, CRP levels. When the first and 4th groups were compared, there was a significant difference in the CRP levels. When the first and 5th groups were evaluated, a significant difference was observed in the levels of Ferritin, NLR, and CRP (p<0.05). When the correlations of NLR, CRP, Ferritin, LDH, D-Dimer values with respect to age were examined, CRP, LDH and Ferritin levels showed a moderate correlation (r=0.557, r=0.408, r=0.400, respectively);No correlation was observed in NLR, D-Dimer and WBC values. When evaluated according to gender, infection-related parameters (CRP, NLR, WBC and Ferritin) were found to be higher in males (p<0.05). When SII values were evaluated according to age and gender, no significant difference was observed (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Since inflammatory and prognostic markers vary in patients with COVID-19 infection, we think that it would be useful to evaluate WBC, NLR, CRP, Ferritin, LDH, D-Dimer parameters and demographic data together for the follow-up of infection.
ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate concordance between polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test results and early thorax computed tomography (CT) findings of the patients in whom coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was suspected after evaluation of their complaints and physical examination findings. Material and Methods: One hundred and fourteen patients with suspicion of COVID-19, evaluated for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) existence with PCR test and performed thorax CT in the first 48 hours, between April and July 2020, were enrolled in this study retrospectively. Demographic characteristics, laboratory parameters and thorax CT findings of PCR positive and negative patients were compared. If patients had negative PCR test results, but clinical suspicion for COVID-19 persisted, additional PCR samples were tested at 48-hour intervals. Results: Interlobular septal thickening was more frequent in PCR positive patients (p=0.043). There was no significant thorax CT finding in 16 (28.6%) PCR positive and 14 (24.1%) PCR negative patients. Bilateral, peripheral and multilobar ground glass opacifications, consolidation and interlobular septal thickening were the most frequent findings in both groups. Neutrophil (p<0.001) and platelet counts (p=0.038) were significantly lower in PCR positive group. Conclusion: The thorax CT findings of the patients whose PCR tests were positive or negative were greatly similar except for interlobular septal thickening, thus thorax CT should not be used alone in the diagnosis of COVID-19 especially in early stages. In decision making, symptoms, laboratory and CT findings and PCR tests of patients must be evaluated all together. © 2020, Duzce University Medical School. All rights reserved.