Comparison between markers of coagulation dysfunction and inflammation in diabetic and non-diabetic COVID-19

ABSTRACT

Introduction: COVID-19, the ongoing pandemic has caused thousands of deaths. Diabetes mellitus is frequent comorbidity associated with severe COVID-19 infection and had a worse prognosis. Hypercoagulability and hyperinflammation had been a commonly demonstrated feature among the patients with COVID- 19. Materials and methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at SAIMS HOSPITAL, INDORE (M.P.) from July 2020 to September 2020. Patients were categorized into diabetics and non-diabetics based on ADA guidelines and clinical history. Results: The baseline characteristics of the two groups are comparable as shown in table. The box-plots of peak D-dimer levels in people with diabetes and people without diabetes are shown in figure. The relation between D-dimer levels in COVID-19 in people with diabetes and those without diabetes shows a significant difference t = 1.9715 (p value = 0.02). There is no significant elevation of inflammatory markers (CRP, IL- 6,S.Ferritin) in diabetic COVID-19 when compared to non-diabetics. Discussions These results show that the inflammatory and hypercoagulability markers significantly increase in a diabetic group of COVID-19 patients when compared to their non-diabetic counterparts. Various reports suggest that diabetes activate several pathways leading to T-cell differentiation, immune system imbalance, pro- and anti-inflammation imbalance Conclusion: Diabetes mellitus has been one of the most consistent risk factors for severe disease in patients with COVID-19 and uncontrolled hyperglycemia has been associated with poor outcomes and mortality.