A retrospective observational study to compare LDH-to-lymphocyte ratio in critical and noncritical COVID-19 patients admitted in silchar Medical College, Assam;and to assess its utility in predicting the severity of infection

ABSTRACT

Background: As we all now aware of the fact that corona virus disease now has turned into a worst ever pandemic. The causative organism was identified as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the disease is called COVID 19 infection .Maximum number of published studies suggested that mortality is higher in those group of patients who develop severe form of the disease. Early identification and categorization of COVID-19 patients are required for timely intervention to reduce the mortality and morbidity. Our study may help in early identification and categorization of severe COVID-19 patients. Methodology and principle findings: 99 adult patients of COVID-19 infection diagnosed by RT-PCR methods were included as per the inclusion-exclusion criteria. 50 of them were included from COVID ward and 49 others from intensive care units (ICU) . Data of these patients were extracted from laboratory information system (LIS). Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level and absolute lymphocyte count(ALC) of these patients during admission was obtained, ratio calculated. Then the data was analyzed statistically to compare the changes in both groups. Our principle findings were initial serum LDH and LDH/ALC ratio was significantly higher in ICU patients than those who were admitted in ward. ALC was lower in ICU patients. In all the cases difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: LDH/ALC ratio on admission can be used as a sensitive prognostic marker in COVID-19 patients which can help in early identification of COVID patients who have potential risk to develop severe disease.