Analysis of clinical sign and symptoms and biochemical parameters of post-COVID patients

ABSTRACT

Objectives: This study aims to evaluate different clinical and blood biochemical characteristics of 100 post-COVID patients admitted in Department of Pulmonary Medicine MLN Medical College Prayagraj. Methods: In this single centre post-COVID observatory study, 100 patients were included and divided to mild, moderate and severe/critical groups. Their clinical sign and symptoms and blood biochemical markers were analyzed. Results: Our findings suggested that post-COVID patients had varying degree of breathlessness requiring specific oxygen therapy. Other clinical features include marked muscle weakness, lethargy, sleeplessness and forgetfulness. Majority of them had uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension in terms of co-morbidities. In blood biochemical characteristics we observed that majority of patients had raised levels of D-Dimer, S.ferritin, S.LDH, S.procalcitonin, ESR and CRP. Maximum of them had raised PT-INR, TLC, SGOT, SGPT, RBS, urea and creatinine level. Some of them also had electrolytes disturbances in terms of deranged sodium and potassium levels. Conclusion: POST- COVID patients had different clinical and blood biochemical characteristics which indicates multiple organ dysfunction. Severe patient's group had age > 50 years, co-morbidities in terms of uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension, markedly increased D-Dimer, S.LDH, S.ferritin, ESR, CRP, PTINR levels and deranged liver and kidney function of varying degrees. These blood biochemical indicators could reflect the severity of disease to a certain extent and should be considered in clinical management of the disease. Some of the parameters like D-Dimer, S.LDH, S.Procalcitonin, lymphopenia may also be a prognostic indicator.