C-reactive protein as an early marker of severity and outcome in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection

ABSTRACT

Background Infection with SARS-CoV-2 is a leading source of illness and death in the world. Millions of people contract SARS-CoV-2 every day as the incidence of infection rises. The mortality rate is mostly attributed to respiratory failure. Many studies have been carried out to identify biomarkers that can be used in the early detection of at-risk patients. CRP is a sensitive inflammatory biomarker;however, it can be measured by simple, inexpensive methods that are widely available in hospitals. Therefore, it was selected for this clinical trial. Methods This retrospective cohort analysis included 100 patients who were accepted to El-Obour Ain Shams University Specialized Hospital for Isolation between May and October 2020. Admission CRP was investigated, and data were analyzed in relation to severity and mortality. Results Regarding history, older patients or those who had been diagnosed with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, chronic hepatic diseases, or active cancer have been statistically more prone to mortality. Concerning the laboratory investigations, those who did not survive had significantly lower haemoglobin levels and a higher TLC count. In addition, serum ferritin and D-dimer levels were significantly higher in the non-survivors. As regards CRP, the non-survivor group had significantly higher levels, with a cutoff value of >129 mg/l to predict mortality. It has also been correlated with severity in terms of need for ICU admission and need for respiratory support, with a cutoff value of >55.3 mg/L. Conclusion CRP can be used as a prognostic biomarker in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection as it is a simple and effective predictor.