Hyperammonemia is a risk factor for poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19.

ABSTRACT

Objective. We analyzed clinical features and laboratory markers of COVID-19 patients according to favorable outcomes versus fatal outcomes. Material and methods. The medical history of 80 patients was analyzed 51 patients with favorable outcomes were included in group 1, 29 patients with a fatal outcome were included in group 2. Demographic data, duration of the disease, comorbid-ities, laboratory markers, and results of the instrumental studies were included. The ammonia level in the peripheral blood was de-termined by the express method using a PocketChem BA 4140 photometric portable analyzer. Results. Patients in group 2 were older (68+/-11 years) had hypertension stage 3 with high cardiovascular risk;every third had a history of myocardial infarction. At admission, patients from group 2 were most likely with febrile fever and high levels of inflammatory markers - predictors of a cytokine release syndrome. In addition, 71% of patients at admission had elevated ammonia levels. Hyperammonemia correlated with high ferritin levels, leukopenia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients, and lethal outcomes. Conclusions. The risks of poor COVID-19 outcomes are higher in comorbid patients of the older age group. Hyperammonemia may be one of the predictors of poor COVID-19 outcomes.Copyright © 2022, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.