Can affinity of hemoglobin to oxygen to be a prognostic marker in critically ill COVID-19 patients?

Background: This study's objective is to determine the slope of the hemoglobin oxygen dissociation curve in critically ill patients who have COVID-19 along with blood gas measurements and how mortality might be impacted by this circumstance. Aim: It has been reported that the hemoglobin oxygen dissociation curve is not different from healthy patients in COVID-19. However, there are insufficient data on the behavior of the curve in patients who require intensive care. Patients and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between 01.03.2021 and 01.07.2021 with patients who were followed up due to COVID-19 in adult intensive care unit. P50 and lactate value obtained from in vitro calculated blood gas analysis. The survival status of the patients was recorded. Results: The mean P50 value at the admission of nonsurvivors was significantly higher than survivors. In correlation analysis, a significant positive correlation was seen between P50, mortality, and lactate level at admission. SpO2, PaO2/FiO2 ratio, and length of stay in intensive care unit were significantly negatively correlated with P50 levels. Conclusion: A right shift in the hemoglobin oxygen dissociation curve is associated with mortality. Lactate levels were also associated with a right shift. Prospective experimental studies are needed to provide a better understanding of this process.

The relationship between immature granulocyte count and mortality in ARDS Due to COVID-19.

Background: Acute phase reactants and inflammation biomarkers such as ferritin, procalcitonin, C-reactive protein (CRP), and complete blood count parameters (White blood cell, platelet count) are usually used to evaluate and monitor the disease severity and treatment response of systemic inflammatory diseases. In addition to these parameters, Immature granulocytes (IG) that increase during systemic infection, hematological malignancy, and drug treatments (such as chemotherapy and glucocorticoids) are important parameters for evaluating systemic inflammation. The sensitivity and specificity of IG are as high as the abovementioned inflammatory biomarkers for monitoring disease severity and treatment response. Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the relationship between IG count and the need for mechanical ventilation and mortality in patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Patients and Methods: The medical records of the 401 patients who were followed up in the ICU due to COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome between October 2020 and February 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. On the day of admission to the ICU complete blood count (CBC), arterial blood gas analysis, coagulation parameters (fibrinogen, D-dimer) are recorded. CRP, procalcitonin, and ferritin levels are also recorded at the day of admission. During the follow-up period, the survival status and mechanical ventilation status of the patients were recorded and the relation between IG count and these parameters was evaluated. Results: The mean IG at the admission was 0.2 ± 0.4 109/L. The IG level of the intubated patients at the time of intubation was 0.3 ± 0.5 109/L. There was a significant positive correlation between mortality and IG levels at admission and at the time of intubation (IG admission; P = 0.001, r = 0.347 and IG at intubation; P = 0.001, r = 0.228). Conclusion: IG levels in CBC data could be a potential practical biomarker. This issue requires further research and the development of therapies targeting IG cells is needed.