Blood test may predict COVID-19 patients at high risk for poor outcomes

Editor's Note

Researchers at George Washington University, Washington DC, have found five biomarkers in blood of COVID-19 patients that are associated with higher odds of clinical deterioration and death.

The research team analyzed 299 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who were admitted to George Washington University Hospital. Of these, 200 had elevated levels of all five biomarkers—interleukin 6 (IL-6), D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and ferritin).

At a median follow-up of 8 days, 69 (23%) patients were transferred to the ICU, 39 (13%) required intubation, and 71 (23%) died.

The highest odds of death occurred when the LDH level was greater than 1200 U/L and the D-dimer level was greater than 3µg/mL.

These biomarkers of inflammation and coagulopathy can assist in identifying hospitalized COVID-19 patients at risk for clinical deterioration, the researchers say.