Published Paper Details:

Background: Research on COVID-19 acute phase reactants is still important today since it helps with early diagnosis, determining the severity of the illness, and assessing the efficacy of treatment. Critical information about the course and prognosis of the disease can be gained by analyzing the inflammatory response using acute phase reactants such as serum amyloid Acute phase proteins and C-reactive protein. Severe outcomes in COVID-19 individuals have been associated with higher acute phase reactants, lymphopenia, and neutrophil counts. By keeping an eye on these indicators, medical staff can enhance patient care, more efficiently use resources, and possibly even identify patients who are more likely to experience difficulties. All of these things can lead to better clinical outcomes and public health initiatives. Method: The study analyzed data from 200 hospitalized COVID-19 patients at an academic tertiary care hospital between August 2020 and June 2022. It focused on investigating various blood parameters, including C-reactive protein, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), procalcitonin, and albumin. Inclusion criteria comprised patients with positive COVID-19 RT-PCR results and complete lab records, while exclusion criteria included negative RT-PCR results, incomplete records, hospital stays less than one week, and patient transfers. Result: In our study of 200 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were elevated in 179 (89.5%) patients, with 147 (90.74%) in wards and 32 (84.21%) in ICU. Procalcitonin levels were elevated in 51 (51.51%) patients overall, with 29 (40.85%) in wards and 22 (78.57%) in ICU. Ferritin levels were elevated in 94 (46.5%) patients, with 65 (40.12%) in wards and 28 (73.69%) in ICU. Elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was found in 110 (55%) patients, with 83 (51.23%) in wards and 27 (71.05%) in ICU. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was high in 128 (64%) patients, with 102 (62.96%) in wards and 26 (68.42%) in ICU. Decreased albumin levels were observed in 44 patients, with 24 (14.82%) in wards and 20 (52.63%) in ICU. Conclusion: Acute phase reactants like CRP, procalcitonin, ferritin, LDH, ESR, and albumin significantly influence COVID-19 progression, severity, and prognosis. Elevated CRP, procalcitonin, ferritin, LDH, ESR, and decreased albumin levels are strongly linked to disease severity and mortality. ICU patients exhibit more pronounced alterations in these markers compared to ward patients, aiding in severity prediction. Increased alterations in acute phase reactants are observed in deceased patients versus recovered ones, facilitating progression and prognosis prediction. Testing for these markers upon hospital admission in suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases offers valuable prognostic insights. Utilizing acute phase reactants as predictive measures can enhance clinical management in COVID-19 patients. Keywords: COVID 19; Acute phase reactants; ICU; C Reactive Protein; Ferritin; Procalcitonin; LDH; ESR