DefinePK

Research Objective

To assess the variation of laboratory parameters in COVID-19 positive patients with different genders and age groups and to clarify the consequences of COVID-19 infection on different patients.

Methodology

Prospective study conducted at IHITC, Islamabad from May 20, 2021, to July 25, 2021. 222 participants (119 COVID positive cases and 103 COVID negative controls) had blood samples drawn for biochemical and hematological parameter analysis. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 20 with t-test for comparisons.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Participant Recruitment"] --> B["Blood Sample Collection"];
    B --> C["Biochemical & Hematological Analysis"];
    C --> D["Data Analysis SPSS, t-test"];
    D --> E["Interpretation of Results"];
    E --> F["Conclusion & Recommendations"];                    

Discussion

The study suggests that males and older individuals are more susceptible to COVID-19. Elevated levels of ALT, Urea, Ferritin, CRP, D-dimer, and altered WBC counts are associated with poor prognosis and disease severity. These parameters can serve as biomarkers for disease management and monitoring. The findings are supported by international studies highlighting the role of these biomarkers in inflammation, organ damage, and coagulopathy associated with COVID-19.

Key Findings

- ALT, Urea, Ferritin, CRP, and D-dimer were significantly elevated in COVID-19 positive patients compared to controls (p<0.001).
- Hematological parameters including WBC count and Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio were elevated, while Lymphocyte count was decreased in COVID-19 positive patients (p<0.001).
- Males and the elderly population were found to be more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2.
- Ferritin, D-dimer, and neutrophil mean values showed significant differences between males and females.

Conclusion

Males and the elderly population are more susceptible to COVID-19. Abnormal levels of laboratory parameters such as ALT, Urea, Ferritin, CRP, D-dimer, and differential leukocyte count are significantly associated with poor prognosis, disease staging, and therapeutic monitoring in COVID-19 patients.

Fact Check

- The study period was from May 20, 2021, to July 25, 2021. (Confirmed in text)
- A total of 222 participants were analyzed, with 119 COVID positive and 103 COVID negative. (Confirmed in text)
- ALT, Urea, Ferritin, CRP, and D-dimer were found to be elevated in COVID-19 positive patients with p<0.001. (Confirmed in text)

Mind Map