Evaluation of Hematological, Coagulation and Inflammatory Parameters in COVID 19 in a Tertiary Care Setting of Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Objective: COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2. Although pulmonary manifestations have been identified as the major symptoms, several hematological abnormalities play a vital role in disease treatment and monitoring. This study summarizes the hematological abnormalities (platelets, white blood cells, hemoglobin, coagulation alterations) as well as changes in inflammatory markers. Study Design And Setting: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted among PCR positive COVID-19 patients. The study was conducted at pathology department of CMH Malir between Aug 2021 and Jan 2022. Methodology: All the individuals with positive real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results were involved in the study. One hundred and twenty six COVID-19 patients were included using convenience sampling. Six ml venous blood was collected and analyzed. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Results: Among 126 patients different hematological and inflammatory parameters were noted. Significantly raised CRP, ESR in 96.8% and 92.9 % were noted respectively. Other parameters like raised D-dimers was found in 60.3 %, leukocytosis 65.1%, neutrophilia in 62.7 %. Significantly elevated neutrophil lymphocyte ratio was seen in 62 % of patients. Parameters like anemia and prolonged PT / APTT were not significant. Conclusion: The study concluded that CRP, ESR, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, elevated Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio and D-dimers are significantly raised among serious patients with COVID-19 disease and can be used as monitoring, prognosis and severity index.