George Washington (GW) University researchers have found five biomarkers associated with higher odds of clinical deterioration and death in COVID-19 patients.
A research team led by Dr. Shant Ayanian, an assistant professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences, evaluated 299 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted to GW Hospital between March 12 and May 9 (Future Medicine, July 17, 2020). More than two-thirds (200) of the patients had all five biomarkers evaluated: interleukin-6 (IL-6), D-dimer, C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and ferritin. Elevated levels of the biomarkers were associated with inflammation and bleeding disorder, showing an independent increased risk for intensive care unit admission, invasive ventilatory support, and death.
However, two biomarkers demonstrated the highest odds of death: when LDH was more than 1,200 units/L and D-dimer levels were greater than 3 µg/mL. Instead of determining COVID-19 deterioration and death risk solely by age and other factors, a blood test can support clinical decision-making, the group concluded.
