Validation of parameters at the time of admission in covid-19 patients: a retrospective study

Background: The morbidity and mortality in COVID-19 positive cases has been associated with changes or fluctuations in inflammatory markers. However, the predictive power of each of these indicators in disease classification and prognosis remains largely unclear. Objectives: To validate the laboratory parameters at the time of admission in prognosis of the disease and also assess its relevance in short term mortality. Methods: We retrospectively collected information on the below parameters in 182 patients with COVID-19 classified them into survivors and non-survivors. Parameters such as Neutrophil/Lymphocyte ratio(NLR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Ferritin, D-Dimer, Liver function tests, COVID-19 RT-PCR Cycle Threshold (CT) score and Computed Tomography (CT) scan lung involvement were studied among both the group at the time of admission and its influence in mortality was studied. Results: NLR, CRP, D-Dimer and CT score were significantly raised in survivors compared to non-survivors. NLR was the most significant indicator and can be considered as an early warning signal to differentiate critically ill from moderate or mild illness. Conclusions: NLR at the time of admission can be used as a predictor for the assessment of severity of infection in remote areas.