COVID-19.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a pandemic infection that emerged in December 2019 leading to an outbreak worldwide. We aimed to investigate the hematological parameters and coagulation profiles specifically for the referral of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients to intensive care unit (ICU) due to the severity of illness to determine a pathognomonic association of infection severity and the hematological markers. The pathognomonic markers could assist physicians in better management of the infection to reduce mortality and morbidity. Thirty patients infected with COVID-19 who were receiving treatment during November and October 2020, in the ICU at Asir Central Hospital, Asir Region, Saudi Arabia, were recruited. The age of patients ranged between 30 and 90 years old. COVID-19 patients in the ICU displayed a statistical reduction in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (HBG), and hematocrit (HCT). Leukocytosis, neutrophilia, thrombocytopenia, and lymphocytopenia were significant in ICU COVID-19 patients. Hematological parameters and coagulation profiles may be used as signs to predict the severity of the coronavirus infection. COVID-19 cases in the ICU showed a dramatic change in hematological parameters and coagulation profiles, indicating that the virus may interfere with hemoglobin, platelet, and immune cell functions through either inhibition or stimulation, leading to severe complications.
Read Article