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Murthy SC, Gordon SM, Lowry AM, Blackstone EH. Evolution of serious and life-threatening COVID-19 pneumonia as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic progressed: an observational study of mortality to 60 days after admission to a 15-hospital US health system. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e075028. [PMID: 38977360 PMCID: PMC11256047 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-075028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In order to predict at hospital admission the prognosis of patients with serious and life-threatening COVID-19 pneumonia, we sought to understand the clinical characteristics of hospitalised patients at admission as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic progressed, document their changing response to the virus and its variants over time, and identify factors most importantly associated with mortality after hospital admission. DESIGN Observational study using a prospective hospital systemwide COVID-19 database. SETTING 15-hospital US health system. PARTICIPANTS 26 872 patients admitted with COVID-19 to our Northeast Ohio and Florida hospitals from 1 March 2020 to 1 June 2022. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES 60-day mortality (highest risk period) after hospital admission analysed by random survival forests machine learning using demographics, medical history, and COVID-19 vaccination status, and viral variant, symptoms, and routine laboratory test results obtained at hospital admission. RESULTS Hospital mortality fell from 11% in March 2020 to 3.7% in March 2022, a 66% decrease (p<0.0001); 60-day mortality fell from 17% in May 2020 to 4.7% in May 2022, a 72% decrease (p<0.0001). Advanced age was the strongest predictor of 60-day mortality, followed by admission laboratory test results. Risk-adjusted 60-day mortality had all patients been admitted in March 2020 was 15% (CI 3.0% to 28%), and had they all been admitted in May 2022, 12% (CI 2.2% to 23%), a 20% decrease (p<0.0001). Dissociation between observed and predicted decrease in mortality was related to temporal change in admission patient profile, particularly in laboratory test results, but not vaccination status or viral variant. CONCLUSIONS Hospital mortality from COVID-19 decreased substantially as the pandemic evolved but persisted after hospital discharge, eclipsing hospital mortality by 50% or more. However, after accounting for the many, even subtle, changes across the pandemic in patients' demographics, medical history and particularly admission laboratory results, a patient admitted early in the pandemic and predicted to be at high risk would remain at high risk of mortality if admitted tomorrow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudish C Murthy
- Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Ashley M Lowry
- Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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2
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Harte JV, Coleman-Vaughan C, Crowley MP, Mykytiv V. It's in the blood: a review of the hematological system in SARS-CoV-2-associated COVID-19. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2023; 60:595-624. [PMID: 37439130 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2023.2232010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to an unprecedented global healthcare crisis. While SARS-CoV-2-associated COVID-19 affects primarily the respiratory system, patients with COVID-19 frequently develop extrapulmonary manifestations. Notably, changes in the hematological system, including lymphocytopenia, neutrophilia and significant abnormalities of hemostatic markers, were observed early in the pandemic. Hematological manifestations have since been recognized as important parameters in the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2 and in the management of patients with COVID-19. In this narrative review, we summarize the state-of-the-art regarding the hematological and hemostatic abnormalities observed in patients with SARS-CoV-2-associated COVID-19, as well as the current understanding of the hematological system in the pathophysiology of acute and chronic SARS-CoV-2-associated COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- James V Harte
- Department of Haematology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
- School of Biochemistry & Cell Biology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Maeve P Crowley
- Department of Haematology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
- Irish Network for Venous Thromboembolism Research (INViTE), Ireland
| | - Vitaliy Mykytiv
- Department of Haematology, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Cork, Ireland
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3
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Kokkoris S, Kanavou A, Kremmydas P, Katsaros D, Karageorgiou S, Gkoufa A, Georgakopoulou VE, Spandidos DA, Giannopoulos C, Kardamitsi M, Routsi C. Temporal evolution of laboratory characteristics in patients critically ill with COVID‑19 admitted to the intensive care unit (Review). MEDICINE INTERNATIONAL 2023; 3:52. [PMID: 37810906 PMCID: PMC10557099 DOI: 10.3892/mi.2023.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
In the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), laboratory medicine has played a crucial role in both diagnosis and severity assessment. Although the importance of baseline laboratory findings has been extensively reported, data regarding their evolution over the clinical course are limited. The aim of the present narrative review was to provide the dynamic changes of the routine laboratory variables reported in patients with severe COVID-19 over the course of their critical illness. A search was made of the literature for articles providing data on the time-course of routine laboratory tests in patients with severe COVID-19 during their stay in the intensive care unit (ICU). White blood cell, neutrophil and lymphocyte counts, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, platelet counts, as well as D-dimer, fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase and serum albumin levels were selected as disease characteristics and routine laboratory parameters. A total of 25 research articles reporting dynamic trends in the aforementioned laboratory parameters over the clinical course of severe COVID-19 were identified. During the follow-up period provided by each study, the majority of the laboratory values remained persistently abnormal in both survivors and non-survivors. Furthermore, in the majority of studies, the temporal trends of laboratory values distinctly differentiated patients between survivors and non-survivors. In conclusion, there are distinct temporal trends in selected routine laboratory parameters between survivors and non-survivors with severe COVID-19 admitted to the ICU, indicating their importance in the prognosis of clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stelios Kokkoris
- First Department of Intensive Care, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Angeliki Kanavou
- First Department of Intensive Care, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Kremmydas
- First Department of Intensive Care, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Katsaros
- First Department of Intensive Care, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Stavros Karageorgiou
- First Department of Intensive Care, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Gkoufa
- First Department of Intensive Care, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Charalampos Giannopoulos
- First Department of Intensive Care, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Marina Kardamitsi
- First Department of Intensive Care, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Routsi
- First Department of Intensive Care, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece
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Ormen M, Doruk OG, Gozgoz H, Kutlu A, Nurcan G, Sevinc C, Appak O, Kutsoylu OE, Bayraktar F, Yanturali S, Tuncel P. Leucocyte volume, conductivity, and scatter at presentation in COVID-19 patients. Niger J Clin Pract 2023; 26:771-778. [PMID: 37470652 DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_737_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Background In COVID-19 patients, besides changes in leucocyte count, morphological abnormalities of circulating blood cells have been reported. Aim This study aims to investigate the relationship between the morphological and functional properties of leucocytes and the severity of the disease in COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods Blood samples were collected from COVID-19 patients (n = 130) at the time of admission. The patients were stratified according to the comorbidity, age, LDH, lymhocyte count score as mild, moderate, and severe. Complete blood count and the cell population data were analyzed by the Volume, conductivity, scatter (VCS) technology on Beckman Coulter LH-780 hematology analyzer. Kruskal-Wal'lis test was used to assess the differences between the groups with subsequent Bonferroni correction. Results Neutrophil count was increased, and lymphocyte count was decreased in severe patients compared to mild patients. The increase in the percent of neutrophils and the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio in the severe patient group was significant in comparison to both the moderate and the mild group. The dispersion of the neutrophil volume and conductivity showed significant changes depending on the severity of the disease. The lymphocyte volume, lymphocyte-volume-SD and lymphocyte-conductivity as well as the monocyte-volume and monocyte-volume-SD were significantly increased in severe patients in comparison to mild patients. The increase of lymphocyte and monocyte volume in severe patients was also significant in comparison to moderate patients. Conclusions COVID-19 infection leads to important changes in cell population data of leucocytes. The volumetric changes in lymphocytes and monocytes are related to the severity of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ormen
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - O G Doruk
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - H Gozgoz
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - A Kutlu
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - G Nurcan
- Department of Chest Diseases, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - C Sevinc
- Department of Chest Diseases, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - O Appak
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - O E Kutsoylu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - F Bayraktar
- Department of Internal Diseases, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - S Yanturali
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
| | - P Tuncel
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Medicine, Turkey
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Lucas F, Sadigh S. Hematopathology of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 disease. Surg Pathol Clin 2023; 16:197-211. [PMID: 37149356 PMCID: PMC9892324 DOI: 10.1016/j.path.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and is associated with pronounced hematopathologic findings. Peripheral blood features are heterogeneous and very often include neutrophilia, lymphopenia, myeloid left shift, abnormally segmented neutrophils, atypical lymphocytes/plasmacytoid lymphocytes, and atypical monocytes. Bone marrow biopsies and aspirates are often notable for histiocytosis and hemophagocytosis, whereas secondary lymphoid organs may exhibit lymphocyte depletion, pronounced plasmacytoid infiltrates, and hemophagocytosis. These changes are reflective of profound innate and adaptive immune dysregulation, and ongoing research efforts continue to identify clinically applicable biomarkers of disease severity and outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabienne Lucas
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sam Sadigh
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Zini G, d'Onofrio G. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Focus on peripheral blood cell morphology. Br J Haematol 2022; 200:404-419. [PMID: 36203344 PMCID: PMC9874661 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.18489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown peculiar morphological anomalies in COVID-19 patients' smears. We searched all the peer-reviewed scientific publications that explicitly reference the cytomorphological alterations on peripheral blood smears of patients with COVID-19. We extracted data from sixty-five publications (case reports, patient group studies, reviews, and erythrocyte morphology studies). The results show that frequent alterations concern the morphology of lymphocytes (large lymphocytes with weakly basophilic cytoplasm, plasmacytoid lymphocytes, large granular lymphocytes). Neutrophils display abnormal nuclei and cytoplasm in a distinctive cytomorphological picture. Besides a left shift in maturation, granulations can be increased (toxic type) or decreased with areas of basophilia. Nuclei are often hyposegmented (pseudo-Pelger-Huёt anomaly). Apoptotic or pycnotic cells are not uncommon. Monocytes typically have a large cytoplasm loaded with heterogeneous and coalescing vacuoles. Platelets show large and giant shapes. The presence of erythrocyte fragments and schistocytes is especially evident in the forms of COVID-19 that are associated with thrombotic microangiopathies. Such atypia of blood cells reflects the generalized activation in severe COVID-19, which has been demonstrated with immunophenotypic, molecular, genetic, and functional methods. Neutrophils, in particular, are involved in the pathophysiology of hyperinflammation with cytokine storm, which characterizes the most unfavorable evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Zini
- HaematologyCatholic University of Sacred HeartRomeItaly,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCSRomeItaly
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7
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Konlaan Y, Asamoah Sakyi S, Kumi Asare K, Amoah Barnie P, Opoku S, Nakotey GK, Victor Nuvor S, Amoani B. Evaluating immunohaematological profile among COVID-19 active infection and recovered patients in Ghana. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0273969. [PMID: 36094915 PMCID: PMC9467340 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0273969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The rapid spread of COVID-19 has been a global public health problem and it is yet to be put under control. Active COVID-19 is associated with unrestrained secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and imbalances in haematological profile including anaemia, leukocytosis and thrombocytopaenia. However, the haematological profile and immune status following recovery from COVID-19 has not been recognized. We evaluated the immunohaematological profile among COVID-19 patients with active infection, recovered cases and unexposed healthy individuals in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Methodology A total of 95 adult participants, consisting of 35 positive, 30 recovered and 30 unexposed COVID-19 negative individuals confirmed by RT-PCR were recruited for the study. All the patients had the complete blood count performed using the haematological analyzer Sysmex XN-1500. Their plasma cytokine levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were analysed using ELISA. Statistical analyses were performed on R statistical software. Result The Patients with COVID-19 active infection had significantly higher levels of IL10 (181±6.14 pg/mL vs 155.00±14.32 pg/mL vs 158.80±11.70 pg/mL, p = 0.038), WBC count (5.5±0.4 x109 /L vs 4.5±0.6 x109 /L vs 3.8±0.5, p < 0.0001) and percentage basophil (1.8±0.1% vs 0.8±0.3% vs 0.7±0.2%, p = 0.0040) but significantly lower levels of IFN-γ (110.10±9.52 pg/mL vs 142.80±5.46 pg/mL vs 140.80±6.39 pg/mL, p = 0.021), haematocrit (24.1±3.7% vs 38.3± 3.0% vs 38.5±2.2%, p < 0.0001), haemoglobin concentration (9.4±0.1g/dl vs 12.5± 5.0g/dl vs 12.7±0.8, p < 0.0001) and MPV (9.8±0.2fL vs 11.1±0.5fL vs 11.6±0.3fL, p < 0.0001) compared to recovered and unexposed controls respectively. There were significant association between IL-1β & neutrophils (r = 0.42, p<0.05), IL-10 & WBC (r = 0.39, p<0.05), IL-10 & Basophils (r = -0.51, p<0.01), IL-17 & Neutrophil (r = 0.39, p<0.05) in the active COVID-19 cases. Conclusion COVID-19 active infection is associated with increased IL-10 and WBC with a concomitant decrease in IFN-γ and haemoglobin concentration. However, recovery from the disease is associated with immune recovery with appareantly normal haematological profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yatik Konlaan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Samuel Asamoah Sakyi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Kwame Kumi Asare
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Prince Amoah Barnie
- Department of Forensic Science, School of Biological Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Stephen Opoku
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | - Gideon Kwesi Nakotey
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Samuel Victor Nuvor
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Benjamin Amoani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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8
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Blood cell morphology and COVID-19 clinical course, severity, and outcome. J Hematop 2021; 14:221-228. [PMID: 34249171 PMCID: PMC8255335 DOI: 10.1007/s12308-021-00459-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 infection affects different organs of the human body, and blood cells are not an exception. Peripheral blood smear (PBS) is a simple and available method to investigate blood cells’ morphologic changes. In this study, we aimed to determine the morphologic changes and abnormalities of COVID-19 patients and their relation to the patients’ clinical course. In this prospective cross-sectional study, we included 89 PCR-positive COVID-19 patients. A pathologist examined the PBS findings of these patients. The patients’ clinical course, including severity, outcome, intubation, and ICU admission, was extracted from their profiles. The statistical analyses were done to find out the relation between PBS findings and patients’ clinical course. Results showed that smudge cells are the most frequent abnormality in our participants. Other findings were schistocyte; atypical lymphocytes; and increased large granular lymphocytes, shift to left of granulocytes, giant platelets, and leukoerythroblastic reaction. Our results did not show any statistically significant relationship between PBS findings and their clinical course. Although other studies suggested PBS as a possible predictive tool for COVID-19 disease, our study showed that these findings could not predict nor relate to the patients’ clinical course.
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Kamel H. We stand ready … Blood collection organizations and the COVID-19 pandemic. Transfusion 2021; 61:1345-1349. [PMID: 33966274 PMCID: PMC8207090 DOI: 10.1111/trf.16400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
See article on page 1471–1478, in this issue
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10
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Frater JL, Wang T, Lee YS. Laboratory hematologic features of COVID-19 associated liver injury: A systematic review. World J Meta-Anal 2021. [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.v9.i2.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Frater JL, Wang T, Lee YS. Laboratory hematologic features of COVID-19 associated liver injury: A systematic review. World J Meta-Anal 2021; 9:193-207. [DOI: 10.13105/wjma.v9.i2.193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver injury is a common complication of infection by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. The utility of laboratory hematology data in the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has not been comprehensively examined.
AIM To address the following. (1) Are the abnormalities in hematologic parameters seen in the general population of patients with COVID-19 also seen in those patients with associated liver injury? (2) Is liver injury in COVID-19 a sign of severe disease and does liver injury correlate with hematologic markers of severe disease? And (3) What is the quality of this evidence?
METHODS To address these questions, a comprehensive systematic review was performed. We searched the peer reviewed medical literature using MEDLINE (PubMed interface), Web of Science, and EMBASE for cohort studies that specifically addressed liver injury and COVID-19 without limitation of date of publication or language. A quality assessment of the studies was performed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.
RESULTS Thirty-two articles were suitable for inclusion in our systematic review. These included 22 articles with a cohort of COVID-19 patients with liver injury, 5 comparing non-severe vs severe COVID-19 populations in which liver injury was addressed, and 5 other cohort studies with a focus on liver injury. White blood cell count, absolute neutrophil count, absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), and hemoglobin were the parameters most helpful in distinguishing COVID-19 with liver injury from COVID-19 without liver injury. ALC and d-dimer were identified as being potentially useful in distinguishing non-severe from severe COVID-19. Liver injury was more frequently seen in cohorts with severe disease. Most studies were of high quality (24/48, 86%) with 4/28 (14%) of moderate quality and 0 of low quality.
CONCLUSION Our study supports the use of select hematologic parameters in diagnosis and risk stratification of liver injury in COVID-19 patients. Although of overall high quality, the current medical literature is limited by the small number of studies with high statistical power and the variable definition of COVID-19 liver injury in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L Frater
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Tianjiao Wang
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
| | - Yi-Shan Lee
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, United States
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12
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Novelli C, Borotto E, Beverina I, Punzi V, Radrizzani D, Brando B. Heparin dosage, level, and resistance in SARS-CoV2 infected patients in intensive care unit. Int J Lab Hematol 2021; 43:1284-1290. [PMID: 33855802 PMCID: PMC8251410 DOI: 10.1111/ijlh.13543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Patients with COVID‐19 frequently exhibit a hypercoagulable state with high thrombotic risk, particularly those admitted to intensive care units (ICU). Thromboprophylaxis is mandatory in these patients; nevertheless, thrombosis still occurs in many cases. Thus, the problem of assessing an adequate level of anticoagulation in ICU patients becomes evident during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the heparin resistance and the efficacy of heparin monitoring using an anti‐Xa activity assay. Methods Thirty‐seven heparin‐treated patients admitted to ICU for SARS‐CoV‐2 pneumonia were retrospectively studied for antifactor Xa activity (anti‐Xa), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), Antithrombin, Fibrinogen, D‐Dimer, Factor VIII, von Willebrand Factor, and the total daily amount of heparin administered. The correlation between APTT and anti‐Xa was evaluated for unfractionated heparins (UFH). The correlations between the daily dose of UFH or the dosage expressed as IU/kg b.w. for low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) and anti‐Xa were also evaluated. Results Twenty‐one patients received calcium heparin, 8 sodium heparin, and 8 LMWH. A moderate correlation was found between APTT and anti‐Xa for UFH. APTT did not correlate with coagulation parameters. 62% of UFH and 75% of LMWH treated patients were under the therapeutic range. About 75% of patients could be considered resistant to heparin. Conclusions SARS‐COV2 pneumonia patients in ICU have frequently heparin resistance. Anti‐Xa seems a more reliable method to monitor heparin treatment than APTT in acute patients, also because the assay is insensitive to the increased levels of fibrinogen, FVIII, and LAC that are common during the COVID‐19 inflammatory state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Novelli
- Transfusion Center and Haematology Laboratory, Legnano Hospital, ASST Ovest Milanese, Legnano, Italy
| | - Erika Borotto
- Intensive Care Unit, Legnano Hospital, ASST Ovest Milanese, Legnano, Italy
| | - Ivo Beverina
- Transfusion Center and Haematology Laboratory, Legnano Hospital, ASST Ovest Milanese, Legnano, Italy
| | - Veronica Punzi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Danilo Radrizzani
- Intensive Care Unit, Legnano Hospital, ASST Ovest Milanese, Legnano, Italy
| | - Bruno Brando
- Transfusion Center and Haematology Laboratory, Legnano Hospital, ASST Ovest Milanese, Legnano, Italy
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13
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Frater JL, Anderson J. The impact of biosafety enhancement on stat laboratory quality metrics: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Clin Chim Acta 2020; 512:58-62. [PMID: 33285119 PMCID: PMC7836754 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2020.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It is unclear if implementation of biosafety action plans in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has affected laboratory quality metrics. METHODS This retrospective study used quality data, including turnaround time (TAT) and number/type of unacceptable specimens from a stat laboratory supporting an outpatient medical clinic serving predominantly elderly cancer patients. Four months of data from the height of the COVID-19 pandemic (March-June 2020) were compared to the same months in 2019. RESULTS March-May 2020 test volumes were decreased compared to 2019. June 2020 test volume was slightly increased compared to 2019. TATs in 2020 were similar/ slightly improved compared to the same months in 2019, due to shortened collect to receive and receive to verify TATs. The number and types of unacceptable specimens were similar in 2020 and 2019. CONCLUSIONS Despite the challenges to the system caused by the pandemic, laboratory quality metrics were maintained.
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Affiliation(s)
- John L Frater
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA.
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