Laboratory Parameters related to Severe Disease and Death in SARS-CoV-2 Pneumonia: Retrospective Analysis.

Clinical evolution of COVID-19 is highly variable and hospitalized patients can rapidly develop conditions requiring oxygen support, intensive care unit (ICU) or high dependency unit (HDU) cares. Early identification of high-risk patients is mandatory. We retrospectively collected medical history, symptoms, radiological and laboratory findings of COVID-19 patients hospitalized between February and April 2020. Laboratory data were collected at first, last and middle time of hospitalization. We used arterial oxygen partial pressure and fractional inspired oxygen ratio (P/F) to evaluate respiratory status. Outcomes considered were death and ICU/HDU admission. We used the Chi-Square or Fisher's exact test to examine differences between categorical variables. Continuous variables were analysed using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test and Mann-Whitney test -sample test. Of 71 patients admitted, 92% had interstitial pneumonia and 17% unfavourable outcome. Negative predictors were age, cerebrovascular disease, obesity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Baseline P/F was strongly associated with all outcomes. Markers linked to immunological dysregulation like elevated Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte-ratio exhibited prognostic significance overtime. A validated prognostic score comprehensive of all these conditions for early staging and management of COVID-19 patients is urgently needed. Further studies are desirable to evaluate if laboratory test can target an early treatment in high-risk patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.