- A progressive lymphopenia < 1000 seems to be associated with a more severe disease;
- CRP (C-Reactive Protein) appears to be elevated in some cases, but could be explained by bacterial co-infection. Elevated PCT (procalcitonin) levels could also point out to a coinfection and should be included in the blood work. These patients might be more at risk of complications;
- At this time, elevation of other markers (ALT/AST, D-Dimers, CK, LDH) has been observed more in symptomatic patients than in asymptomatic ones;
- Presence of the viral RNA in the stool or in the blood and not only on respiratory samples could hint to a more serious case.
Laboratory findings are usually non specific and should always be correlated with clinical and epidemiological presentation, course of the disease and other relevant investigations to the patient.
Singhal’s review gives a bird’s eye view of multiple features about the new COVID-19 using data from a range of articles, mainly from China. Information in this review was consistent with other data seen in Chen’s recommendations and Lu’s correspondence.
Sources:
- Tanu Singhal, (March 13, 2020). A Review of Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19). Spinger Link. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-020-03263-6
- Zhi-Min Chen, (February 5, 2020). Diagnosis and treatment recommendations for pediatric respiratory infection caused by the 2019 novel coronavirus. Spinger Link . https://doi.org/10.1007/s12519-020-00345-5
- Xiaoxia Lu, (March 18, 2020). SARS-CoV-2 in Children. New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM). 10.1056/NEJMc2005073