The role of biomarkers in the prediction of mortality in hospitalized patients for COVID-19

Background: Despite the advances in the prognostic determinants in patients with COVID-19, it is not well known which hospitalized patients may course with an adverse outcome. The aim of this study was to identify biomarkers at hospital admission associated with increased risk of death in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Methods: Prospective study in patients with COVID-19 admitted to a hospital and followed until discharge or death. All patients underwent clinical evaluation and laboratory tests on the first day of admission. Results: 100 patients were included, with a mean age of 57 years and 19 died. The variables associated with higher mortality were age), platelet count, D-dimer and troponin. Platelet count was independently associated with mortality, with area under the curve: 0.74 [95% CI: 0.62 - 0.86; p = 0.001]. The area under the curve of D-dimer for death was 0.74 [95% CI: 0.62 - 0.86; p= 0.001]. Considering the Kaplan Meier curves for survival in the hospitalization, there was a significant difference in the curves for D-dimer cutoff point above or below 1.1 mg/L (Log-Rank, p=0.03). Conclusion: The levels of D-dimer and platelet count have good accuracy in the detection of increased risk of death in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.