Level of CRP predicts need for respiratory support in hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Purpose
Predictors of disease severity in COVID-19 are essential to identify patients requiring hospitalization. Our aim was to determine the relationship of C-reactive protein (CRP) with the need for respiratory support.
Methods
This was a retrospective monocentric study of all patients hospitalized for confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia. CRP was measured on admission in the serum. Patients were classified using the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) and a 3-stage internal severity score (ISS) based upon respiratory parameters. Chest CT scans performed on admission were analysed following guidelines. Correlations of CRP levels with disease severity, radiological score, oxygen or mechanical ventilation requirement, and death were studied.
Results
61 patients were included from March 13th to April 8th, 2020. CRP levels were better related to the ISS compared to the PSI, being 18 (5-54), 130 (50-147) and 169 (97-241) mg/L respectively for the low, intermediate and high severity groups (p = 0.004 and p = 0.017). Analysis of the 51 available CT scans found a smaller correlation between CRP levels and radiological score (p < 0.05). The CRP levels were related to oxygen requirement (n = 50, p = 0.001), mechanical ventilation (n = 20, p = 0.004) and death (n = 10, p= 0.001).
Conclusion
CRP level on admission was a good marker of clinical and radiological severity in COVID-19 pneumonia, and could be used to identify patients needing hospitalization and intensive care.
Figure 1
Posted 19 Jun, 2020
Level of CRP predicts need for respiratory support in hospitalized COVID-19 patients
Posted 19 Jun, 2020
Purpose
Predictors of disease severity in COVID-19 are essential to identify patients requiring hospitalization. Our aim was to determine the relationship of C-reactive protein (CRP) with the need for respiratory support.
Methods
This was a retrospective monocentric study of all patients hospitalized for confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia. CRP was measured on admission in the serum. Patients were classified using the Pneumonia Severity Index (PSI) and a 3-stage internal severity score (ISS) based upon respiratory parameters. Chest CT scans performed on admission were analysed following guidelines. Correlations of CRP levels with disease severity, radiological score, oxygen or mechanical ventilation requirement, and death were studied.
Results
61 patients were included from March 13th to April 8th, 2020. CRP levels were better related to the ISS compared to the PSI, being 18 (5-54), 130 (50-147) and 169 (97-241) mg/L respectively for the low, intermediate and high severity groups (p = 0.004 and p = 0.017). Analysis of the 51 available CT scans found a smaller correlation between CRP levels and radiological score (p < 0.05). The CRP levels were related to oxygen requirement (n = 50, p = 0.001), mechanical ventilation (n = 20, p = 0.004) and death (n = 10, p= 0.001).
Conclusion
CRP level on admission was a good marker of clinical and radiological severity in COVID-19 pneumonia, and could be used to identify patients needing hospitalization and intensive care.
Figure 1