An observational study on the utility of lab parameters in evaluating the severity of patients in South India with Covid-19

Laboratory testing has been extremely helpful in determining the severity and determining the course of treatment for COVID-19 patients. Our aim has been to look for variables of patient's clinical and laboratory profile for two weeks and to observe their significance. Observational, Cross-sectional study. Data from the clinic and laboratory were compiled on Google form after informed consent from the patient. Statistical analysis was done using the Mann-Whitney U and unpaired t test. Population statistics included 202 patients (1st week) and 161 patients (2nd week), with the mean age of 61 ± 18 years. Most patients fell under the mild category (SPO2 >94%). High body mass index (n = 119) and hypertensive (n = 98) were the most common comorbidities observed. Diabetes, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases are the other comorbidities studied in this study. Hypoalbuminemia (n = 194) is the most deranged laboratory parameter in mild category, followed by lymphopenia (n = 109). In severe category also, hypoalbuminemia (n = 13) was deranged more. Other laboratory parameters included are CRP, D-Dimer, neutrophil and lymphocyte count. This study showed that albumin is a good predictor for estimating the severity of COVID-19 patients especially in the first week of their admission