Hypoproteinemia predicts disease severity and mortality in COVID-19: a call for action

Abstract

Abstract Proteins represent the major building blocks of body tissues, and they regulate signaling involved in most cellular activities. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection has been associated with high fatality, especially among older adults. The main cause of death is pulmonary tissue damage and multiple organ failure. The disease is associated with a hypercatabolic state that entails excessive protein loss. This review commentary sheds the light on hypoproteinemia in symptomatic/hospitalized COVID-19 with a special emphasis on its pathophysiology, screening, as well as its contribution to disease severity and adverse effects.

Keywords

• Hypoproteinemia
• *albumin*
• Blood urea nitrogen
• Disease severity
• Mortality
• Coronavirus disease 2019