Diagnostic Pathology (Apr 2021)

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

  • Amira Mohammed Ali,
  • Hiroshi Kunugi

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13000-021-01092-5
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 16, no. 1
pp. 1 – 3

Abstract

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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.

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