COVID-19 and Laboratory Markers from Romanian Patients—A Narrative Review
Ovidiu Musat,
Virgiliu Bogdan Sorop,
Madalina Ioana Sorop,
Viorica Lazar,
Daniela Teodora Marti,
Monica Susan,
Cecilia Roberta Avram,
Andrada Oprisoni,
Dan Dumitru Vulcanescu,
Florin George Horhat,
Iulia Cristina Bagiu,
Delia Ioana Horhat,
Mircea Mihai Diaconu
Affiliations
Ovidiu Musat
Department of Ophthalmology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Dionisie Lupu Street, No. 37, Sector 2, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
Virgiliu Bogdan Sorop
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Madalina Ioana Sorop
Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Viorica Lazar
Department of General Medicine, “Vasile Goldis” University of Medicine, Liviu Rebreanu Street, No. 86, 310048 Arad, Romania
Daniela Teodora Marti
Department of Biology and Life Sciences, “Vasile Goldis” University of Medicine, Liviu Rebreanu Street, No. 86, 310048 Arad, Romania
Monica Susan
Department of Internal Medicine, Centre for Preventive Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Cecilia Roberta Avram
Department of Residential Training and Post-University Courses, “Vasile Goldis” Western University, Liviu Rebreanu Street 86, 310414 Arad, Romania
Andrada Oprisoni
Department of Pediatrics, Discipline of Pediatric Oncology and Hematology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Dan Dumitru Vulcanescu
Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Florin George Horhat
Department of Microbiology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Iulia Cristina Bagiu
Department of Microbiology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Delia Ioana Horhat
Department of ENT, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Mircea Mihai Diaconu
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square, No. 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
COVID-19 has significantly impacted the whole world, and Romania was no exception. Biomarkers play a crucial role in understanding and managing the disease. However, research regarding laboratory analyses for patients with COVID-19 is fairly limited. For detection, PCR testing is still considered the golden standard, while antibodies are still useful for monitoring both patients and their vaccination status. In our country, biomarkers such as CRP, LDH, transaminases, cardiac, and iron markers have been used to assess the status of patients and even predict illness outcome. CRP, IL-6, LDH, FER, fibrinogen, creatinine, and vitamin D levels have been associated with increased severity, risk of ICU admission, and death. Cardiac markers and D-dimers are also good predictors, but their role seems more important in patients with complications. HDL cholesterol and BUN levels were also suggested as potential biomarkers. Hematological issues in SARS-CoV-2 infections include neutrophilia, lymphopenia and their ratio, while PCT, which is a marker of bacterial infections, is better to be used in patients with co- or supra-infections. The current research is a narrative review that focuses on the laboratory results of Romanian COVID-19 patients. The goal of this article is to provide an update on the research on biomarkers and other laboratory tests conducted inside the borders of Romania and identify gaps in this regard. Secondly, options for further research are discussed and encouraged.
