The effect of inflammatory markers on the CORADS degree and the effects of treatments on RT-PCR test results in COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: There is still no diagnosis method with high sensitivity and specificity for COVID-19. Patient complaints, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), inflammatory markers, clinical prognosis, and the degree of involvement in the chest CT, if necessary are evaluated in an effort to make a diagnosis. Delays in diagnosis have led to a rapid spread of the disease. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the inflammatory markers and to determine the follow-up process of the patients by assessing the impact of the treatments administered on RT-PCR test results. Material and methods: Files of 150 patients monitored in the wards with suspected COVID-19 are analyzed retrospectively. Patients were selected among those who underwent laboratory tests, RT-PCR testing and Thoracic CT within the first 24 hours of admission. Patients were divided into 5 groups based on the severity of involvement in Thoracic CT. Inflammatory markers were compared among the groups. Impact of the administered treatments on follow-up RT-PCR test results was evaluated. Results: Studied inflammatory markers were in normal ranges and similar across all CORADS groups. Only the C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and Ferritin levels were showing an increase in accordance with CORADS severity. Mean time to testing negative on RT-PCR was 10 days across all treatment groups. Times to testing negative among patients receiving other treatments were similar. Conclusion: Among the inflammatory markers, CRP and Ferritin values are correlated with CORADS severity. Administered COVID-19 treatments have similar impact on RT-PCR test results.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• RT-PCR
• coronavirus
• CORADS