Trauma and COVID-19: Clinical and Paraclinical similarities between Trauma Patients with Positive and Negative PCR Tests

Abstract

Objective: To compare clinical and paraclinical similarities between trauma patients with positive RT-PCRtests (PCR+ve) and the RT-PCR negative ones (PCR -ve).Methods: This a case-control study, where cases had a PCR+ve and controls had a negative result. Two groupswere compared regarding (para) clinical values. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis investigatedthe variables predicting COVID-19 and the mortality rate.Results: Both groups were similar regarding the clinical findings and comorbidities (p>0.05). PCR+ve grouphad lower lymphocyte count (1.41 [1.45] vs. 1.66 [1.61], p=0.030), CPK level (411 [928.75] vs. 778 [1946.5].p=0.006) and CRP level (17 [42.5] vs. 24 [50.75], p=0.004). However, none of these findings were significant inthe multivariable analysis. Finally, PCR+ve group had increased odds of death (OR=2.88; 95% CI=1.22-7.41).Conclusion: Unlike our primary hypothesis, the study failed to mark any significant (para) clinical featuresguiding us to detect COVID-19 earlier in trauma patients. Moreover, the PCR+ve group is at increased mortalityrisk. A larger, multicentric prospective study should be designed to address this issue.

Keywords

• trauma
• covid-19
• diagnostic approach
• mortality rate