Retrospective analysis of biomarkers associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19
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The SARS-CoV-2 virus causes respiratory manifestations ranging from mild symptoms to severe pneumonia. Critically ill patients may develop multiple complications and require invasive mechanical ventilation, which increases the risk of mortality. The identification of modifiable risk factors associated with death may support timely therapeutic decision-making. The aim of this retrospective study was to determine whether elevated D-dimer levels upon admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) constitute a risk factor for mortality in critically ill patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. The study was conducted in a second-level intensive care unit in Quito, Ecuador. All patients over 18 years of age diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia who were admitted to the unit and had an initial D-dimer result available were included. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, imaging, treatment, and outcome variables were collected. Serum creatinine levels were significantly higher in deceased patients and in older individuals. These findings suggest a possible association between acute kidney injury and increased mortality in critically ill patients. Additionally, evaluating D-dimer levels in a larger cohort is recommended in order to achieve sufficient statistical power to contrast findings previously reported by other authors.
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