Study of Platelet Indices as a Prognostic Marker in COVID-19 Patients

Abstract

Background: SARS-CoV-2 is a novel corona virus responsible for the dreadful  COVID-19 pandemic. In more severely ill COVID-19 patients, clotting complications, such as microvascular thrombi in the arteries and veins, are also shown. Although uncommon in the entire population of COVID-19 patients, DIC is present in more than 70 percent of dying patients and is therefore a critical feature of the final events that drive the vicious cycle culminating in death. SARS-CoV-2 is known to penetrate endothelial cells, and platelet recruitment to the sites of infection may be caused by the resulting endothelial injury. In the course of the disease, the subsequent activation and degranulation of platelets can exacerbate conditions. Prognosis of these patients is directly related to worsening of certain hematological indices. Total Platelet Count and other dynamic platelet related  parameters in COVID-19 patients are currently at concern. This study aims to assess the platelet indices as a prognostic markers in COVID-19 infection. Materials and Methods:  This Cross sectional study will be conducted in COVID-19 centre of AVBRH Wardha. Total 150 confirmed COVID-19 patients will be selected, and divided into two groups based on oxygen saturation. Blood samples will be collected. They will be analysed for complete blood count, platelet indices, C-reactive protein (CRP) and for other biochemical tests. Patients with complains of shortness of breath will also be evaluated for lung computed tomography (CT). Chi square test for continuous variable and Students paired t test for numerical variable will be applied.  Multiple regression analysis will be applied wherever needed. SPSS 24.0 version will be used in analysis where p< 0.05 will be considered significant. Results:  We expect to find a significant correlation between mortality and different platelet indices. Conclusion:  Platelets play a vital role in prognosis of COVID-19 patients. Surveillance of platelet indices have a great prognostic value in patients with COVID-19.