Study Identifies Major Risks Factors Including Key Blood Markers That Lead to Severe and Fatal COVID-19 Cases
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 18, 2025 5 hours, 45 minutes ago
Medical News: A new study has revealed critical factors that increase the risk of severe illness, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and death among COVID-19 patients. The research, conducted by Turkish experts from Dr. Yaşar Eryılmaz Doğubeyazıt State Hospital, Selcuk University, Iğdır Dr. Nevruz Erez State Hospital, and Selcuk University’s Department of Medical Microbiology and Biostatistics, analyzed data from 1075 COVID-19 patients to identify the most dangerous predictors of severe disease outcomes.
Study Identifies Major Risks Factors Including Key Blood Markers That Lead to Severe and Fatal COVID-19 Cases
This
Medical News report highlights the key findings of the study and what they mean for patients at risk.
Age Gender and Preexisting Conditions Increase Risks
The study found that age is a major factor in COVID-19 severity. With each year of increasing age, the likelihood of severe disease increased by 4%, the risk of ICU admission by 3%, and the mortality rate by 5%. Male patients were found to have a 35% higher risk of severe illness and a 57% higher risk of ICU admission than female patients. However, there was no statistically significant difference in mortality rates between genders.
Preexisting health conditions also played a crucial role. Patients with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and respiratory diseases had a significantly higher chance of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms. Individuals with comorbidities were 2.68 times more likely to develop severe illness, 2.22 times more likely to die from COVID-19, and 2.19 times more likely to require ICU care.
Key Blood Markers Linked to Severe Disease and ICU Admission
Several laboratory markers were identified as strong predictors of disease severity and poor outcomes. Patients with elevated white blood cell (WBC) counts had a 3.26 times greater chance of developing severe illness and a 3.47 times higher risk of ICU admission. High levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of inflammation, increased the likelihood of severe disease by 6.89 times, mortality by 12.84 times, and ICU admission by 3.37 times.
Other important findings included:
-High D-dimer levels were associated with a 91% increased risk of severe disease.
-Elevated fibrinogen levels increased the risk of severe COVID-19 by 2.08 times.
-High ferritin levels were linked to an 80% greater chance of severe disease and a 97% higher likelihood of ICU admission.
-Patients with high procalcitonin levels had a 3.17 times greater risk of dying from COVID-19.
The Role of Organ Function and Electrolyte Imbalances
Abnormalities in organ function and electrolyte imbalances were also key indicators of severe COVID-19. Low albumin and total protein levels were significantly associated with ICU admission and d
isease severity. High levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased the risk of severe disease by 3.11 times and mortality by 2.62 times.
Low calcium levels were found in a majority of severe cases and were associated with longer hospital stays and higher ICU admission rates. Hyponatremia (low sodium levels) was also identified as a marker of poor prognosis, with patients experiencing increased mortality, hospitalization, and ICU transfer rates.
What These Findings Mean for COVID-19 Patients
The study underscores the importance of early identification of high-risk patients. By monitoring key blood markers and preexisting conditions, doctors can take preventive measures to reduce the chances of severe disease and death.
Understanding these risk factors also helps medical professionals develop more personalized treatment plans. Patients with known comorbidities and abnormal lab values may require closer monitoring, earlier intervention, and more aggressive therapy to improve outcomes.
Conclusion
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of risk factors contributing to severe COVID-19, ICU admission, and mortality. Older individuals, men, and those with preexisting health conditions are at significantly higher risk. Additionally, laboratory markers such as high WBC, elevated CRP, D-dimer, ferritin, and low albumin levels are strong predictors of severe illness and death.
Identifying these risk factors allows healthcare providers to take early action, improving the chances of survival and reducing complications. Future research should explore how these findings can be applied in clinical settings to enhance COVID-19 management and treatment strategies.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Viruses.
https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4915/17/3/429
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