Background: Laboratory testing is commonly performed in patients with COVID-19. Each of the laboratory parameters has potential value for risk stratification and prediction of COVID-19 outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the difference between these parameters in severe and nonsevere disease and to provide the optimal cutoff value for predicting severe disease. Method: We performed a systematic literature search through electronic databases. The variables of interest were serum procalcitonin, albumin, C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in each group of severity outcomes from COVID-19. Results: There were a total of 4848 patients from 23 studies. Our meta-analysis suggest that patients with severe COVID-19 infections have higher procalcitonin, (mean difference 0.07; 95% CI 0.05-0.10; p < 0.00001), CRP (mean difference 36.88; 95% CI 29.10-44.65; p < 0.00001), D-Dimer (mean difference 0.43; 95% CI 0.31-0.56; p < 0.00001), and LDH (mean difference 102.79; 95% CI 79.10-126.49; p < 0.00001) but lower levels of albumin (mean difference −4.58; 95% CI −5.76 to −3.39; p < 0.00001) than those with nonsevere COVID-19 infections. The cutoff values for the parameters were 0.065 ng/mL for procalcitonin, 38.85 g/L for albumin, 33.55 mg/L for CRP, 0.635 μ/L for D-dimer, and 263.5 U/L for LDH, each with high sensitivity and specificity. Conclusion: This meta-analysis suggests elevated procalcitonin, CRP, D-dimer, and LDH and decreased albumin can be used for predicting severe outcomes in COVID-19.

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Background and aims The number of positive and death cases from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still increasing. The identification of risk factors for severe outcomes is important. Dyslipidemia has been shown as a long-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study is to analyze the potential association between dyslipidemia and the severity of COVID-19 infection. Methods We systematically searched the PubMed database using specific keywords related to our aims until July 9th, 2020. All articles published on COVID-19 and dyslipidemia were retrieved. Statistical analysis was done using Review Manager 5.4 software. Results A total of 7 studies with a total of 6922 patients were included in our analysis. Our meta-analysis showed that dyslipidemia is associated with severe COVID-19 infections [RR 1.39 (95% CI 1.03–1.87), p = 0.03, I 2 = 57%, random-effect modelling]. Conclusion Dyslipidemia increases the risk of the development of severe outcomes from COVID-19 infections. Patients with dyslipidemia should be monitored closely to minimize the risk of COVID-19.

Background and aims The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused a significant impact on all aspects of life. One of the comorbidities associated with severe outcome and mortality of COVID-19 is diabetes. Metformin is one of the drugs which is most commonly used for the treatment of diabetes patients. This study aims to analyze the potential benefit of metformin use in reducing the mortality rate from COVID-19 infection. Methods We systematically searched the Google Scholar database using specific keywords related to our aims until August 3rd, 2020. All articles published on COVID-19 and metformin were retrieved. Statistical analysis was done using Review Manager 5.4 software. Results A total of 5 studies with a total of 6937 patients were included in our analysis. Our meta-analysis showed that metformin use is associated with reduction in mortality rate from COVID-19 infections [RR 0.54 (95% CI 0.32–0.90), p = 0.02, I 2 = 54%, random-effect modelling]. Conclusion Metformin has shown benefits in reducing the mortality rate from COVID-19 infections. Patients with diabetes should be advised to continue taking metformin drugs despite COVID-19 infection status.