Diagnosis and Stratification of COVID-19 Infections Using Differential Plasma Levels of D-Dimer: A Two-Center Study from Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: D-dimer, generated upon the degradation of fibrin, is extensively used to detect thrombosis in various diseases. It is also explored as a marker for thrombosis in cases with COVID-19 disease. Few studies have confirmed its utility as a marker for assessing disease severity. Objectives: The current research was undertaken to determine the role of D-dimer in patients with COVID-19 and to investigate any association with the progression and severity of the disease in the Saudi population. Methods: Clinical indices in confirmed COVID-19 patients were collected from tertiary care hospitals in Aljouf and Qassim regions. The plasma D-dimer levels were quantified directly in the samples collected from COVID-19 patients (n = 148) using an immunofluorescence assay, and the data were presented in Fibrinogen Equivalent Units (mg/L). The collected data of D-dimer were analyzed based on COVID-19 severity, age, and the gender of patients. Results: The findings show that the plasma D-dimer concentrations were significantly (p = 0.0027) elevated in COVID-19 cases (n = 148), compared to in the normal healthy uninfected controls (n = 309). Moreover, the D-dimer levels were analyzed according to the severity of the disease in the patients. The data revealed that D-dimer concentrations were significantly increased in patients with mild infection to moderate disease, and the levels were the highest in patients with severe COVID-19 disease (p < 0.05). Our analysis demonstrates that the D-dimer levels have no association with the age or gender of COVID-19 patients (p > 0.05) in the study population. Conclusions: D-dimer can serve as a biomarker not only for the detection of COVID-19 infection, but also for determining the severity of infection of COVID-19 disease.

Blood coagulation, risk factors and associated complications in COVID-19 patients in Saudi Arabia: A retrospective cohort study

“…An increased correlation between the severity and outcome of COVID-19 with increased levels of DD was reported. [ 17 , 18 ] Baroiu et al [ 19 ] , 2022 reported a strong correlation between DD and COVID-19 severity. Hui Long et al [ 20 ] , 2020 investigated the role of coagulation indicators like DD, PT, and PTT, in predicting the severity and prognosis of COVID-19.…”

Study of Coagulation Disorders and the Prevalence of Their Related Symptoms among COVID-19 Patients in Al-Jouf Region, Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Fever, cough, dyspnea, wheezing, and excessive mucus production were the most prevalent symptoms of COVID-19 disease [ 5 ]. Death in severe COVID-19 infection is generally caused by the development of ARDS, sepsis, and multiple organ failure, all of which are a result of dysfunctional immunological, endothelial, and coagulation responses characterized by thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, hypercoagulation, and elevated D-dimer levels [ 6 ].…”

Advances in Human Pathogen Control—A 21st Century Challenge

“…The severity of the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 was addressed by Alsrhani and colleagues [ 2 ]. In their work, these authors addressed the role played by D-dimer in patients with COVID-19, and investigated its association with the progression and severity of the disease in a study involving two Saudi medical centers [ 2 ].…”

“…The severity of the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 was addressed by Alsrhani and colleagues [ 2 ]. In their work, these authors addressed the role played by D-dimer in patients with COVID-19, and investigated its association with the progression and severity of the disease in a study involving two Saudi medical centers [ 2 ]. The authors quantified plasma D-dimer levels in the samples collected from 148 COVID-19 patients, and found that the plasma D-dimer concentrations were significantly elevated in COVID-19 patients compared to normal, uninfected controls.…”

“…The authors quantified plasma D-dimer levels in the samples collected from 148 COVID-19 patients, and found that the plasma D-dimer concentrations were significantly elevated in COVID-19 patients compared to normal, uninfected controls. Plasma D-dimer concentrations were significantly increased in patients with mild infection to moderate disease, but the highest levels were detected in patients with severe COVID-19 disease [ 2 ]. These results led the authors to conclude that D-dimer can be used as a biomarker for both the detection of COVID-19 infection and the for severity of the disease [ 2 ].…”