Hypoalbuminemia as an early predictor of severe COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Objectives: Several unique characteristics have been found in severe COVID19, such as lymphopenia, old age, high CRP level, elevated D dimer levels and underlying comorbid diseases. Serum albumin, being a negative acute phase reactant has been found to be associated with inflammatory response and poor outcomes in infectious diseases. The aim of the study was to analyse whether the serum albumin levels on admission might reflect the severity of systemic inflammation in COVID 19 infection and thus serve as an early predictive factor for COVID 19 outcomes. Materials and Method: This retrospective observational study included 185 COVID-19 positive patients. Laboratory data was recorded from blood samples collected at admission and analyzed by standard methods in the laboratory. Hypoalbuminemia was defined as serum albumin levels <3.5g/dl. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In the 185 COVID 19 patients studied, average age was 51.29 (±15.68) years. The study population had a male predominance (68.11%). 85 (45.95%) individuals were found to have hypoalbuminemia on admission. 18 (9.73%) deaths were reported amongst the study population and a significant association was found between low serum albumin levels on admission and mortality.(p < 0.001).