Screening role of complete blood cell count indices and C reactive protein in patients who are symptomatic for COVID-19

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of COVID-19 is through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or typical involvement of the lung by the virus in computed tomography (CT) scan. However, PCR is not always available, and also CT scan has a high dose of radiation. This study was performed to find the role of complete blood cell (CBC) indices and qualitative C-reactive protein (CRP) in screening of symptomatic patients.MATERIAL AND METHODS: A diagnostic accuracy study was performed on symptomatic cases in Abadan. Four stepwise logistic regression models were designed that the outcomes were PCR positivity, CT scan positivity, PCR and CT scan positivity, and COVID-19 positivity (i.e., PCR or CT scan positivity). Post-estimation receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis was performed to report the area under the curve (AUC).RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were studied. The most accurate model was for the prediction of CT scan positivity (AUC = 0.874) in which the predictors were age [odds ratio (OR) =1.063] and CRP (OR = 2.661 for each plus of positivity). The second accurate model was for the prediction of COVID-19 positivity (AUC = 0.828) in which the predictors were white blood cell count (OR = 0.735 for every 1000 counts per μL) and neutrophil per lymphocyte ratio (OR = 1.248).CONCLUSIONS: Higher levels of CRP are associated with and predictor of lung involvement in COVID-19 infection. CRP qualitative levels can be measured before a CT scan if there is no other indication for imaging

Comparison between Management and Pharmacotherapy of COVID-19 in Iran and Switzerland: Management and Pharmacotherapy of COVID-19 in Iran and Switzerland

Background: On 30 January 2020, the WHO declared the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 as a public healthemergency. In the present study, we compared the preventative and therapeutic strategies and the success rates of Iran and Switzerland during the COVID-19 outbreak.Materials and Methods: This study was conducted using electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, andWeb of Science. In addition, the official documents of developed countries and WHO from 1st February until 15th May 2020 were studied. Relevant documents were reviewed in detail, and vital data were extracted.Results: Both countries have restriction policies to reduce the infection rate in the prevention setting. Thesepolicies, such as the recommendation to all citizens to stay home unless necessary, army participation, andnon-face-to-face counseling, were surveyed by similar techniques in both countries. Some policies wereimplemented in both countries with different protocols. These policies, including social distancing practices,smart distancing methods, business activities, border closures, border controls, and restrictions, travelrestrictions, testing and screening for infection and fever, and decreased working hours, were performed inboth countries. In the treatment setting, the therapeutic strategy used in Iran consisted of hydroxychloroquineor chloroquine phosphate and anti-viral drugs. Switzerland followed the guidelines of the European countries.The infection rate, recovery rate, and death rate were 0.139%, 78.73%, and 5.91% in Iran, while these rateswere 0.352%, 88.81%, and 6.15% in Switzerland, respectively.Conclusion: Due to the lack of special treatment for the disease, prevention must be considered the mostimportant factor in policymaking. Importantly, observing social distance is the most effective method amongthe preventative strategies. The capacity of the health care systems to provide optimal services and facilities isan important factor for patients recovery