Analysis of C-reactive protein level in SARS-CoV-2 patients and its role in predicting the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection

Introduction: Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic is a public health emergency due to the spread of 2019 novel Corona Virus (2019-nCoV), also called as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Analysis of CRP along with various other haematological parameters serves as a predictor of infection and inflammation. Aims and objectives: The aim of the study was to study the CRP level in SARS-CoV-2 patients and its role in predicting the severity of infection. Materials and Methods: As many as 768 patients were included in this study. Serum samples were analysed for CRP levels by Quantitative CRP test, based on the principle of Latex turbidimetry. CRP values equal to or greater than 6mg/L were considered as abnormal. Results: Out of 768 serum samples tested, 337 (43.8%) samples showed abnormal values. Out of which 255 (75.7%) were male patients and 82(24.3%) were female patients. A total of 42.4% patients had increased CRP values that belonged to the age group 41-60 years followed by 29% patients that belonged to the age group of 61-80 years. In the age group of 61-80 years 67/98 (68%) patients deteriorated during hospitalization and required mechanical ventilation and the mortality rate was 88% among patients on mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: Our study suggested that CRP testing may be useful as an earlier indicator for severe illness and those presenting with marked increase of > 45.6 mg/L should be paid more attention. Male preponderance was detected and elderly patients revealed abnormal values of CRP as compared to young and middle-aged patients