PATTERNS OF COMPLETE BLOOD COUNTS (CBC) IN PATIENTS WITH COVID19 INFECTION

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 is an ongoing pandemic caused by virus SARS-CoV-2. Many studies worldwide have documented hematological alterations in COVID-19. The present study also aimed to assess the CBC parameters in COVID-19 patients. Material And Methods: It was an observational study conducted in the Department of Pathology, Govt. Medical College, Jammu. COVID-19 patients admitted in the hospital were included in the study. Demographic details and clinical status were noted. EDTA anticoagulated blood samples received were processed on automated 5-part hematology analyzer for CBC. Various parameters obtained were evaluated and also compared with clinical severity of the patients. Results were tabulated and analysed statistically. Results: The study included 304 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Males were 219 (72%) and females were 85 (28%). Median 6 age of patients was 55 years. Mean hemoglobin concentration was 12.05 g/dl (SD-1.93), mean RBC count was 4.21x10 /µL (SD3 3 0.69). Mean WBC count was 9.66x10 /µL (SD-4.80), mean absolute neutrophil count was 7.87x10 /µL (SD-4.63), mean absolute 3 3 lymphocyte count was 1.22x10 /µL (SD-0.77), mean absolute monocyte count was 0.52x10 /µL (SD-0.29), mean absolute 3 eosinophil count was 0.04 x10 /µL(SD-0.10). Mean NLR was 10.03 (SD-12.27), mean LMR was 2.84 (SD-2.02), mean PLR was 3 220.16 (SD-208.46). Mean platelet count was 187x10 /µL (SD-97.78). Patients with severe disease show signicantly raised WBC count and absolute neutrophil count, signicantly decreased absolute lymphocyte count, signicantly higher eosinophil count, NLR, PLR and signicantly decreased LMR with no signicant difference in absolute monocyte count and platelet count. Conclusion: Routine monitoring of CBC parameters in COVID – 19 patients during the course of illness is a simple, rapid means to assess disease severity and progression in these patients.