A Comparative Study of Complete Blood Count (CBC) Tests in Children with COVID-19 in the Fifth Peak Compared to Other Peaks: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background Awareness and recognition of the changes resulting from laboratory results in patients with COVID-19 can lead to effective clinical judgment and evidence-based care. Aim This study was conducted to compare the results of complete blood count (CBC) tests in children with COVID-19 hospitalized in the fifth peak1 with other COVID-19 peaks. Methods This cross-sectional study was carried out by census method on 112 hospitalized cases of children suffering from COVID-19. The data were collected using a researcher-made checklist by referring to the medical records unit of the hospital and analyzed with SPSS-25 statistical software and descriptive and inferential statistical tests at a significance level of 0.05. Results In the examined peaks, iron deficiency anemia was related to the severity of COVID-19, so MCV and RBC levels were reduced in children with COVID-19. The average blood platelet in the fifth peak was significantly lower than in the third and fourth peaks. Conclusion Decreased values of some CBC indices, such as MCV, RBC, and platelets in the fifth peak during hospitalization, can predict poor clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19. Moreover, according to the Mentzer index, the degree of iron deficiency anemia affects the clinical course and prognosis of patients with COVID-19, therefore, knowing the laboratory results can help the clinical judgment of doctors in treating patients.