Dynamics of Markers of Infection and Inflammation in Hospitalized Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Patients

Dynamics of Nucleocapsid Antigen Serum Levels and Other Markers of Infection and Inflammation in Hospitalized Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Patients - a Pilot Study

Patients requiring admission to the hospital due to a moderate and severe COVID-19 infection may differ in their ability to respond to viral infection and to eliminate viral load.

Several comorbidities and interventions like antivirotic or antiinflammatory treatment may also modify expected patients response and decrease of viral load.

In this observational study, evolution of selected inflammatory markers, indicators of severity of infection and patient characteristics will be followed and recorded in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

In this pilot study, 30 consecutive COVID-19 patients requiring admission to the hospital due to a moderate and severe COVID-19 infection will be included into an observational study.

Following parameters will be recorded: age, sex, weight, height, comorbidities, smoking habit,spiritus and drug intake history, length of COVID-19 symptoms, clinical and laboratory parameters, the use of different COVID-19 intervention (remdesivir, convalescent plasma, monoclonal antibodies, corticosteroids, tocilizumab and other medication), used initial and maximal organ support during the stay and outcome of the stay in the hospital and 28th and 90th day, laboratory markers of severity of infection - serum and tracheal aspirate (in ventilated patients) levels of nucleocapsid antigen,Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) viremia and quantity in tracheal aspirates (in ventilated patients), makers of inflammatory response (C- reactive proteins, Interleukin 6, procalcitonin, ferritin) and selected other biochemical values (blood count, D-dimers, flow cytometry).

Inclusion Criteria:

• SARS CoV2 positive test within last 14 day
• bilateral infiltrates on chest X.ray or CT
• need for oxygen to keep pulse oximetry saturation above 92% or other respiratory support measures (HFNO, non-invasive ventilation or invasive ventilation)

Exclusion Criteria:

• known history of intersticial lung disease
• known history of congestive heart failure