Evaluation of D-dimer as a predictor of severity, degree of pulmonary involvement and mortality in patients with COVID-19

Abstract

Objective: To verify D-dimer values to predict disease severity, degree of lung involvement and mortality in patients with COVID-19. Method: The D-dimer levels of 200 confirmed COVID-19 patients were prospectively measured in the Emergency Department of Razi Hospital of Ahvaz on the admission day, and its relations with the illness severity, computed tomography (CT) score, and mortality were assessed. Results: D-dimer level > 1.04 μg/mL and ≤ 1.12 μg/mL could indicate severe illness and high grade of pulmonary involvement but low risk of death. The mortality rate in the patients with D-dimer level > 1.12 μg/mL (was significantly higher than its rate in those with D-dimer level ≤ 1.12 μg/mL (17.2% x 1.5%; P:0.02). An independent positive correlation was found between D-dimer and Chest CT score as well as the disease severity (OR: 1.84; 95%CI:1.38 - 2.45; P:0.0001). Conclusion: D-dimer level > 1.12 μg/mL on the early stage of COVID-19 infection may independently predict the severe illness, high grade of pulmonary involvement, and high risk of death, indicating its beneficial role in timely management of critical patients.