Course of D-Dimer and C-Reactive Protein Levels in Survivors and Nonsurvivors with COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Retrospective Analysis of 577 Patients
Luca Valerio, Paola Ferrazzi, Clara Sacco, Wolfram Ruf, Nils Kucher, Stavros Konstantinides, Stefano Barco, Corrado Lodigiani, On behalf of Humanitas COVID-19 Task Force
Abstract
The levels of D-dimers have been found to be associated with death in patients with COVID-19 since the first reports.[1] D-Dimer and inflammatory parameters are frequently used as a marker of COVID-19 severity, driving decisions such as the use and dosage of anticoagulation and anti-inflammatory drugs.[2] [3] However, a meta-analysis of prediction models of COVID-19 developed so far suggested that none, including those based on biomarkers, can be recommended for clinical practice.[4] Among other methodological issues, available studies did not mention the timing of the biomarker assessment, used only baseline measurements or only the latest available ones, or included participants with incomplete follow-up.[4]