Clinical and Biochemical Indexes from 2019-nCoV Infected Patients linked to Viral Loads and Lungs Injury

Abstract

Background: The global spread of COVID-19, caused by the emergence of the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in late 2019, prompted an urgent need to understand its clinical and molecular aspects. Emphasis is placed on investigating the relationships between viral loads, disease severity, radiological patterns, and key clinical outcomes such as ICU admission and mortality. Logistic regression is utilized to pinpoint predictors of ICU admission.   Objective: This study was conducted to investigate the relationships between viral loads, disease severity, radiological patterns, and key clinical outcomes such as ICU admission and mortality among COVID patients.   Methodology: This retrospective study, conducted at Sekih Zahid bin Khalifa Hospital CMH Rawalakot from January to October 2022, analyzed clinical and biochemical data from 450 2019-nCoV-infected patients. Data collection involved reviewing clinical records, extracting relevant information, and utilizing qPCR tests for viral load measurement. Inclusion criteria required confirmed 2019-nCoV infection and complete clinical and laboratory data. Data analysis employed descriptive and inferential statistics to explore associations between variables, recognizing study limitations.   Results: In 450 2019-nCoV-infected patients, demographics showed an average age of 46.7 years with an equal gender distribution. Key clinical findings included fever (85%), cough (72%), and shortness of breath (62%). Viral loads (5.2 × 10^5 copies/mL) positively correlated with disease severity and ICU admission (r = 0.65, p < 0.001). Radiological findings indicated lung involvement (80%) and ground-glass opacities linked to viral loads and CRP levels. Logistic regression identified elevated viral loads as a predictor of ICU admission.   Conclusion: This study provides crucial insights into the clinical and molecular aspects of 2019-nCoV infection. Emphasizing the predictive value of viral loads for disease severity and mortality, it underscores the interplay of demographic, clinical, and laboratory factors. The identified links between viral loads, ICU admission, and mortality highlight their potential in identifying high-risk individuals.