NEW STUDY

suPAR is associated with risk for thromboembolic complications and mortality in patients with COVID-19

Conclusion

Higher suPAR levels at the time of hospital admission are associated with a higher risk for thromboembolic complications i.e., pulmonary embolism (PE) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT), as well as mortality in patients with COVID-19.

Results

Per quartile higher suPAR level, there was a higher risk for PE or DVT. Compared to those in the lowest suPAR quartile, patients in the highest quartile had an 11.1 times higher risk for PE/DVT. suPAR is also associated with overall mortality, with a 2.25 times higher risk of death seen per quartile increase in suPAR level.

Method

This is a retrospective cohort study, conducted by Rush University Medical Center, of a random sample of 109 patients among those hospitalized between March and June 2020 for COVID-19, who had blood samples collected and stored on admission.

Patients were subsequently grouped by suPAR quartiles. Associations between suPAR, thromboembolic complications, and overall mortality were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression.