suPAR can predict mild or severe outcome of COVID-19 infection
Thu Apr 30 2020
suPAR is an early predictor of severe respiratory failure in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia
This study published in Critical Care by Nikoletta Rovina, MD, Ph.D. et al, may be of major importance in the management of COVID-19.
The study shows that suPAR (soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor) can act as an early predictor of the risk of severe respiratory failure in patients with COVID-19.
The baseline suPAR level can differentiate whether patients with COVID-19 will have a mild or a severe outcome of the infection.
This can aid in selecting which COVID-19 patients may be sent home (home quarantine) and which patients should be admitted to the hospital.
Link to publication in Critical Care here
At the beginning of the illness, patients may experience low-degree fever or flu-like symptoms.
While some patients have a mild or moderate course of the disease, others progress to severe respiratory failure and mechanical ventilation (respirator) is needed to save the patient.
The study asked whether suPAR, measured at admission, can predict which patients will develop severe respiratory failure and which will not.
Measured suPAR levels from Greek COVID-19 patients by The Hellenic Sepsis Study Group were similar to those collected from patients with COVID-19 from the Emergency Department (ED) of Rush University Medical Center (USA). Patients were followed for 14 days after admission.
The results showed that admission levels of suPAR were significantly greater among patients who eventually developed severe respiratory failure.
Patients with suPAR above 6 ng/ml upon admission, had a 16 times higher risk of respiratory failure, than patients with suPAR below 6 ng/ml.
Conclusion:
The study shows that baseline plasma suPAR level can differentiate whether patients with COVID-19 will have a mild or a severe outcome of the infection.
This can aid in selecting which COVID-19 patients may be sent home and which patients should be admitted to the hospital.
