Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to measure plasma midkine levels in
patients with COVID-19 and to assess its clinical significance. Material
and Method: 88 patients followed in our hospital with a diagnosis of
COVID-19 were included in the study. Demographic characteristics,
clinical and laboratory data of the patients were recorded, and the
relationship between midkine level and prognosis and other parameters
were investigated. Results: Of the 88 patients included in the study, 43
(48.9%) were female and 45 (51.1%) were male. 24 (27%) of our cases
were died. The mean age of non-survivals was 70 ± 12.3 and the survivals
were 61.9 ± 18.2 years. Mortality predictors due to COVID-19 in group 2
patients were significantly higher than those in group 2 (p
<0.05). The median (IR) value of the MK level was 152.5±125
pg/ml in all patients, 143±149 pg/ml in survivors and 165.5±76 pg/ml in
those who died (p= 0.546). The difference between these two groups
compared according to mortality was not statistically significant The
area under the ROC curve was found to be 0.542 (95% CI 0.423-0.661, p=
0.546). Conclusion: MK is not a biomarker that can reinforce known
predictors of mortality in COVID-19 patients and can provide better
predictions of mortality.