Gamma-glutamyl-transferase may predict COVID-19 outcomes in hospitalized
patients
Abstract
Aim: In this study, we aimed to define the predictive role of liver
function tests at admission to the hospital in outcomes of hospitalized
patients with COVID-19. Material and Method: In this multicentric
retrospective study, a total of 269 adult patients (≥18 years of age)
with confirmed COVID-19 who were hospitalized for the treatment were
enrolled. Demographic features, complete medical history, and laboratory
findings of the study participants at admission were obtained from the
medical records. Patients were grouped regarding their ICU requirements
during their hospitalization periods. Results: Among all 269
participants, 106 were hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) and
66 died. The patients hospitalized in ICU were older than patients
hospitalized in wards (p=0.001) and expired patients were older than
alive patients (p=0.001). Age, elevated serum D-dimer, creatinine, and
gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels at admission were independent
factors predicting ICU hospitalization and mortality in COVID-19
patients. Conclusion: In conclusion, in hospitalized patients with
COVID-19, laboratory data on admission, including serum, creatinine, GGT
and d-dimer levels have an important predictive role for the ICU
requirement and mortality. Since these tests are readily available in
all hospitals and inexpensive, some predictive formulas may be
calculated with these parameters at admission, to define the patients
requiring intensive care.