AUTHOR=Pavelescu Mirela Luminița , Dinulescu Alexandru , Păsărică Alexandru-Sorin , Dijmărescu Irina , Păcurar Daniela
TITLE=Hematological profile, inflammatory markers and serum liver enzymes in COVID 19 positive children vs. COVID 19 negative ones—a comparative study
JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pediatrics
VOLUME=12
YEAR=2024
URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pediatrics/articles/10.3389/fped.2024.1334591
DOI=10.3389/fped.2024.1334591
ISSN=2296-2360
ABSTRACT=BackgroundComplete blood count, C-reactive protein and transaminases are routine laboratory parameters investigated in children with infections, including COVID 19. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these parameters in children diagnosed with COVID 19.
MethodsAt the time of admission, children with COVID 19 suggestive symptoms were tested RT-PCR for SARS CoV-2 and were allocated to either the study group (RT-PCR SARS CoV-2 positive) or control group (RT-PCR SARS CoV-2 negative). All children were evaluated by complete blood count, CRP, and transaminases.
ResultsWhen comparing the two groups, we identified significantly lower values for leukocytes (p < 0.001), neutrophils (p < 0.001), lymphocytes (p < 0.001) and thrombocytes (p = 0.014), but no significantly different values for CRP (p = 0.916) and monocytes (p = 0.082). A diagnostic score for COVID-19 was compiled using the abovementioned parameters—presence of fever, number of lymphocytes and aspartate-aminotransferase. Performance was tested, showing a positive discrimination value (AUC of 0.703)—81.5% sensitivity, 50.6% specificity.
ConclusionsThe leukocytes, neutrophils and lymphocytes have significantly lower values in COVID-19 children. The proposed score based on the presence of fever the values of lymphocytes and AST has a good sensitivity in predicting COVID-19 infection.