Prediction of Clinical Severity of COVID‐19 Using a Combination of Heparin‐Binding Protein, Interleukin‐6, and C‐Reactive Protein: A Retrospective Study

• DOI: 10.1111/crj.70003
• Publication Date: 2024-08-27T02:59:51Z
• Authors: Yidan Gao; Ke Zhao; Jing Liu; Xiangbo Zhang; Ling Gong; Xiang Zhou; Gongying Chen
• Keywords: Male; Adult; heparin‐binding protein; Severity of Illness Index; SARS‐CoV‐2; Diseases of the respiratory system; 03 medical and health sciences; COVID‐19; Predictive Value of Tests; Humans; Retrospective Studies; Aged; 0303 health sciences; RC705-779; Interleukin-6; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Blood Proteins; Middle Aged; Prognosis; C‐reactive protein; C-Reactive Protein; interleukin‐6; Original Article; Female; Carrier Proteins; prognostic marker; Biomarkers; Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides

ABSTRACTBackgroundSystemic inflammation stands as a pivotal factor tightly interwoven with the progression of COVID‐19. This study endeavors to elucidate the significance of three key inflammatory molecules, that is, heparin‐binding protein (HBP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and C‐reactive protein (CRP), in assessing the severity and prognostic implications of COVID‐19.MethodsThe demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were retrospectively collected from a cohort of 214 adult patients diagnosed with COVID‐19. Patients were divided into two groups: nonsevere (n = 93; 43.5%) and severe (n = 121; 56.5%). Additionally, based on their organ function, patients were categorized into nonorgan failure (n = 137) and organ failure (n = 77) groups. The levels of inflammation‐related cytokines were then compared among these defined groups.ResultsThe severe group was characterized by a higher proportion of males, older age, and longer hospital stays compared to nonsevere cases. Additionally, severe cases exhibited a higher prevalence of underlying diseases and organ failure. Statistical analysis revealed significantly elevated levels of HBP, IL‐6, and CRP in the severe group. HBP, IL‐6, and CRP were identified as independent risk factors for severe COVID‐19. Furthermore, a combined assessment of these biomarkers demonstrated superior diagnostic sensitivity (85.10%) and specificity (95.70%) for predicting COVID‐19 severity. A positive relationship between elevated HBP, IL‐6, and CRP levels and impaired organ function was also observed. The predictive efficiency significantly increased (hazard ratio = 3.631, log‐rank p = 0.003) when two or more of them were combinedly used. Notably, elevated levels of HBP, IL‐6, and CRP were associated with an increased risk of mortality.ConclusionsIn conclusion, the combined assessment of HBP, IL‐6, and CRP offers enhanced accuracy and specificity in predicting the severity, organ failure, and mortality risk associated with COVID‐19.