Background & aim: D-dimer levels have been recognized as significant markers for assessing disease severity and mortality in patients with COVID-19. This research aims to examine the correlation between D-dimer levels and disease severity in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Methods: Conducted over an eight-month period from March 2023 to January 2024, this cross-sectional study evaluated 231 confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to Chamran Hospital. D-dimer levels, along with clinical and Para clinical data, were collected and analyzed. Disease severity was assessed through pulse oximetry and measurements of blood oxygen saturation (SpO2).
Results: The present study was carried out on 134 males (58%) and 97 females (42%), with a mean age of 61 years. Elevated D-dimer levels were correlated with decreased SpO2 levels. Patients with SpO2 below 90% exhibited significantly higher mean D-dimer levels compared to those with SpO2 above 90% (2589 vs. 517 Nano grams per milliliter, P>0.001). Additionally, a moderate negative correlation was found between D-dimer levels and SpO2 (r=-0.624).
Conclusion: The inverse correlation between D-dimer levels and SpO2, indicative of disease severity in COVID-19 patients, suggests that D-dimer levels can serve as a predictive biomarker in these patients.