Comparison of clinical, laboratory and radiological features in confirmed and unconfirmed COVID-19 patients

Surme S., Tuncer G., Copur B., Zerdali E., Nakir I. Y., Yazla M., ...More

FUTURE MICROBIOLOGY, vol.16, no.18, pp.1389-1400, 2021 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 16 Issue: 18
  • Publication Date: 2021
  • Doi Number: 10.2217/fmb-2021-0162
  • Journal Name: FUTURE MICROBIOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, Chemical Abstracts Core, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.1389-1400
  • Keywords: close contact, complete blood count, COVID-19, diagnosis, platelet, SARS-CoV-2 PCR, COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED PNEUMONIA, PERFORMANCE, TESTS
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Background: We aimed to compare the clinical, laboratory and radiological findings of confirmed COVID-19 and unconfirmed patients. Methods: This was a single-center, retrospective study. Results: Overall, 620 patients (338 confirmed COVID-19 and 282 unconfirmed) were included. Confirmed COVID-19 patients had higher percentages of close contact with a confirmed or probable case. In univariate analysis, the presence of myalgia and dyspnea, decreased leukocyte, neutrophil and platelet counts were best predictors for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity. Multivariate analyses revealed that only platelet count was an independent predictor for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR positivity. Conclusion: Routine complete blood count may be helpful for distinguishing COVID-19 from other respiratory illnesses at an early stage, while PCR testing is unique for the diagnosis of COVID-19.