Biochemical Alterations Associated With the Severity of COVID-19 in Sub-Saharan Black African Individuals
Lydie Armelle Moukambi, Marisca Kande Yatara, Elisabeth Lendoye, Guy-Stéphane Padzys, Benedict Ndeboko, Anicet Christel Maloupazoa Siawaya, Amandine Mveang Nzoghe, Stéphane Oliveira, Yannick Ivala Mendome, Prudence Biyie Bi Ngoghe, Ofilia Mvoundza Ndjindji, Rotimi Myrabelle Avome Houechenou, Marielle Leboueny, Joel Fleury Djoba Siawaya- General Medicine
Abstract
Background
Biochemical markers are essential in the monitoring and the clinical care of patients as they inform clinicians. Here, we characterized biochemical alterations in sub-Saharan Black African individuals with COVID-19.
Methods
The study includes COVID-19 patients cared for at the Akanda Army Hospital in Libreville (Gabon). A total of 2237 patient records were extracted and reviewed. Patients were classified based on hospital admission (intensive care unit [ICU], internal medicine ward, and outpatient).
Results
One thousand six hundred seventy-one were included in the study. ICU patients were significantly older than non-ICU hospitalized patients (P < 0.001) and outpatients (P < 0.0001). Hyperglycemic patients had 6.4 odds of being in ICU (P < 0.0001). Patients with abnormally high urea had 54.7 odds of being in ICU (P < 0.0001). Patients with abnormally high aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (>33 IU/L) had 3.5 odds of being in ICU (P < 0.0001). Hyperlactatemia (>246 IU/L) odds in ICU patients were 14 (P < 0.0001). The odds of abnormally high alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (>147 IU/L) in ICU patients were 4.6 (P < 0.0001). Odds for hypochloremia (<98 mmol/L) were 1.6 in ICU (P < 0.05). Dysnatremia patients (<135 or >145 mmol/L) had 9.5 odds of being found in ICU patients (P < 0.0001). The odds of potassium imbalance (<3.6 or >5 mmol/L) in ICU patients were 12.2 (P < 0.0001).
Conclusions
COVID-19-associated biochemical alterations observed in the Black African population are similar to those observed in other populations, and the association between COVID-19 severity, hyperglycemia, and multi-organ affection is confirmed.