Anemia during SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with rehospitalization after viral clearance

• Published in: iScience 2021-07, Vol.24 (7), p.102780-102780, Article 102780
• Main Authors: Lenehan, Patrick J., Ramudu, Eshwan, Venkatakrishnan, A.J., Berner, Gabriela, McMurry, Reid, O'Horo, John C., Badley, Andrew D., Morice, William, Halamka, John, Soundararajan, Venky
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Pathophysiology; Virology
• ISSN: 2589-0042; 2589-0042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102780

Patients with COVID-19 can experience symptoms and complications after viral clearance. It is important to identify clinical features of patients who are likely to experience these prolonged effects. We conducted a retrospective study to compare longitudinal laboratory test measurements (hemoglobin, hematocrit, estimated glomerular filtration rate, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen) in patients rehospitalized after PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 clearance (n = 104) versus patients not rehospitalized after viral clearance (n = 278). Rehospitalized patients had lower median hemoglobin levels in the year prior to COVID-19 diagnosis (Cohen's D = −0.50; p = 1.2 × 10−3) and during their active SARS-CoV-2 infection (Cohen's D = −0.71; p = 4.6 × 10−8). Rehospitalized patients were also more likely to be diagnosed with moderate or severe anemia during their active infection (Odds Ratio = 4.07; p = 4.99 × 10−9). These findings suggest that anemia-related laboratory tests should be considered in risk stratification algorithms for patients with COVID-19. [Display omitted] •Patients rehospitalized after SARS-CoV-2 clearance have distinct laboratory test profiles•Rehospitalized patients have lower hemoglobin before and during SARS-CoV-2 infection•Rehospitalized patients are more likely to experience anemia during active infection Virology; Pathophysiology