INFLAMMATORY MARKER PROFILING IN COVID-19: UNRAVELING COMORBIDITY AND GENDER INFLUENCES

Background: The 2020 WHO-declared COVID-19 pandemic has left a profound global imprint. Notably, inflammatory markers have gained prominence in predicting disease severity, especially concerning the characteristic cytokine storm in severe cases. Alongside, comorbidities and gender have emerged as influential factors in disease outcomes. Thus, unraveling the intricate relationships between inflammatory markers, comorbidities, and gender is pivotal for optimal patient care. This study examines inflammatory marker roles in COVID-19, focusing on comorbidity presence and gender impacts. Methods: Conducted retrospectively at Bengalurus Abhaya Hospital from March 2020 to September 2021, this observational study examined C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-Dimer, creatine phosphokinase (CPK), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and serum ferritin as inflammatory markers in COVID-19 patients. Patient cohorts with and without comorbidities, as well as male and female patients, underwent comparisons. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and t-tests were used for data analysis. Results & Discussion: Among patients with and without comorbidities, no statistically significant differences in inflammatory markers were identified. This finding suggests a complex, indirect relationship between comorbidities and distinct inflammatory responses, as measured by these markers. In contrast, gender-based analysis demonstrated significant variations in CRP, IL-6, CPK, and Ferritin levels among male and female COVID-19 patients. Hormonal, genetic, and immunological variations potentially underlie these disparities, impacting disease severity. This study underscores the intricate interplay between inflammatory markers, comorbidities, and gender within the COVID-19 context. Conclusion: In conclusion, this study advances the comprehension of inflammatory markers in COVID-19 patients. While comorbidities did not exhibit marker-specific links, significant gender-based differences in CRP, IL-6, CPK, and Ferritin levels emerged. This underscores the need for gender-specific investigations in disease progression. Continued research is pivotal to unveil underlying mechanisms and to tailor treatment strategies based on these gender-specific disparities.