Objective

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) manifests with various symptoms ranging from mild illness to multiorgan failure. Inflammatory markers such as ferritin and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) may impact disease severity and outcomes. This study explored the association between ferritin and hs-CRP levels and symptoms and duration of hospital stay in Iranian adult patients with COVID-19.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 107 patients with COVID-19 aged 20 to 60 years who were admitted to Amir Alam Hospital in Tehran, Iran. Serum levels of hs-CRP and ferritin were measured using immunoturbidimetric and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) methods, according to the manufacturers’ protocols. Data regarding symptoms were collected using a demographic questionnaire and verified against their hospital records.
Results
Marginally significant negative association was observed between hs-CRP and appetite (β=−0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.003 to 0.000; P=0.05). Lower odds of contusion related to higher ferritin levels were detected (odds ratio, 0.995; 95% CI, 0.990 to 1.000; P=0.05).
Conclusion
Serum levels of hs-CRP and ferritin are probably associated with some clinical symptoms in patients with COVID-19. Higher hs-CRP levels were possibly associated with lower appetite, and higher ferritin levels were inversely associated with contusion.