Title:Iron Dysregulation: Unveiling Predictive Biomarkers for Severity in
COVID-19 Patients
Volume: 21
Issue: 3
Author(s): Zahra Shaghaghi, Seyyed Hamid Hashemi, Maryam Alvandi*, Zeynab Marzhoseyni, Hamidreza Ghasemi-Basir, Tayeb Mohamadi and Soghra Farzipour
Affiliation:
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, School of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences,
Hamadan, Iran
Keywords:
COVID-19, iron metabolism, ferritin, Hb, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, total iron-binding capacity.
Abstract:
Objective: This study aimed to elucidate the association between iron dysregulation
and the severity of COVID-19, examining serum levels of iron-related biomarkers in hospitalized
patients. The primary objective was to identify reliable predictors for disease severity, specifically
focusing on the role of ferritin, Hemoglobin (Hb), Total Iron-binding Capacity (TIBC), and iron.
Materials and Methods: The study enrolled 117 consecutive COVID-19 patients, classified into
mild, severe, and critical groups. Serum levels of Hb, TIBC, iron, and ferritin were measured using
standardized methods. Data were analyzed using ROC analysis, logistic regression models,
and correlation assessments. The study adhered to ethical guidelines, obtaining informed consent
from all participants.
Results: Results revealed a consistent elevation in iron and ferritin levels as disease severity increased,
accompanied by a reciprocal decline in Hb and TIBC. Ferritin emerged as a robust predictor
for disease prognosis, with an AUC of 0.808, providing a sensitivity of 62.50% and a specificity
of 91.74%. Age and education were identified as exacerbating factors influencing patient outcomes.
The findings have been found to align with previous studies linking higher ferritin levels
to adverse outcomes, supporting ferritin’s utility as a prognostic marker.
Conclusion: The intricate relationship between iron metabolism and COVID-19 severity has been
highlighted in this study, emphasizing elevated ferritin levels as potential predictors for severe outcomes
and indicators of inflammation-induced cellular damage. These findings may contribute
valuable insights into personalized patient management strategies and the potential for targeted interventions
in severe COVID-19 cases. Further research involving larger populations is essential
to validate these observations and enhance our understanding of the complex host response to
SARS-CoV-2.