The role of pancreatic stone protein as a prognostic factor for COVID-19 patients. Author: Lagadinou

Abstract

Objective: The outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread throughout the world straining health care systems. Several biomarkers indicate the presence of hyper-inflammation and evaluate the severity of the disease. Our aim was to investigate the prognostic value of pancreatic stone protein plasma concentration in patients with SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia.

Patients and methods: We prospectively studied 55 patients with acute SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia admitted to our tertiary hospital. Sepsis biomarkers, including pancreatic stone protein (PSP), were measured on admission. The role of these biomarkers in the prediction of in-hospital mortality (28 day) and length of hospital stay was investigated.

Results: Although Pancreatic stone protein did not have significant prognostic value for in-hospital mortality, there was a moderate accuracy for prolonged length of stay. The optimal cut-off value for prolonged hospital stay was 51 ng/dL (Sensitivity: 0.65, Specificity: 0.913).

Conclusions 

Pancreatic Stone Protein on admission could accurately identify patients requiring prolonged hospitalization. The results of this study can serve as a strong early basis for future validation studies of such an innovative approach.

Keywords: Pancreatic stone protein, SARS-CoV-2 infection, Hospitalization, Disease severity.