Evaluation of risk factors for the development of bacteremia and complications in patients with brucellosis: Is it possible to predict the clinical course?

INTRODUCTION: Brucellosis is often confused with other diseases or accompanies the conditions it imitates. It causes treatment delays, failure, relapse, and complications. This study aimed to investigate bacteremia and complication predictors in Brucellosis patients. Early detection may help reduce relapse rates, length of hospital stay, and surgical intervention rates by providing appropriate treatment. METHODOLOGY: We examined 220 adult patients diagnosed with Brucellosis in our tertiary care hospital in the Black Sea Region between January 01, 2010, and January 01, 2022. Patients with and without bacteremia and complications were compared regarding demographic characteristics, clinical features, and laboratory parameters. RESULTS: The mean age was 46.4 ± 15.8 years (18-96 years), and 61% were male. Low back pain and absence of muscle pain were independent risk factors for predicting bacteremia (p = 0.049, p = 0.043, respectively). Weakness /fatigue, weight loss, and 1/320 Standard Tube Agglutination Test (STAT) or Brucella Coombs Gel Test (BCGT) titers were independent risk factors that reduced the risk of complications; in contrast, low back pain and splenomegaly were independent risk factors for development of complications. (p = 0.025, p = 0.007, p = 0.008, p = 0.003, p = 0.021 respectively). Thrombocytopenia was related to complications. When the platelet cut-off value was taken as 160,000/µL in predicting complications, the sensitivity was 31.30%, and the specificity was 97.73% (p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of clinical progression and complications could be predicted with symptoms and signs such as myalgia, low back pain, weakness/fatigue, weight loss, splenomegaly, and easily accessible laboratory parameters such as serum STAT/BCGT titer and platelet level.

Índice Imunoinflamatório Sistêmico como Determinante de Carga Aterosclerótica e Pacientes de Alto Risco com Síndromes Coronarianas Agudas / Systemic Immune-Inflammatory Index as a Determinant of Atherosclerotic Burden and High-Risk Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes

Resumo Fundamento O índice imunoinflamatório sistêmico (IIS), derivado das contagens de neutrófilos, plaquetas e linfócitos, representa o equilíbrio homeostático entre os estados inflamatório, imune e trombótico. O IIS é superior a índices como a relação neutrófilos-linfócitos no prognóstico de várias malignidades, além de ser um melhor preditor de futuros eventos cardíacos que os fatores de risco tradicionais após a intervenção coronariana. Objetivos Este estudo objetivou avaliar a relação do IIS com a carga aterosclerótica e complicações hospitalares em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda. Métodos Desfechos clínicos, como extensão do dano miocárdico, carga aterosclerótica, sangramento, insuficiência renal aguda, duração da internação e mortalidade hospitalar, foram avaliados em uma coorte retrospectiva de 309 pacientes consecutivos com síndrome coronariana aguda. O IIS foi calculado como (plaqueta x neutrófilos)/contagem de linfócitos na admissão. A população estudada foi categorizada em tercis de IIS. Valores de p<0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados Os maiores valores de IIS foram encontrados em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (641,4 com angina pectoris instável, 843,0 com infarto do miocárdio sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST e 996,0 com infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST; p=0,004). Concentração máxima de troponina (0,94 versus 1,26 versus 3; p<0,001), número de vasos doentes (1 versus 2 versus 2; p<0,001), escore SYNTAX ( The SYNergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with TAXus and cardiac surgery — sinergia entre intervenção coronária percutânea com taxus e cirurgia cardíaca) (9 versus 14 versus 17,5; p<0,001) e duração da internação (2 versus 2 versus 3; p<0,001) também aumentaram de acordo com o tercil de IIS (tercil 1 versus tercil 2 versus tercil 3). O IIS foi um preditor independente de escore SYNTAX (ß: 0,232 [0,001 a 0,003]; p<0,001), extensão do dano miocárdico (ß: 0,152 [0 a 0,001]; p=0,005) e duração da internação (ß: 0,168 [0,0 a 0,001]; p=0,003). Conclusões Este estudo demonstrou que o IIS, um índice hematológico simples, é um marcador melhor de carga aterosclerótica e internação mais longa do que fatores de risco bem conhecidos em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda de alto risco.

Abstract Background Systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), which is derived from neutrophil, platelet and lymphocyte counts, represents the homeostatic balance among inflammatory, immune and thrombotic status. The systemic immune-inflammatory index is superior to indices such as neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in predicting prognosis in various malignancies, while it is shown to predict future cardiac events better than traditional risk factors after coronary intervention. Objectives Herein, we aimed to evaluate the relationship of the systemic immune-inflammatory index with atherosclerotic burden and in-hospital complications in acute coronary syndrome patients. Methods The clinical outcomes, such as extent of myocardial damage, atherosclerotic burden, bleeding, acute kidney injury, duration of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality, were evaluated in a retrospective cohort of 309 consecutive acute coronary syndrome patients. The systemic immune-inflammatory index was calculated as (Platelet X Neutrophil)/Lymphocyte count on admission. Study population was categorized into tertiles with regard to systemic immune-inflammatory index. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The highest systemic immune-inflammatory index values were within ST elevation myocardial infarction patients (641.4 in unstable angina pectoris, 843.0 in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction patients and 996.0 in ST elevation myocardial infarction patients; p=0.004). Maximal troponin concentration (0.94 vs. 1.26 vs. 3; p<0.001), number of diseased vessels (1 vs. 2 vs. 2; p<0.001), the SYNTAX (synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with taxus and coronary artery bypass grafting) score (9 vs. 14 vs. 17.5; p<0.001) and duration of hospital stay (2 vs. 2 vs. 3; p<0.001) also increased with increasing SIItertile(tertile1 vs. tertile 2 vs. tertile 3). Systemic immune-inflammatory index was an independent predictor of SYNTAX score (ß: 0.232 [0.001 to 0.003]; p<0.001), extent of myocardial damage (ß: 0.152 [0 to 0.001]; p=0.005) and duration of hospital stay (ß: 0.168 [0.0 to 0.001]; p=0.003). Conclusions This study has demonstrated that the systemic immune-inflammatory index, a simple hematological index, is a marker of atherosclerotic burden and longer hospital stay on well-known risk factors in high risk acute coronary syndrome patients.

Systemic Immune-Inflammatory Index as a Determinant of Atherosclerotic Burden and High-Risk Patients with Acute Coronary Syndromes. / Índice Imunoinflamatório Sistêmico como Determinante de Carga Aterosclerótica e Pacientes de Alto Risco com Síndromes Coronarianas Agudas.

BACKGROUND: Systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), which is derived from neutrophil, platelet and lymphocyte counts, represents the homeostatic balance among inflammatory, immune and thrombotic status. The systemic immune-inflammatory index is superior to indices such as neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in predicting prognosis in various malignancies, while it is shown to predict future cardiac events better than traditional risk factors after coronary intervention. OBJECTIVES: Herein, we aimed to evaluate the relationship of the systemic immune-inflammatory index with atherosclerotic burden and in-hospital complications in acute coronary syndrome patients. METHODS: The clinical outcomes, such as extent of myocardial damage, atherosclerotic burden, bleeding, acute kidney injury, duration of hospital stay and in-hospital mortality, were evaluated in a retrospective cohort of 309 consecutive acute coronary syndrome patients. The systemic immune-inflammatory index was calculated as (Platelet X Neutrophil)/Lymphocyte count on admission. Study population was categorized into tertiles with regard to systemic immune-inflammatory index. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The highest systemic immune-inflammatory index values were within ST elevation myocardial infarction patients (641.4 in unstable angina pectoris, 843.0 in non-ST elevation myocardial infarction patients and 996.0 in ST elevation myocardial infarction patients; p=0.004). Maximal troponin concentration (0.94 vs. 1.26 vs. 3; p<0.001), number of diseased vessels (1 vs. 2 vs. 2; p<0.001), the SYNTAX (synergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with taxus and coronary artery bypass grafting) score (9 vs. 14 vs. 17.5; p<0.001) and duration of hospital stay (2 vs. 2 vs. 3; p<0.001) also increased with increasing SIItertile(tertile1 vs. tertile 2 vs. tertile 3). Systemic immune-inflammatory index was an independent predictor of SYNTAX score (ß: 0.232 [0.001 to 0.003]; p<0.001), extent of myocardial damage (ß: 0.152 [0 to 0.001]; p=0.005) and duration of hospital stay (ß: 0.168 [0.0 to 0.001]; p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that the systemic immune-inflammatory index, a simple hematological index, is a marker of atherosclerotic burden and longer hospital stay on well-known risk factors in high risk acute coronary syndrome patients.

FUNDAMENTO: O índice imunoinflamatório sistêmico (IIS), derivado das contagens de neutrófilos, plaquetas e linfócitos, representa o equilíbrio homeostático entre os estados inflamatório, imune e trombótico. O IIS é superior a índices como a relação neutrófilos-linfócitos no prognóstico de várias malignidades, além de ser um melhor preditor de futuros eventos cardíacos que os fatores de risco tradicionais após a intervenção coronariana. OBJETIVOS: Este estudo objetivou avaliar a relação do IIS com a carga aterosclerótica e complicações hospitalares em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda. MÉTODOS: Desfechos clínicos, como extensão do dano miocárdico, carga aterosclerótica, sangramento, insuficiência renal aguda, duração da internação e mortalidade hospitalar, foram avaliados em uma coorte retrospectiva de 309 pacientes consecutivos com síndrome coronariana aguda. O IIS foi calculado como (plaqueta x neutrófilos)/contagem de linfócitos na admissão. A população estudada foi categorizada em tercis de IIS. Valores de p<0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. RESULTADOS: Os maiores valores de IIS foram encontrados em pacientes com infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST (641,4 com angina pectoris instável, 843,0 com infarto do miocárdio sem supradesnivelamento do segmento ST e 996,0 com infarto do miocárdio com supradesnivelamento do segmento ST; p=0,004). Concentração máxima de troponina (0,94 versus 1,26 versus 3; p<0,001), número de vasos doentes (1 versus 2 versus 2; p<0,001), escore SYNTAX ( The SYNergy between percutaneous coronary intervention with TAXus and cardiac surgery ­ sinergia entre intervenção coronária percutânea com taxus e cirurgia cardíaca) (9 versus 14 versus 17,5; p<0,001) e duração da internação (2 versus 2 versus 3; p<0,001) também aumentaram de acordo com o tercil de IIS (tercil 1 versus tercil 2 versus tercil 3). O IIS foi um preditor independente de escore SYNTAX (ß: 0,232 [0,001 a 0,003]; p<0,001), extensão do dano miocárdico (ß: 0,152 [0 a 0,001]; p=0,005) e duração da internação (ß: 0,168 [0,0 a 0,001]; p=0,003). CONCLUSÕES: Este estudo demonstrou que o IIS, um índice hematológico simples, é um marcador melhor de carga aterosclerótica e internação mais longa do que fatores de risco bem conhecidos em pacientes com síndrome coronariana aguda de alto risco.

Papel dos Níveis de Sódio na Fibrilação Atrial na Insuficiência Cardíaca: Jogador Ativo ou Bystander? / Role of Sodium Levels on Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure: Active Player or a Bystander?

Resumo Fundamento A coexistência de hiponatremia e fibrilação atrial (FA) aumenta a morbidade e mortalidade em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC). No entanto, não está estabelecido se a hiponatremia está relacionada à FA ou não. Objetivo O objetivo do nosso estudo foi buscar a possível associação de hiponatremia com FA em pacientes que apresentam IC com fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFrE). Métodos Este estudo observacional, transversal e unicêntrico incluiu 280 pacientes ambulatoriais consecutivos com diagnóstico de ICFr com 40% ou menos. Com base nas concentrações de sódio ≤135 mEq/L ou superior, os pacientes foram classificados em hiponatremia (n=66) e normonatremia (n=214). Um valor de p<0,05 foi considerado significativo. Resultados A média de idade foi de 67,6±10,5 anos, 202 (72,2%) eram do sexo masculino, o nível médio de sódio no sangue foi de 138±3,6 mEq/L e a fração de ejeção média foi de 30±4%. Ao todo, 195 (69,6%) pacientes foram diagnosticados com doença arterial coronariana. A FA foi detectada em 124 (44.3%) pacientes. A taxa de FA foi maior em pacientes com hiponatremia em comparação com aqueles com normonatremia (n=39 [59,1%] vs. n=85 [39,7%), p=0,020). Na análise de regressão logística, a hiponatremia não foi relacionada à FA (OR=1.022, IC 95%=0,785-1.330, p=0,871). Idade aumentada (OR=1.046, IC 95%=1.016-1.177, p=0,003), presença de DAC (OR=2.058, IC 95%=1,122-3.777, p=0,020), frequência cardíaca em repouso (OR=1.041, IC 95%=1.023-1.060, p<0,001) e diâmetro do átrio esquerdo (OR=1.049, IC 95%=1.011-1.616, p=0,002) foram considerados preditores de FA. Conclusão A FA foi uma taxa mais elevada em pacientes ambulatoriais com ICFr e hiponatremia. No entanto, não há associação entre os níveis de sódio e FA em pacientes com ICFrEF.

Abstract Background The coexistence of hyponatremia and atrial fibrillation (AF) increases morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). However, it is not established whether hyponatremia is related to AF or not. Objective Our study aims to seek a potential association of hyponatremia with AF in patients with reduced ejection fraction heart failure (HFrEF). Methods This observational cross-sectional single-center study included 280 consecutive outpatients diagnosed with HFrEF with 40% or less. Based on sodium concentrations ≤135 mEq/L or higher, the patients were classified into hyponatremia (n=66) and normonatremia (n=214). A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results Mean age was 67.6±10.5 years, 202 of them (72.2%) were male, mean blood sodium level was 138±3.6 mEq/L, and mean ejection fraction was 30±4%. Of those, 195 (69.6%) patients were diagnosed with coronary artery disease. AF was detected in 124 (44.3%) patients. AF rate was higher in patients with hyponatremia compared to those with normonatremia (n=39 [59.1%] vs. n=85 [39.7%), p= 0.020). In the logistic regression analysis, hyponatremia was not related to AF (OR=1.022, 95% CI=0.785-1.330, p=0.871). Advanced age (OR=1.046, 95% CI=1.016-1.177, p=0.003), presence of CAD (OR=2.058, 95% CI=1.122-3.777, p=0.020), resting heart rate (OR=1.041, 95% CI=1.023-1.060, p<0.001), and left atrium diameter (OR=1.049, 95% CI=1.011-1.616, p=0.002) were found to be predictors of AF. Conclusion AF was higher in outpatients with HFrEF and hyponatremia. However, there is no association between sodium levels and AF in patients with HFrEF.

Pacemaker Leads Extraction after Pocket Infection with Abdominal Vena Cava and Common Iliac Vein Thrombosis.

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Role of Sodium Levels on Atrial Fibrillation in Heart Failure: Active Player or a Bystander? / Papel dos Níveis de Sódio na Fibrilação Atrial na Insuficiência Cardíaca: Jogador Ativo ou Bystander?

BACKGROUND: The coexistence of hyponatremia and atrial fibrillation (AF) increases morbidity and mortality in patients with heart failure (HF). However, it is not established whether hyponatremia is related to AF or not. OBJECTIVE: Our study aims to seek a potential association of hyponatremia with AF in patients with reduced ejection fraction heart failure (HFrEF). METHODS: This observational cross-sectional single-center study included 280 consecutive outpatients diagnosed with HFrEF with 40% or less. Based on sodium concentrations ≤135 mEq/L or higher, the patients were classified into hyponatremia (n=66) and normonatremia (n=214). A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Mean age was 67.6±10.5 years, 202 of them (72.2%) were male, mean blood sodium level was 138±3.6 mEq/L, and mean ejection fraction was 30±4%. Of those, 195 (69.6%) patients were diagnosed with coronary artery disease. AF was detected in 124 (44.3%) patients. AF rate was higher in patients with hyponatremia compared to those with normonatremia (n=39 [59.1%] vs. n=85 [39.7%), p= 0.020). In the logistic regression analysis, hyponatremia was not related to AF (OR=1.022, 95% CI=0.785-1.330, p=0.871). Advanced age (OR=1.046, 95% CI=1.016-1.177, p=0.003), presence of CAD (OR=2.058, 95% CI=1.122-3.777, p=0.020), resting heart rate (OR=1.041, 95% CI=1.023-1.060, p<0.001), and left atrium diameter (OR=1.049, 95% CI=1.011-1.616, p=0.002) were found to be predictors of AF. CONCLUSION: AF was higher in outpatients with HFrEF and hyponatremia. However, there is no association between sodium levels and AF in patients with HFrEF.

FUNDAMENTO: A coexistência de hiponatremia e fibrilação atrial (FA) aumenta a morbidade e mortalidade em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca (IC). No entanto, não está estabelecido se a hiponatremia está relacionada à FA ou não. OBJETIVO: O objetivo do nosso estudo foi buscar a possível associação de hiponatremia com FA em pacientes que apresentam IC com fração de ejeção reduzida (ICFrE). MÉTODOS: Este estudo observacional, transversal e unicêntrico incluiu 280 pacientes ambulatoriais consecutivos com diagnóstico de ICFr com 40% ou menos. Com base nas concentrações de sódio ≤135 mEq/L ou superior, os pacientes foram classificados em hiponatremia (n=66) e normonatremia (n=214). Um valor de p<0,05 foi considerado significativo. RESULTADOS: A média de idade foi de 67,6±10,5 anos, 202 (72,2%) eram do sexo masculino, o nível médio de sódio no sangue foi de 138±3,6 mEq/L e a fração de ejeção média foi de 30±4%. Ao todo, 195 (69,6%) pacientes foram diagnosticados com doença arterial coronariana. A FA foi detectada em 124 (44.3%) pacientes. A taxa de FA foi maior em pacientes com hiponatremia em comparação com aqueles com normonatremia (n=39 [59,1%] vs. n=85 [39,7%), p=0,020). Na análise de regressão logística, a hiponatremia não foi relacionada à FA (OR=1.022, IC 95%=0,785­1.330, p=0,871). Idade aumentada (OR=1.046, IC 95%=1.016­1.177, p=0,003), presença de DAC (OR=2.058, IC 95%=1,122­3.777, p=0,020), frequência cardíaca em repouso (OR=1.041, IC 95%=1.023­1.060, p<0,001) e diâmetro do átrio esquerdo (OR=1.049, IC 95%=1.011­1.616, p=0,002) foram considerados preditores de FA. CONCLUSÃO: A FA foi uma taxa mais elevada em pacientes ambulatoriais com ICFr e hiponatremia. No entanto, não há associação entre os níveis de sódio e FA em pacientes com ICFrEF.

Could the systemic immune-inflammation index be a predictor to estimate cerebrovascular events in hypertensive patients?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hypertension is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events. Inflammatory processes occupy an important place in the pathogenesis of hypertension. Many studies have studied inflammatory markers responsible for the onset of hypertension and organ damage. In this study, we investigated whether the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) (platelet × neutrophil/lymphocyte), - one of the new inflammatory markers - can be used to predict cerebrovascular events in hypertensive patients. METHODS: Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring results between January 2019 and June 2020 of approximately 379 patients followed up with hypertension were retrospectively analyzed. These patients were divided into two groups as with or without a previous cerebrovascular event in the analyzed database. In all patients, complete blood count and biochemistry test results just before the cerebrovascular event were found from the database. SII, atherogenic index, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio were calculated from the complete blood count. Forty-nine patients with stroke (group 1: 12.9%; mean age: 64.3 ± 14.6) and 330 patients without stroke (group 2: 87.1%; mean age: 50.8 ± 14.4). RESULTS: Ambulatory blood pressure measurements were lower in group 1. Lipid parameters were also lower in this group. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that SII had a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 84.8 % for stroke in individuals who participated in the study when the cutoff value of SII was 633.26 × 103 (P = 0.0001) area under curve (95%); 0.898 (0.856-0.941). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, age and SII were significantly associated with a higher risk of stroke. Age, (hazard ratio:1.067; 95% CI, 1.021-1.115), SII (hazard ratio:1.009; 95% CI, 1.000-1.009), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, SII is a simple, useful new inflammatory parameter for predicting stroke from hypertension. We found that the high SII levels increase the risk of stroke in hypertensive patients.

Some inflammatory markers and chest computerized tomography in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection.

OBJECTIVE: We retrospectively assessed whether there was a relationship between lung complications and some easily accessible markers to predict the presence of pulmonary consolidation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: According to the polymerase chain reaction and chest computerized tomography results, the study was categorized into three groups. Group 1 (n=87) included the patients with polymerase chain reaction (+), group 2 (n=55) included the patients with polymerase chain reaction (-) and chest computerized tomography (+), and group 3 (n=77) included the patients with polymerase chain reaction (-) and chest computerized tomography (-), respectively. RESULTS: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and increased age were associated with higher computerized tomography (CT) scores. CONCLUSION: Increased age and C-reactive protein (CRP) may suggest pulmonary infiltration on chest CT in patients with COVID-19.

The relationship between mean platelet volume and reverse dipping blood pressure pattern in patients with essential hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: An association between increased mean platelet volume (MPV) and cardiovascular events is well established. Recent studies suggest that a nondipper blood pressure pattern is closely related to increased MPV. Because little information has been revealed about the relationship between reverse dipper hypertension (RDHT) and MPV, we aimed to investigate this relation. METHODS: A total of 317 patients were retrospectively evaluated by analyzing the records of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). Patients were categorized into three groups according to their ABPM values as RDHT (n = 63), non-dipper hypertension (NDHT) (n = 95), and dipper hypertension (DHT) groups (n = 159). MPV and biochemical analyses were recorded from the hospital database. RESULTS: The largest MPV was found in patients with RDHT, followed by patients with NDHT and DHT group (9.1 ± 0.4 fl, 8.8 ± 0.6 fl, and 8.6 ± 0.5 fl, respectively, for all p < .05). MPV was positively correlated with mean 24-hour systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean 24-hour diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean daytime SBP, mean nighttime SBP and mean nighttime DBP. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, MPV (OR 1.761, 95% CI 1.329 to 2.334, p = .001) and age (OR 1.065, 95% CI 1.019 to 1.113, p = .001) were found to be associated with RDHT. ROC curve analysis of MPV for prediction of RDHT showed that at the cutoff value of >9,1 fl with a sensitivity of 60% and specificity of 69%, respectively (AUC = 0.696 ± 0.035, 95% CI: 0.627-0.764). Our data show that the RDHT pattern is associated with increased MPV values in patients with essential hypertension.

Some inflammatory markers and chest computerized tomography in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: We retrospectively assessed whether there was a relationship between lung complications and some easily accessible markers to predict the presence of pulmonary consolidation in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS: According to the polymerase chain reaction and chest computerized tomography results, the study was categorized into three groups. Group 1 (n=87) included the patients with polymerase chain reaction (+), group 2 (n=55) included the patients with polymerase chain reaction (-) and chest computerized tomography (+), and group 3 (n=77) included the patients with polymerase chain reaction (-) and chest computerized tomography (-), respectively. RESULTS: High-sensitivity C-reactive protein and increased age were associated with higher computerized tomography (CT) scores. CONCLUSION: Increased age and C-reactive protein (CRP) may suggest pulmonary infiltration on chest CT in patients with COVID-19.