Platelet Indexes for Predicting Disease Severity and Prognosis in Elderly Patients with Coronavirus Disease-19.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of platelet indices in predicting prognosis in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). METHODS: Patients aged ≥ 65 years who presented to the emergency department with a positive polymerase chain reaction test were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in the mean values of platelet (PLT) and plateletcrit (PCT) parameters in those with severe disease, those who died, and those who required intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Mean PLT and PCT values were higher in patients with severe COVID-19 (p-values < 0.001, for both), those requiring ICU admission (p = 0.016; p = 0.006; respectively), and those who died (p = 0.015; p = 0.005, respectively). PLT and PCT were found to be statistically significant in predicting death [PLT (area under the curve (AUC): 0.598; p = 0.0145) and PCT (AUC: 0.617; p = 0.0034)], severity [PLT (AUC: 0.653; p = 0.0002) and PCT (AUC: 0.654; p = 0.0002)], and ICU admission [PLT (AUC: 0.598; p = 0.0235) and PCT (AUC: 0.605; p = 0.0148)]. CONCLUSIONS: PLT and PCT values were significantly higher in patients with high disease severity, those requiring ICU admission, and those who died. Furthermore, they were statistically significant in predicting disease severity, ICU admission, and death.