Predictive value of inflammatory and coagulation biomarkers for venous thromboembolism in COVID-19 patients.

BACKGROUND: The predictive value of coagulation markers for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in COVID-19 patients has been investigated with conflicting results. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate the correlation between biomarkers and VTE and the predictive value of D-dimer for VTE in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. METHODS: Complete blood count, inflammatory and coagulation biomarkers at admission were collected. VTE was defined as diagnosed pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis. Events were defined as in-hospital death or ICU admission. Predictors of VTE were identified with Pearson prediction models. A ROC curve was constructed to assess the predictive value of D-dimer. RESULTS: 1651 participants were included, 111 VTE were identified. Events incidence was higher in the VTE group (49.5% vs 28.2%, p < 0.001). Neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR, 0.001; 95% CI 0.000-0.002; p 0.019) and D-dimer (0.00005; 95% CI 0.00002-0.00008; p < 0.001), Geneva score (0.026; 95% CI 0.012-0.040; p < 0.001) and Wells score (0.047; 95% CI 0.033-0.061; p < 0.001) were associated with VTE. D-dimer had a goor predictive value for VTE (ROC area 0.85, 95% CI 0.816-0.893), with an optimal cut-off value of 2677µg/L (Youden index of 0,602). CONCLUSIONS: Among coagulation biomarkers D-dimer had the best predictive value for VTE, but higher cut-off values should be used in COVID-19.

Acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis in a renal transplant patient: a case report.

Acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis is a rare disease. It can develop in immunocompromised patients due to infection with human papillomaviruses. Because such patients are at high risk of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, timely diagnosis and regular monitoring of the patient is essential. Here we present the case of a 46-year-old male patient with acquired epidermodysplasia verruciformis occurring 5 years after a kidney transplantation. A skin biopsy detected human papillomavirus genotype 20 with low oncogenic potential. Accordingly, a follow-up interval of 1 year was determined. He was instructed to follow strict photoprotection and to visit earlier if atypical lesions appeared. Overall, our case emphasizes the consideration of possible squamous cell carcinoma in such patients and the importance of appropriate preventive measures.