The Relationship Between Increased Levels Of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) And The Absolute Value Of Lymphocytes To The Degree Of Infected Child In COVID-19
The Relationship Between Increased Levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and the Absolute Value of Lymphocytes to the Severity of Children Infected with COVID-19
Introduction
COVID-19 infections in children often appear asymptomatic or only show mild symptoms. However, in some cases, it has been reported to increase the number of severe and critical COVID-19 cases in pediatric groups. Therefore, it takes biomarkers that can predict the development of the severity of COVID-19 infections. This study aims to investigate the relationship between CRP levels and absolute lymphocytes to the severity of COVID-19 in children.
Background
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, and high levels of CRP are often associated with infection or inflammatory conditions. In the context of COVID-19, an increase in CRP levels can indicate that the body is experiencing a more serious inflammatory reaction due to viral infections. On the other hand, lymphocytes, which are part of the immune system, can show more complex variations depending on the individual immune response to infection.
Methodology
This study was conducted with an observational analytic approach and latitude cutting method, involving 271 cases of confirmed COVID-19 children through PCR tests in several hospitals in Medan, Indonesia, between July 2021 and September 2021. Data collected included demographic information, clinical, and Laboratory results, severity, and clinical results. Of the 271 confirmed cases, the average age of the child is 7.56 years with the majority in the age group of 1 month to less than 1 year (49.4%), and 57.9% are male. It was found that 48% of cases were classified as mild, 25.5% of moderate cases, 12.2 by weight, and 14.4% critical. The most common clinical symptoms are fever (33.2%) and shortness of breath (30.6%). Increased CRP levels are found in 22.9% of cases.
Results
The results of the analysis showed a significant relationship between increased CRP levels and the severity of COVID-19 cases in pediatric patients, with very low P values ​​(p <0.001; Pr = 3,569, 95% CI 2,457-5,184). On the other hand, no significant relationship was found between the absolute value of lymphocytes and the severity of the COVID-19 case (P> 0.05).
Discussion
The discovery that there is no significant relationship between the absolute value of lymphocytes and the severity of COVID-19 shows that this parameter might not be relied upon as a single biomarker to assess the progression of disease in children. Lymphocytes, which are part of the immune system, can show more complex variations depending on the individual immune response to infection.
Increased CRP levels in children infected with COVID-19 can be a valuable indicator for predicting the severity of the disease. CRP is an acute phase protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, and high levels of CRP are often associated with infection or inflammatory conditions. In the context of COVID-19, an increase in CRP levels can indicate that the body is experiencing a more serious inflammatory reaction due to viral infections.
Conclusion
It is essential for medical personnel to consider the use of CRP as a tool in assessing risk and management of pediatric patients with COVID-19. Further research is still needed to understand the mechanism behind the immune response in children and to find additional biomarkers that can help in the prognostic and management of COVID-19 infection in the future.
Recommendations
Through a deeper understanding of this relationship, it is expected that there will be an increase in the clinical approach to the handling of COVID-19 infections in children, so that the right intervention can be done more quickly and effectively. This study highlights the importance of considering CRP levels as a biomarker for predicting the severity of COVID-19 in children.
Limitations
This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the limited number of hospitals involved. Further studies with larger sample sizes and more diverse populations are needed to confirm the findings of this study.
Future Directions
Future studies should aim to investigate the relationship between CRP levels and the severity of COVID-19 in children in different age groups and with different underlying health conditions. Additionally, studies should aim to identify additional biomarkers that can help in the prognostic and management of COVID-19 infection in children.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this study found a significant relationship between increased CRP levels and the severity of COVID-19 cases in pediatric patients. The discovery that there is no significant relationship between the absolute value of lymphocytes and the severity of COVID-19 shows that this parameter might not be relied upon as a single biomarker to assess the progression of disease in children. Increased CRP levels in children infected with COVID-19 can be a valuable indicator for predicting the severity of the disease. Further research is still needed to understand the mechanism behind the immune response in children and to find additional biomarkers that can help in the prognostic and management of COVID-19 infection in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Relationship Between Increased Levels of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and the Absolute Value of Lymphocytes to the Severity of Children Infected with COVID-19
Q: What is C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and how is it related to COVID-19?
A: CRP is an acute phase protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, and high levels of CRP are often associated with infection or inflammatory conditions. In the context of COVID-19, an increase in CRP levels can indicate that the body is experiencing a more serious inflammatory reaction due to viral infections.
Q: What is the significance of CRP levels in predicting the severity of COVID-19 in children?
A: The study found a significant relationship between increased CRP levels and the severity of COVID-19 cases in pediatric patients. This suggests that CRP levels can be a valuable indicator for predicting the severity of the disease in children.
Q: Why is it important to consider CRP levels as a biomarker for COVID-19 in children?
A: CRP levels can help medical personnel assess the risk and management of pediatric patients with COVID-19. This can lead to more effective and timely interventions, which can improve patient outcomes.
Q: What is the relationship between lymphocytes and the severity of COVID-19 in children?
A: The study found no significant relationship between the absolute value of lymphocytes and the severity of COVID-19 cases in pediatric patients. This suggests that lymphocytes may not be a reliable single biomarker for assessing the progression of disease in children.
Q: What are the limitations of this study?
A: This study has several limitations, including the small sample size and the limited number of hospitals involved. Further studies with larger sample sizes and more diverse populations are needed to confirm the findings of this study.
Q: What are the future directions for research on COVID-19 in children?
A: Future studies should aim to investigate the relationship between CRP levels and the severity of COVID-19 in children in different age groups and with different underlying health conditions. Additionally, studies should aim to identify additional biomarkers that can help in the prognostic and management of COVID-19 infection in children.
Q: How can medical personnel use the findings of this study in clinical practice?
A: Medical personnel can use the findings of this study to consider CRP levels as a tool in assessing risk and management of pediatric patients with COVID-19. This can lead to more effective and timely interventions, which can improve patient outcomes.
Q: What are the implications of this study for public health policy and practice?
A: The findings of this study highlight the importance of considering CRP levels as a biomarker for predicting the severity of COVID-19 in children. This can inform public health policy and practice, such as the development of guidelines for the management of COVID-19 in children.
Q: How can parents and caregivers use the findings of this study to protect their children from COVID-19?
A: Parents and caregivers can use the findings of this study to be aware of the importance of considering CRP levels as a biomarker for predicting the severity of COVID-19 in children. They can also take steps to protect their children from COVID-19, such as getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and seeking medical attention if symptoms occur.
Q: What are the next steps for research on COVID-19 in children?
A: The next steps for research on COVID-19 in children should include further studies to confirm the findings of this study and to identify additional biomarkers that can help in the prognostic and management of COVID-19 infection in children.