Prognostic value of baseline hematological parameters on the outcome of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Despite a good knowledge that has been gained on clinicopathological features of COVID-19, less clear information is available on laboratory abnormalities and, especially, on the potential abnormalities of hematological parameters. Several studies have shown that increased levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, decreased number of lymphocytes especially CD8+ cells, decrease neutrophil and platelet counts were associated with more severe pulmonary inflammation and extensive lung damage in SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and in COVID-19. However, little is known about the exact mechanism and the clinical importance of these laboratory changes. In this meta-analysis, we aim to explore the significance of changes in the hematological parameters of patients and assessed the correlation between clinical laboratory data and the severity of COVID-19 in adult patients. We aim to evaluate the predictive value of clinical laboratory data for the severity and mortality of COVID-19 and for intensive care requirement of these patients.