The Role of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsidic Antigen and Krebs Von Den Lungen 6 Serum Levels in Predicting COVID-19 Pneumonia Outcome

Overview

Journal Diagnostics (Basel)

Specialty Radiology

Date 2024 Mar 27

PMID 38535062

Authors

Stefano Sanduzzi Zamparelli

Vincenzo Fucci

Gaetano Rea

Francesco Perna

Marialuisa Bocchino

Alessandro Sanduzzi Zamparelli

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 continues to pose a significant threat worldwide, with severe cases leading to hospitalization and death. This study aims to evaluate the potential use of serum nucleocapsid antigen (NAg) and Krebs von den Lungen-6 glycoprotein (KL-6) as biomarkers of severe COVID-19 and to investigate their correlation with clinical, radiological, and biochemical parameters.

Methods: This retrospective study included 128 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to a Neapolitan hospital in Italy between October 2020 and July 2021. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected, including serum levels of NAg and KL-6. The Chung et al. Computed Tomography Severity Score (TSS) was used to assess the severity of pneumonia, and outcomes were classified as home discharge, rehabilitation, and death. Statistical analyses were performed to compare Group I (home discharge and rehabilitation) and Group II (death, sub-intensive care, and ICU stay) based on demographic data, laboratory parameters, and TSS.

Results: Group II patients showed worse outcomes with higher levels of NAg, KL-6, and inflammatory markers, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-2 receptor (IL-2R), and adrenomedullin. TSS was also significantly higher in Group II, with a positive correlation between TSS and NAg and KL-6 levels. Group I patients had higher values of hemoglobin (Hb) and platelets (PLT), while Group II patients had higher values of C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), D-Dimer, and glycemia. No significant difference was observed in gender distribution.

Conclusions: Serum NAg and KL-6 levels are potential biomarkers of severe COVID-19 pneumonia, with higher levels indicating greater inflammation and organ damage. NAg may help identify infected patients at an increased risk of severe COVID-19 and ensure their admission to the most appropriate level of care. KL-6 may help predict interstitial lung damage and the severity of clinical features. Further studies are needed to establish a decision-making cut-off for these biomarkers in COVID-19.

Citing Articles

Immune-Boosting and Antiviral Effects of Antioxidants in COVID-19 Pneumonia: A Therapeutic Perspective.

Sanduzzi Zamparelli S, Sanduzzi Zamparelli A, Bocchino M Life (Basel). 2025; 15(1).

PMID: 39860053 PMC: 11766556. DOI: 10.3390/life15010113.

The Role of Adrenomedullin as a Predictive Marker of the Risk of Death and Adverse Clinical Events: A Review of the Literature.

Sacco M, Gualtieri S, Cordasco F, Tarallo A, Verrina M, Princi A J Clin Med. 2024; 13(16).

PMID: 39200990 PMC: 11355278. DOI: 10.3390/jcm13164847.

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