Simple Coagulation Profile as Predictor of Mortality in Adults Admitted with COVID-19: A Meta-analysis

authors:

avatar Johanes Nugroho ORCID 1 , 2 , * , avatar Ardyan Wardhana ORCID 3 , avatar Dita Aulia Rachmi 1 , avatar Eka Prasetya Budi Mulia 1 , avatar Maya Qurota A'yun 1 , avatar Imanita Septianda ORCID 1 , avatar Irma Maghfirah 1

Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, Indonesia
Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya, Indonesia
Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia

how to cite: Nugroho J, Wardhana A, Rachmi D A, Mulia E P B, A'yun M Q, et al. Simple Coagulation Profile as Predictor of Mortality in Adults Admitted with COVID-19: A Meta-analysis. Arch Clin Infect Dis. 2021;16(5):e115442. https://doi.org/10.5812/archcid.115442.

Abstract

Context:

COVID-19 severe manifestations must be detected as soon as possible. One of the essential poor characteristics is the involvement of coagulopathy. Simple coagulation parameters, including prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and platelet, are widely accessible in many health centers.

Objectives:

This meta-analysis aimed to determine the association between simple coagulation profiles and COVID-19 in-hospital mortality.

Method:

We systematically searched five databases for studies measuring simple coagulation parameters in COVID-19 on admission. The random-effects and inverse-variance weighting were used in the study, which used a standardized-mean difference of coagulation profile values. The odds ratios were computed using the Mantel-Haenszel formula for dichotomous variables.

Results:

This meta-analysis comprised a total of 30 studies (9,175 patients). In our meta-analysis, we found that non-survivors had a lower platelet count [SMD = -0.56 (95% CI: -0.79 to -0.33), P < 0.01; OR = 3.00 (95% CI: 1.66 to 5.41), P < 0.01], prolonged PT [SMD = 1.22 (95%CI: 0.71 to 1.72), P < 0.01; OR = 1.86 (95%CI: 1.43 to 2.43), P < 0.01], prolonged aPTT [SMD = 0.24 (95%CI: -0.04 to 0.52), P = 0.99], and increased INR [SMD = 2.21 (95%CI: 0.10 to 4.31), P = 0.04] than survivors.

Conclusions:

In COVID-19 patients, abnormal simple coagulation parameters on admission, such as platelet, PT, and INR, were associated with mortality outcomes.

1. Context

Rapid growing numbers of COVID-19 patients and limited infrastructure resources provide significant challenges for healthcare institutions. It would be beneficial if any clinical or laboratory parameters would help us rapidly triage patients to appropriate units. The COVID-19 severe manifestations must be detected as soon as possible to predict each case's prognosis. Although the underlying pathophysiology of severe COVID-19 is poorly defined, some studies (1) reported that severe COVID-19 is related to significant coagulopathy.

A previous meta-analysis (2) demonstrated that advanced coagulation parameters such as D-dimer were associated with severity and mortality of COVID-19. However, most hospitals in peripheral areas, especially in developing countries, might not be able to test D-dimer. Simple coagulation parameters, including Prothrombin Time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and platelets, are widely accessible in many health centers (3). Based on early reports, moderate to severe COVID-19 patients were likely to have prolonged PT, elevated INR, prolonged aPTT, and decreased platelets with subsequent poorer outcomes (4-6).

2. Objectives

We aimed to identify if basic coagulation profiles have a prognostic value in COVID-19 in-hospital mortality.

3. Method

We selected observational studies or trials on adult COVID-19 patients presenting some details on coagulation profiles, including platelet (PLT), PT, aPTT, and INR, for in-hospital mortality outcomes. Any study that had incomplete required data or lacked coagulation profile information on admission was removed. This meta-analysis was written as per the Preferred Reporting Items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (7).

A systematic literature search was finalized on November 20, 2021, following the approval of the institutional review board. We searched five different databases (PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, ProQuest, and medRxiv) using the keywords "COVID 19" OR "Sars-Cov-2" OR "Novel coronavirus" AND "Laboratory parameter" OR "Coagulation" AND "Mortality" OR "Death" OR "Survivor." We also examined reference lists of the included studies to recognize any relevant studies to be added. Before full-text retrieval, three investigators evaluated titles and abstracts. Three investigators reviewed titles and abstracts before retrieving full-text papers. Two investigators then collected the data in each comparison category from full-text studies, including the authors, publication year, location, study design, peer-reviewed publication status, study outcome, and coagulation profile data.

The coagulation profile focusing on survival and non-survival outcomes was the primary outcome in our meta-analysis. The NIH quality assessment tool for observational Cohort and cross-sectional studies was used to determine the methodological quality of the studies. The visual analysis of funnel plots and the Egger regression test were used to assess publication bias (8).

Data analysis was carried out utilizing review manager (RevMan v5.4 2020) and Stata v.16. A standardized mean difference (SMD) for coagulation profile values was used in the meta-analysis. According to Wan et al. (9), sample size, median, and interquartile range (IQR) were used to calculate the mean and standard deviation (SD). We used inverse-variance weighting and random-effects models. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel formula for dichotomous variables.

We carried out a subgroup analysis by study design. Sensitivity analysis was performed using the leave-one-out method or dependent on peer-review status to evaluate the reason for heterogeneity. We assessed the heterogeneity using the I2 statistic. Restricted maximum likelihood random-effects meta-regression was performed for age, sex, cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension (HTN), and diabetes mellitus (DM) comorbidities in coagulation profiles, with a significant result and more than 10 studies included (10). In this meta-analysis, all p values less than 0.05 were statistically significant (except for heterogeneity using P < 0.10).

4. Results

Initial searches showed 88 PubMed records, 14 Science Direct records, 34 ProQuest records, 14 Scopus records, 262 medRxiv records, and 53 other records (Figure 1). After removing 39 duplicates and excluding 326 records, we retrieved 100 records for full-text screening. A total of 14 studies were excluded due to incorrect patient population, 13 due to unavailability of data on coagulation parameters, and 43 due to no outcome of interest. Thereby, we included the remaining 30 studies (9,175 patients) for analysis (11-40).

Study flow chart (as per PRISMA guideline)
Study flow chart (as per PRISMA guideline)

Tables 1 and 2 show the baseline characteristics of the included studies. There were 28 retrospective studies and two prospective observational studies. Peer review had already been completed on 21 studies. We assessed all methodologically acceptable studies (Table 1). The analyses and conclusions drawn were reliable. Nonetheless, due to their cross-sectional designs, most studies did not assess exposure before evaluating the outcome and would most likely lack adequate periods for the outcome.

Table 1.

Characteristics of Included Studies a

NoAuthorStudy DesignHospitalTown, CountryPeriodSamples (n)Samples with a Lab ValueMale (%)Age (y)HTNo. (%)CVD (%)DM (%)Study Quality
1Zhang et al. 2020 (14)RetroWuhan Pulmonary HospitalWuhan, ChinaFebruary 7 - March 27, 202053 (13 vs. 40)aPTT 42(10 vs. 32), PT 53(40 vs. 13), Platelet 53(40 vs. 13)N/AN/AN/AN/AN/AFair
2Yan et al. 2020 (15)RetroTongji HospitalWuhan, ChinaJanuary 10 - February 24, 2020193 (108 vs. 85)48 (39 vs. 9)76.9 vs. 33.370.5 ± 10 vs. 64.7 ± 7.352.8 vs. 18.825 vs. 4.736.1 vs. 10.6Good
3Tang et al. 2020 (16)RetroTongji HospitalWuhan, ChinaJan 1 - Feb 3 2020449 (134 vs. 315)449 (134 vs. 315)67.1 vs. 56.568.7 ± 11.4 vs. 63.7 ± 12.2N/AN/AN/AGood
4Wu et al. 2020 (17)RetroJinyintan HospitalWuhan, ChinaDec 25, 2019 - Jan 26, 202084 (44 vs. 40)84 (44 vs. 40)65.9 vs. 77.567.6 ± 12 vs. 49.03 ± 12.6936.4 vs. 17.59.1 vs. 2.525 vs. 12.5Good
5Tang et al. 2020 (13)RetroTongji HospitalWuhan, ChinaJan 1 - Feb 3 2020183 (21 vs. 162)183 (21 vs. 162)76.19 vs. 50.6164.0 ± 20.7 vs. 52.4 ± 15.6N/AN/AN/AGood
6Fan et al. 2020 (18)RetroJinyintan HospitalWuhan, ChinaDec 30, 2019 - Feb 16, 202073 (47 vs. 26)73 (47 vs. 26)68.09 vs. 65.3865.46 ± 9.74 vs. 46.23 ± 12.0144.68 vs. 11.5414.89 vs. 021.28 vs. 7.69Good
7Li et al. 2020 (19)RetroWuhan Fourth HospitalWuhan, ChinaJan 25 - Feb 26, 202074 (14 vs. 60)74(14 vs. 60)78.6 vs. 5572.33 ± 6.59 vs. 61.67 ± 12.9171.4 vs. 41.728.6 vs. 3.321.4 vs. 18.3Good
8Satici et al. 2020 (20)RetroGaziosmanpasa Research and Training HospitalIstanbul, TurkeyApril 2 - May 1, 2020681 (55 vs. 626)681 (55 vs. 626)60 vs. 50.265.8 ± 12 vs. 56.1 ± 15.850.9 vs. 32.914.5 vs. 8.641.8 vs. 26.8Good
9Du et al. 2020 (21)ProsWuhan Pulmonary HospitalWuhan, ChinaDec 25, 2019 - Feb 7, 2020179 (21 vs. 158)179 (21 vs. 158)47.6 vs. 55.170.2 ± 7.7 vs. 56 ± 13.561.9 vs. 28.557.1 vs. 10.828.6 vs. 17.1Good
10Pan et al. 2020 (22)RetroUnion Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyShanghai, ChinaJan 27-Mar 19, 2020124 (89 vs. 35)124 (89 vs. 35)75.3 vs. 51.469 (61-73) vs. 65 (49-77)52.8 vs. 42.914.6 vs. 17.121.3 vs. 17.1Good
11Chen et al. 2020 (12)RetroTongji, HospitalShanghai, ChinaJan 13-Feb 12, 2020274 (113 vs. 161)274 (113 vs. 161)73 vs. 5568.0 (62.0-77.0) vs. 51.0 (37.0-66.0)48 vs. 2414 vs. 421 vs. 14Good
12Gil et al. 2020 (11)RetroMontefiore Medical Center/ University Hospital for Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Moses CampusNew York, USAMar 20-31, 2020217 (70 vs. 147)217 (70 vs. 147)67.1 vs. 53.768.71 ± 12.44 vs. 57.71 ± 15.5674.3 vs. 61.2N/A45.7 vs. 33.3Fair
13Alshukry et al. 2020 (23)RetroJaber Al-Ahmad HospitalKuwait City, KuwaitFeb 24-May 24, 2020417 (60 vs. 357)88 (60 vs. 22)90 vs. 68.254.20 ± 11.09 vs. 52.32 ± 13.5146.7 vs. 22.721.7 vs. 4.540.0 vs. 22.7Fair
14Ayed et al. 2020 (24)RetroJaber Al-Ahmad Al Sabah HospitalKuwait City, KuwaitMar 1-Apr 30, 2020103 (45 vs. 47)92 (45 vs. 47)91 vs. 7956 (48-63) vs. 51 (40-61)51.1 vs. 23.417.8 vs. 6.551.1 vs. 30.4Good
15Shi et al. 2020 (25)RetroRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhan, Chinabefore February 15, 2020101 (48 vs. 53)101 (48 vs. 53)58.3 vs. 60.472.0 (59.0-78.0) vs. 71.0 (59.0-81.0)56.3 vs. 60.418.8 vs. 26.418.8 vs. 22.6Fair
16Luo et al. 2020 (26)RetroRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhan, ChinaJan 30-Feb 25, 2020403 (100 vs. 303)PLT: 403 (100 vs. 303)57 vs. 44.971 (65-80) vs. 49 (37-62)60 vs. 17.516 vs. 6.6 (CAD)25 vs. 10.6Good
17Zhang et al. 2020 (27)RetroWuhan No.1 HospitalWuhan, ChinaDec 25, 2019- Feb 15, 202048 (17 vs. 31)PLT: 48 (17 vs. 31)70.6 vs. 67.778.65 ± 8.31 vs. 66.16 ± 13.6670.6 vs. 64.523.5 vs. 29.0 (CAD)29.4 vs. 16.1Fair
18Paranjpe et al. 2020 (28)RetroMount Sinai HospitalNew York, USAFeb 27-April 2, 20201078 (310 vs. 768)PLT:1008 (282 vs. 726); PT: 446 (142 vs. 304); aPTT: 442 (140 vs. 302)61.6 vs. 56.875 (64-85) vs. 59 (45-72)45.2 vs. 30.326.8 vs. 10.933.9 vs. 19.7Fair
19Hu et al. 2020 (29)RetroTongji HospitalWuhan, ChinaJan 28-Mar 11, 2020183 (68 vs. 115)183 (68 vs. 115)73.53 vs. 49.5768.44 ± 9.94 vs. 60.54 ± 13.1944.12 vs. 37.39N/A20.59 vs. 18.26Good
20Fu et al. 2020 (30)RetroThird Batch of Chongqing Medical Aid TeamWuhan, ChinaFebruary 4- February 16, 202085 (14 vs. 71)85 (14 vs. 71)78.57 vs. 53.5267(50.75-74.25) vs. 62(55-70)50 vs. 33.828.57 vs. 11.2328.57 vs. 12.68Good
21Luo et al. 2020 (31)RetroEastern Campus of Renmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhan, ChinaJan 30-Feb 20, 2020298 (84 vs. 214)298 (84 vs. 214)60.7 vs. 46.371 (64-80) vs. 51 (37-63)58.3 vs. 17.315.5 vs. 6.121.4 vs. 12.6Good
22Wang et al. 2020 (32)RetroRenmin HospitalWuhan, ChinaJan 1-Feb 6, 2020339 (65 vs. 274)339 (65 vs. 274)60 vs. 46.476 (70–83) vs. 68 (64–74)50 vs. 38.832.8 vs. 11.717.2 vs. 15.8Good
23Yang et al. 2020 (33)RetroWuhan Jin Yin-tan hospitalWuhan, ChinaDec 24, 2019-Jan 26, 202052 (32 vs. 20)52 (32 vs. 20)66 vs. 7064.6 ± 11.2 vs. 51.9 ± 12.9N/A9 vs. 1022 vs. 10Good
24Zhou et al. 2020 (34)RetroJinyintan Hospital and Wuhan Pulmonary HospitalWuhan, ChinaDecember 29, 2019-Jan 31, 2020191 (54 vs. 137)PLT: 191(54 vs. 137); PT: 182(54 vs. 128)70 vs. 5969 (63–76) vs. 52 (45–58)48 vs. 2324 vs. 131 vs. 14Good
25Wang et al. 2020 (35)RetroSino-French New City Branch of Tongji HospitalWuhan, ChinaJan 28-Mar 4, 2020199 (24 vs. 175)199 (24 vs. 175)66.7 vs. 49.169.5 (64.5-82.75) vs. 64.0 (51.0-71.0)50.0 vs. 37.98.3 vs. 1237.5 vs. 18.9Good
26Sai et al. 2021 (36)RetroLeishenshan HospitalWuhan, ChinaFeb 24-April 5, 202047 (15 vs. 32)47 (15 vs. 32)46.7 vs. 71.970.64 ± 12.33 vs. 69.67 ± 12.9146.7 vs. 56.320 vs. 15.640 vs. 37.5Good
27Peiró et al. 2021 (37)RetroJoan XXIII University HospitalTarragona, SpainMar 16-May 15, 2020196 (37 vs. 159)196 (37 vs. 159)62.2 vs. 59.176.5 (68.5–82.5) vs. 61.5 (51.5–75.5)64.9 vs. 39.618.9 vs. 7.635.1 vs. 20.8Good
28Velasco-Rodríguez et al. 2021 (38)Retro4 hospitals in MadridMadrid, SpainFeb 27-Apr 17, 20202070 (393 vs. 1677)2070 (393 vs. 1677)20.92 vs. 79.0881 (72–87) vs. 63 (51–75)27.75 vs. 72.2531.49 vs. 68.5129.1 vs. 80.9Good
29Violi et al. 2021 (39)ProsUniversity hospitals located in Rome (2 centers), Latina, Perugia, and ChietiItalyMar 1-31, 2020373 (75 vs. 298)373 (75 vs. 298)72 vs. 5975.3  ±  13.9 vs. 65.5  ±  17.061 vs. 5122 vs. 1325 vs. 15Good
30Gayam et al. 2021 (40)Retroinner-city teaching hospital BrooklynNew York, USAMar 1-Apr 9, 2020408 (132 vs. 276)408 (132 vs. 276)32.9 vs. 67.171 (62-80) vs. 63 (53-73)64.9 vs. 39.637.04 vs. 62.9240.91 vs. 59.09Good
Table 2.

Laboratory Parameters in Included Studies a

No.AuthoraPTT (s)PT (s)PT Cut-OffPLT (109/L)PLT Cut-OffINR
1Zhang et al. 2020 (14)39.99 ± 7.12 vs. 40.25 ± 4.6514.95 ± 1.70 vs. 13.70 ± 1.04NR109.42 ± 112.33 vs. 176.75 ± 54.40NRN/A
2Yan et al. 2020 (15)40.16 ± 8.3 vs. 37.63 ± 6.7715.47 ± 3.15 vs. 13.73 ± 0.92NR167 ± 88.51 vs. 202.33 ± 111,08NRN/A
3Tang et al. 2020 (16)N/A16.5 ± 8.4 vs. 14.6 ± 2.1NR178 ± 92 vs. 231 ± 99NRN/A
4Wu et al. 2020 (17)24.9 ± 4.67 vs. 29.78 ± 9.0311.72 ± 1.03 vs. 11.72 ± 1.15NR167.83 ± 92.35 vs. 201.33 ± 96.5NRN/A
5Tang et al. 2020 (13)45.33 ± 8.59 vs. 40.7 ± 5.3115.4 ± 1.51 vs. 13.63 ± 0.97NRN/AN/AN/A
6Fan et al. 2020 (18)N/A11.88 ± 1.55 vs. 11.13 ± 1.41NR168.33 ± 65 vs. 207 ± 93.33NRN/A
7Li et al. 2020 (19)37.47 ± 7.17 vs. 35.13 ± 6.3013.93 ± 2.80 vs. 13.33 ± 1.37NRN/AN/A1.13 ± 0.16 vs. 0.69 ± 0.76
8Satici et al. 2020 (20)N/AN/AN/A196 ± 47.96 vs. 198.33 ± 60.93NRN/A
9Du et al. 2020 (21)36.7 ± 8.51 vs. 35.1 ± 6.1414.17 ± 3.18 vs. 13.77 ± 2.09NRN/AN/AN/A
10Pan et al. 2020 (22)37.45 ± 1.86 vs. 38.63 ± 1.6914.15 ± 0.43 vs. 13.67 ± 0.29> 13.9187.33 ± 58.78 vs. 191.33 ± 70.34≤187N/A
11Chen et al. 2020 (12)40.92 ± 1.99 vs. 40.72 ± 1.2515.6 ± 0.56 vs. 13.85 ± 0.21NR160.78 ± 18.95 vs. 203 ± 16.92NR1.23 ± 0.05 vs. 1.08 ± 0.02
12Gil et al. 2020 (11)32.63 ± 1.10 vs. 34.13 ± 1.2913.85 ± 0.22 vs. 14.68 ± 0.45NRN/AN/AN/A
13Alshukry et al. 2020 (23)45.81 ± 3.05 vs. 32.63 ± 1.315.87 ± 1.04 vs. 13.64 ± 0.35NR260.35 ± 22.89 vs. 323.92 ± 24.27NRN/A
14Ayed et al. 2020 (24)41.5 ± 8.5 vs. 38.75 ± 6.68N/AN/A216.5 ± 20.66 vs. 261.75 ± 24.9NR1.16 ± 0.10 vs. 1.03 ± 0.03
15Shi et al. 2020 (25)30.48 ± 1.02 vs. 30.03 ± 1.1013.32 ± 0.38 vs. 12.63 ± 0.42NR168 ± 26.78 vs. 159.75 ± 16.19NRN/A
16Luo et al. 2020 (26)N/AN/AN/A169.67 ± 73.72 vs. 207.33 ± 82.68< 125N/A
17Zhang et al. 2020 (26)N/AN/AN/A140 ± 100.24 vs. 182.33 ± 57.51< 125N/A
18Paranjpe et al. 2020 (28)33.57 ± 5.54 vs. 31.63 ± 4.5414.7 ± 2.02 vs. 13.63 ± 1.04NR189.33 ± 70.79 vs. 197.67 ± 69.82NRN/A
19Hu et al. 2020 (29)N/A15.6 ± 2.42 vs. 13.83 ± 0.98NR171.33 ± 78.39 vs. 211 ± 80.33NRN/A
20Fu et al. 2020 (30)N/AN/AN/A165.33 ± 50.67 vs. 226 ± 72.64NRN/A
21Luo et al. 2020 (31)N/AN/AN/A159.33 ± 76.94 vs. 202.67 ± 75.38NRN/A
22Wang et al. 2020 (32)29.43 ± 3.26 vs. 28.37 ± 4.1712.97 ± 1.64 vs. 12.17 ± 0.52NR164.67 ± 86.36 vs. 212.67 ± 81.15NRN/A
23Yang et al. 2020 (33)N/A12.9 ± 2.9 vs. 10.9 ± 2.7NR191 ± 63 vs. 164 ± 74NRN/A
24Zhou et al. 2020 (34)N/A12.33 ± 1.86 vs. 11.47 ± 1.65≥16167.17 ± 92.92 vs. 219.67 ± 77.17< 100N/A
25Wang et al. 2020 (35)41.3 ± 7.32 vs. 39.3 ± 6.0539.37 ± 6.05 vs. 14.9 ± 1.26NR221 ± 114.0 vs. 230.5 ± 86.5NRN/A
26Sai et al. 2021 (36)35.87 ± 14.51 vs. 33.63 ± 9.7513.63 ± 3.52 vs. 12.53 ± 1.77NR173.47 ± 107.84 vs. 225.47 ± 98.79NRN/A
27Peiró et al. 2021 (37)N/AN/AN/A226.33 ± 118.77 vs. 215.67 ± 90.52NRN/A
28Velasco-Rodríguez et al. 2021 (38)30.07 ± 4.17 vs. 30.47 ± 3.3413.3 ± 1.41 vs. 12.87 ± 1.19> 14199.17 ± 82.96 vs. 198.08 ± 128.54< 140N/A
29Violi et al. 2021 (39)N/AN/AN/A204  ±  119 vs. 211  ±  75NRN/A
30Gayam et al. 2021 (40)31.42 ± 4.76 vs. 31.41 ± 3.95N/AN/A215.33 ± 83.19 vs. 226 ± 89.43NRN/A

Funnel plots for INR and aPTT showed an asymmetrical appearance indicating publication bias (Appendix 1). Since less than 10 studies were involved, we did not conduct Egger's regression test for INR. The publication bias for aPTT was also shown by the Egger's test (P = 0.007), but not for PT (P = 0.395) and PLT (P = 0.896).

4.1. Platelet

Random-effects meta-analysis revealed significantly lower platelet counts on admission in the non-survivor group than in the survivor group, as shown in Figure 2 [26 studies, SMD = -0.56 (95% CI: -0.79 to -0.33), P < 0.01; I2 = 94%, P < 0.01]. A similar result was shown in retrospective subgroup analysis. Categorical data of platelet count were found in five studies. Decreased platelet counts were associated with increased mortality [OR = 3.00 (95% CI: 1.66 to 5.41), P < 0.01; I2 = 69%, P = 0.01] (Figure 2). The sensitivity of 58% (95% CI: 38 to 76%) and specificity of 70% (95% CI: 54 to 83%) were obtained from a pooled analysis of multiple cut-off points (Appendix 2). Decreased platelet had a positive likelihood ratio (LR) of 1.9 and a negative LR of 0.6. According to a meta-regression analysis, unlike age (P = 0.023) and HTN (P = 0.014), sex (P = 0.412), CVD (P = 0.580) and DM (P = 0.935) had no impacts on the relationship between decreased platelet count and mortality.

Forest plot of platelet level for mortality outcome. A, Non-survivors had a lower platelet level than survivors; and B, Decreased platelet was associated with increased mortality.
Forest plot of platelet level for mortality outcome. A, Non-survivors had a lower platelet level than survivors; and B, Decreased platelet was associated with increased mortality.

4.2. Prothrombin Time

The pooled effect size demonstrated that PT was significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors, as shown in Figure 3 [21 studies, SMD = 1.22 (95% CI: 0.71 to 1.72), P < 0.01; I2 = 98%, P < 0.01]. A similar result was shown in retrospective subgroup analysis. Sensitivity analysis by removing Gil et al.’ study (11) showed no improvement in heterogeneity. Pooled analysis of three studies with categorical data of PT demonstrated increased PT in the non-survivor group [OR = 1.86 (95% CI: 1.43 to 2.43), P < 0.01; I2 = 2%, P = 0.36] (Figure 3). According to a meta-regression analysis, age (P = 0.964), sex (P = 0.422), CVD (P = 0.889), DM (P = 0.955), and HTN (P = 0.910) comorbidities had no impact on the relationship between decreased platelet count and mortality.

Forest plot of PT level for mortality outcome. A, Non-survivors had a higher PT level than survivors; and B, Increased PT and mortality (PT, prothrombin time).
Forest plot of PT level for mortality outcome. A, Non-survivors had a higher PT level than survivors; and B, Increased PT and mortality (PT, prothrombin time).

4.3. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time

The pooled effect size demonstrated that aPTT was non-significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors, as shown in Figure 4 [18 studies, SMD = 0.24 (95% CI: -0.04 to 0.52), P = 0.09; I2 = 93%, P < 0.01]. The prospective group did not differ from the retrospective subgroup, as shown in subgroup analysis based on study design. Nevertheless, the removal of Gil et al.’s study (11) demonstrated a significant result of higher aPTT in non-survivors [SMD = 0.43 (95% CI: 0.06 to 0.58), P = 0.02; I2 = 91%, P < 0.01].

Forest plot of aPTT level for mortality outcome. Non-survivors had a non-significantly higher aPTT level than survivors (aPTT, activated partial thromboplastin time).
Forest plot of aPTT level for mortality outcome. Non-survivors had a non-significantly higher aPTT level than survivors (aPTT, activated partial thromboplastin time).

4.4. International Normalized Ratio

Higher mean INR was found in non-survivors than in survivors, as shown in Figure 5 [three studies, SMD = 2.21 (95% CI: 0.10 to 4.31), P = 0.04; I2 = 98%, P < 0.01]. Sensitivity analysis by removing Chen et al.’ study (12) showed improvement in heterogeneity [SMD = 1.21 (95% CI: 0.10 to 2.32), P = 0.03; I2 = 88%, P < 0.01].

Forest plot of INR for mortality outcome. Non-survivors had a higher INR level than survivors (INR, international normalized ratio).
Forest plot of INR for mortality outcome. Non-survivors had a higher INR level than survivors (INR, international normalized ratio).

5. Discussion

This meta-analysis found that COVID-19 patients with prolonged PT and aPTT, elevated INR, and a lower platelet level on admission had a higher mortality rate. Our results are similar to previous studies (6, 41). The prolongation of PT in the non-survivor group was consistent with another meta-analysis (4). However, the degree of PT prolongation is less prominent in COVID-19 than in bacterial sepsis-induced coagulopathy or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) (42). Mild prolongation of aPTT demonstrated in COVID-19 subjects is possibly explained by the involvement of severe consumption or inhibition to specific coagulation factors (43).

Along with the emerging evidence of SARS-CoV-2, the presence of coagulopathy is one of the major factors responsible for high mortality rates other than cytokine storms (44). Severe infection activates the coagulation cascade and increases DIC risk, consequently increasing the fatality rates (13). Besides, COVID-19 increases the risk of thromboembolism in several organs, as it causes abnormal activation of coagulation and secondary hyperfibrinolysis (45). A first autopsy series to COVID-19-related deaths in New Orleans (46) reported the presence of significant diffuse alveolar damage and pulmonary microvascular thrombosis, possibly contributing to death.

Decreased platelet counts in COVID-19 are possibly caused by hematopoiesis suppression in the bone marrow by the virus. As known, COVID-19 increases autoantibodies and immune complexes, leading to specific immune system disruption of platelets. Lung tissue and pulmonary endothelial cells damage in COVID-19 can activate platelets in the lungs, leading to microthrombi aggregation and formation and increased platelet consumption (47).

In addition, PT and aPTT are beneficial for the early detection of DIC in COVID-19-associated coagulopathy (48). Laboratory characteristics in DIC vary depending on the stage. In early DIC, hemostatic system activation is compensated. As DIC develops into the decompensated stage, which might be found in the late stage of COVID-19, decreased thrombocyte, elevated PT and aPTT, increased fibrinogen, increased fibrin degradation product, and reduced protease inhibition are found (49). Besides, PT, aPTT, and INR are excellent parameters describing clot formation. These parameters do not provide information about fibrin crosslinking or clot dissolution and will thus be insensitive to abnormalities of fibrinolysis. On the other hand, D-dimer indicates recent or ongoing intravascular coagulation and fibrinolysis (50).

Our findings suggest that the abnormality of routine coagulation parameters on admission can be used as risk stratification tools in adult COVID-19 patients. Risk stratification in triage would help health workers allocate resources and sort the patients in the appropriate critical care or modified units, therefore maximizing the use of acute care beds (51). We encourage further studies to develop a prognostic model involving coagulation profiles in COVID-19 outcomes.

To the authors’ knowledge, our review of 30 studies is the largest meta-analysis on the elaboration of coagulation profiles and in-hospital mortality of COVID-19. However, several limitations are found in our study. Publication bias was noted in several coagulation parameters. There was also substantial heterogeneity across studies. Some of the included studies in this meta-analysis were published at the preprint server. The majority of the included studies were retrospective and had limited sample sizes. Furthermore, China was the source of the majority of the studies. Differences in ethnicity and geography can skew the analysis results.

5.1. Conclusions

In COVID-19 patients, abnormal simple coagulation parameters on admission, such as increased PPT and INR and decreased platelets, were related to a higher risk of in-hospital mortality. We recommend clinicians closely monitor routine coagulation parameters as markers for potential progression to critical illness.

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