COVID-19: New Blood Test Predicts Severity & Risk of Death

A new predictive score, developed by French researchers, offers a potentially significant advancement in identifying individuals at high risk from COVID-19. The “Corimuno-Score” analyzes readily available blood markers and age to assess the likely severity of the illness, even in patients presenting with moderate symptoms.

A Tool to Better Target At-Risk Patients

The study, known as Corimuno-19 and promoted by the AP-HP, involved analyzing the evolution of the coronavirus in 196 hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia over a three-month period. Researchers measured 41 immune mediators and markers of kidney, endothelial, and vascular damage in blood samples taken within 48 hours of hospitalization. The findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation Insights.

The Corimuno-Score utilizes patient age alongside three measurable blood markers – kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), Lipocalin-2 (LCN2), and interleukin 10 – to predict mortality at three months. According to Pierre-Louis Tharaux, a director of research at the Inserm, “very few [studies] have been able to predict mortality or even transfer to intensive care of these patients with initially mild forms.” The score’s performance is comparable to, or even exceeds, existing tests, offering clinicians a valuable increase in precision.

Did You Know? Researchers analyzed 41 different immune mediators and markers of damage in the blood of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

The Kidney, a Key Indicator Underestimated

A key finding of this research highlights the role of the kidney – described as an “organ sentinelle” or sentinel organ – in severe COVID-19 cases. The two identified kidney markers, KIM-1 and LCN2, indicate acute kidney injury, which can be present even without obvious changes in kidney function. Pierre-Louis Tharaux noted, “Not all patients who die [from] Covid-19 show kidney damage, but it is the case for a large proportion of them.” While it remains unclear whether these lesions are a cause or consequence of worsening illness, they could become a new focus of vigilance for other serious infections.

Tested on two patient cohorts, this score could improve individual patient monitoring and optimize clinical trial design by tailoring treatments to specific profiles. Researchers suggest it may eventually be applicable to other viral diseases, such as influenza.

Expert Insight: The identification of readily measurable biomarkers linked to COVID-19 severity represents a significant step toward proactive risk assessment and potentially more targeted interventions. The focus on kidney function as a predictor is a novel and important aspect of this research.

Frequently Asked Questions

What markers are used in the Corimuno-Score?

The Corimuno-Score is based on a patient’s age and three blood markers: KIM-1 (kidney injury molecule-1), LCN2 (Lipocalin-2), and interleukin 10.

How was the Corimuno-Score tested?

The score was tested on two groups of patients, analyzing data from 196 hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia over a three-month period.

What is the significance of the kidney in this research?

The research highlights the kidney as a key organ in severe COVID-19 cases, with markers indicating acute kidney injury potentially predicting mortality.

As research continues, could a deeper understanding of these biomarkers lead to earlier interventions and improved outcomes for patients facing severe COVID-19 or other viral illnesses?