The inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), presepsin (PSP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) frequently used as diagnostic tools in COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019), are usually increased in these patients. This increase is a result of activation of systemic inflammatory cascade, part of COVID-19 pathophysiologic pathway. This can escalate to state known as COVID-19 associated hyperinflamation (COV-HI). In addition, current diagnostic tools for diagnosing HAP/VAP (hospital-acquired pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia) are often limited in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. The current method of choice for superinfection diagnosing is BAL (Bronchoalveolar Lavage). The COV-HI phenotype (COV-HI: CRP > 150 mg/L, or doubling within 24 h from greater than 50 mg/L, or ferritin concentration > 1500 ug/L) is associated with significantly worse course of illness and higher mortality rates. These inflammatory markers may be used preferentially as prognostication tools, not bacterial superinfection markers. The intention of this project is to investigate the role of currently used inflammatory biomarkers. Or eventually, to discover new parameters associated with superinfection proven by BAL.
Patients suffering from COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pneumonia are prone to bacterial and mycotic superinfection. According to existing evidence, the prevalence of superinfection is about 8% to 14% (95% CI 5-26%). However, the percentage of patients treated for superinfection is as high as 80%. There can be multiple reasons for this difference.