PB0612 - COVID-19: Predictive Value of Methemoglobinemia.

Background: After penetration of the SARS-CoV-2 virus into host cells via ACE2 receptors, an overactive immune response is generated with the production of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines, thus generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) to fight against the virus. However, these free radicals could increase the formation of methemoglobin unable to bind oxygen.

Aims: Indeed, the aim of this work is to study the relationship between the concentration and the kinetics of methemoglobin with the severity and the evolution of the disease

Methods: 1)Patients: in this series of cases, patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted in hospital were subdivided into 02 groups according to the clinic: in severe form and in moderate form.
2)For each patient a methemoglobin (MetHb) was dosed by the DRABKIN method. This parameter was measured on admission and then every 3 days or 5 days for patients with moderate and severe form respectively.

Results: We tested 102 patients divided into 41 moderate cases and 61 severe cases. Of these 102 patients, 45 patients non-survivos and 57 survived.
On admission we found that 90% of our population have a methemoglobin’s concentration > 02% and according to the intensity and the evolution of the disease, its rate was statistically insignificant. (table01 and02)
However, during the evolution of the disease, we noted a disparity in the kinetics of MetHb (table 01 and 02). Indeed, for the moderate form and in the survivors, we find that the concentration of methemoglobin increases between the 03rd and 05th day of admission and then it regresses considerably. Unlike the severe form and non-survivors, its concentration increases gradually.

Conclusion(s): Through the research carried out during this study, we conclude that the disease of COVID-19 causes a series of changes in the blood, mainly represented by the elevation of the methemoglobin level with a dynamic following the progression of the disease.