Assessment of hematological parameters in children with COVID-19 in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)

BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus pandemic, one of the most important areas of scientific research was the study of laboratory parameters, as well as calculated indices that could be used as criteria reflecting the course of the infectious process, and could be used as predictors of severe course and adverse outcome of the disease. AIM: Assessment of hematological parameters in children with COVID-19 in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The article presents data from a retrospective study of 344 cases of a new coronavirus infection caused by the COVID-19 virus (ICD-10 code U07.1) in children hospitalized in the period from 03/23/2020–12/27/2020 in the Children’s Infectious Clinical Hospital of Yakutsk. RESULTS: The results of the study showed that upon admission to the hospital, the proportion of children with reduced leukocyte levels exceeded the proportion of children with leukocytosis (23 versus 10%), there were reduced hemoglobin levels, changes in the content of platelets, segmented neutrophils, lymphocytes. The rate of erythrocyte sedimentation was increased in 48% of children. Neutrophilia and lymphopenia were associated with the severity of the children’s condition. The values of the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes in some age groups were associated with the severity of the condition of children. CONCLUSIONS: The infectious process in children with a new coronavirus infection is accompanied by a change in the leukocyte formula, an increase in ESR and a change in the platelet content. Neutrophilia and lymphopenia are associated with the severity of the condition of children.