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Journal Article Epublish 7 citations

PubMed: 38203589 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010418

Evaluating Serum Calcium and Magnesium Levels as Predictive Biomarkers for Tuberculosis and COVID-19 Severity: A Romanian Prospective Study.

Int J Mol Sci 25(1)

Authors: Ramona Cioboata, Corina Maria Vasile, Mara Amalia Bălteanu, Dragos Eugen Georgescu, Claudia Toma, Amelia Sanda Dracea, Dragos Nicolosu

Affiliations

  • Pneumology Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 200349 Craiova, Romania.
  • Pneumology Department, Victor Babes University Hospital Craiova, 200515 Craiova, Romania.
  • Department of Pediatric and Adult Congenital Cardiology, University Hospital of Bordeaux, F-33600 Bordeaux, France.
  • Department of Pneumology, "Marius Nasta" Institute of Pneumology, 050159 Bucharest, Romania.
  • Department of Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, 031593 Bucharest, Romania.
  • "Carol Davila" Faculty of Medicine, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania.
  • Department of General Surgery, "Dr. Ion Cantacuzino" Clinical Hospital, 022904 Bucharest, Romania.
  • Pneumology Department, University of Medicine Carol Davila, 020021 Bucharest, Romania.
  • Department of Biophysics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania.

Abstract

In Romania, the highest incidence of tuberculosis (TB) within the European Union was reported in 2020, highlighting a significant health challenge. This is compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has severely impacted healthcare services, including TB management. Both TB and COVID-19, diseases with considerable morbidity and mortality, have shown potential links to electrolyte imbalances. We conducted a prospective study at Victor Babes Hospital, Romania on 146 patients (74 with TB, 72 with COVID-19) between December 2021 and July 2023. This study assessed correlations between disease severity and serum calcium and magnesium levels, as well as pulmonary function. Adult patients with confirmed diagnoses and comprehensive medical records were included, excluding those with chronic respiratory diseases or unrelated electrolyte imbalances. Statistical analysis utilized the Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's procedure for non-normally distributed data. Low serum calcium and magnesium levels were significantly correlated with severe forms of TB and COVID-19, suggesting their potential as biomarkers of disease progression. Patients with more severe TB (i.e., multiple cavities) exhibited significantly lower serum calcium ( = 0.0049) and magnesium levels ( = 0.0004). ROC analysis revealed high AUC values for serum calcium and serum magnesium in predicting COVID-19 severity, indicating their potential as biomarkers. This study demonstrates a significant association between lower serum calcium and magnesium levels and increased TB severity. Similarly, these electrolytes show promise as predictive markers for COVID-19 severity. These findings could serve as biomarkers for predicting the severity of TB and COVID-19, offering potential utility in clinical decision-making.

MeSH

Biomarkers, Tuberculosis, Calcium, Prospective Studies, European Union, Serum, Clinical Decision-Making, Covid-19

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