Abstract:

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infection is characterized by several malfunctions, including severe pulmonary disorders. Other metabolic consequences of SARS-CoV-2-infection have not been clearly defined. The present study assessed the status of blood gases, calcium metabolism, and electrolytes in SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals. One hundred and thirty-four newly diagnosed SARS-CoV-2-infected patients (age ranged 65-82years) attending Mullingar Regional Hospital, Republic of Ireland, participated in this study. They all had pulmonary disorders, pyrexia, body pains, etc. SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed in all patients using the RT-PCR molecular test method. The data of another 121 plasma samples of apparently normal, non-SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals taken before the emergence of Covid-19 served as controls. Levels of partial pressure of oxygen (pO₂), saturated oxygen (SatO₂), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO₂), and ionized calcium (Ca²⁺) were determined in all participants using the potentiometric method in RAPIDPOINT 500 Blood Gases System. Plasma vitamin-D was determined by immune enzymatically technique using DXi 800 Access Immunoassay System. Total calcium, phosphate, albumin, magnesium, and electrolytes were determined by the photometric method using Beckman Au680- Chemistry Analyzer. The results showed significantly (p<0.05) higher levels of pCO₂ and HCO₃^- in COVID-19-patients compared to controls. Significantly(p<0.05) lower levels of pO₂, SatO₂, pH, K⁺, albumin, total-calcium, Ca²⁺, magnesium, and vitamin-D were observed in COVID-19 patients compared to controls. Corrected calcium, PO₄^-, Na+, and Cl^- levels did not show significant (p>0.05) changes in the COVID-19-patients compared to controls. Abnormal blood gases, acidosis, hypomagnesaemia, hypoalbuminemia, hypovitaminosis D and calcium metabolic disorders could be features of COVID-19-disease.

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