Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Serum Endocan Levels in Patients With COVID-19

We aimed to evaluate whether there was a relationship between endocan (human endothelial cell-specific molecule-1) levels and disease prognosis in patients who presented to the emergency department with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). A total of 60 patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized from the emergency department to clinical wards and a control group consisting of healthy adult individuals (n = 28), were included in the study. The majority (93.3%) of the patients were discharged after recovery; 6.7% died. The median endocan value was 243.5 ng/mL in the patient group versus 201.5 ng/mL in the control group (P = .002). The median endocan level was 240.5 ng/mL in those discharged with recovery and 558 ng/mL in those who died (P = .001). There was no significant relationship in hospitalization duration, sex, tomography findings, and clinical outcomes. A 202 ng/mL serum endocan level had 86.7% sensitivity and 50% specificity for COVID-19. Serum endocan levels may be a useful biomarker both for the diagnosis of COVID-19 and to predict mortality.

Automated summary

This study found a potential relationship between endocan levels and disease prognosis in patients with COVID-19, with higher levels associated with increased mortality. Serum endocan levels may serve as a useful biomarker for both the diagnosis and prediction of mortality in COVID-19.