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Background/Objectives: In this study, we aimed to compare the predictive power of non-conventional (neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio—NLR; platelet/lymphocyte ratio—PLR) and conventional markers (C-reactive protein—CRP; procalcitonin—PCT; interleukin-6—IL-6) in terms of disease progression and mortality in severe SARS-CoV-2 patients. Methods: In this prospective observatory study, blood samples were collected daily, focusing on the established inflammatory markers. Critically ill COVID-19 patients who required ICU admission were included. Patient treatment followed established COVID-19 protocols, and the data analysis was performed using SPSS with non-normal distribution methods. The study cohort primarily included patients infected with the delta variant. Results: A mortality rate of 76.6% was observed among 167 patients during the study period. Significant differences in conventional and non-conventional markers between survivor and non-survivor groups were observed. The PCT levels were significantly elevated (p < 0.005) in the deceased group. Among the non-conventional markers, the NLR was consistently higher in non-survivors and emerged as a significant predictor of mortality, whereas the PLR was not elevated among the non-survivors. ROC analyses indicated that PCT and the NLR were the markers with the highest predictive power for mortality. The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified NLR, PCT, CRP, and IL-6 as significant predictors of mortality across different days. The NLR showed a consistent, though not always statistically significant, association with increased mortality risk, particularly on Days 2 and 5. Conclusions: The NLR's accessibility and simplicity of determination make it a valuable and practical tool for monitoring inflammatory processes in viral infections. Our findings suggest that incorporating NLR analysis into routine clinical practice could enhance the early identification of high-risk patients, thereby improving patient management and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: In polytrauma and burn injury Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) develops. SIRS is presented in many hospitalized patients, including those who never develop infection or sepsis. Both in SIRS and sepsis the leukocyte activation occurs. In acute phase reaction leukocytes' upward flotation i.e. leukocyte antisedimentation rate (LAR) can indicate infectious origin. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive power of LAR, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) levels regarding mortality risk and development of septic complications. METHODS: In a prospective, observational study, 36 patients were followed for 5 days (T1-T5) after admission to a critical care unit immediately with severe polytrauma or burn injury. Eleven patients developed septic complications, their LAR, CRP and PCT levels were analyzed before and after 3 days of sepsis was declared. RESULTS: Ten patients died due to septic complications. In survivors LAR at T1 (p < 0.001) and T2 (p < 0.001) as well as CRP at T1 (p < 0.05) were significantly higher compared to controls and non survivors. In septic patients LAR (p < 0.05) and CRP (p < 0.05) showed a significant drop one day before sepsis was declared. PCT levels failed to predict this. CONCLUSIONS: Drop in LAR and CRP levels may be warning signs regarding the onset of septic complications after severe polytrauma and burn injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]