Research Article | | Peer-Reviewed

Ldh Ferritin & D-Dimer Levels as Predictor of Mortality in COVID-19 Patients

Received: 20 May 2025     Accepted: 11 June 2025     Published: 28 August 2025
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Abstract

This single-center observational study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of LDH, Ferritin, and D-Dimer levels as early predictors of mortality in COVID-19 patients. Conducted at Dr. Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi, from April to December 2020, the study included 532 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses. Data were collected retrospectively following approval by the institutional ethics committee. Of the total patients, 408 (76.7%) with mild symptoms were admitted to the general ward, while 124 (23.3%) required intensive care. Among them, 150 patients (28.2%) died, and 382 (71.8%) were discharged home. Significant differences in biomarker levels were observed between survivors and non-survivors. The overall median (IQR) levels were LDH 434.00 (±328.75), Ferritin 765.50 (±1138.25), and D-Dimer 1564.00 (±5113.75). In discharged patients, median LDH was 389.00, Ferritin 622.50, and D-Dimer 1235.00, whereas in deceased patients, the corresponding values were 576.00, 1027.00, and 3885.50. Elevated LDH was found in 141 (94.0%, p=0.17), elevated Ferritin in 121 (80.7%, p=0.00), and elevated D-Dimer in 137 (91.3%, p=0.00). These findings suggest that elevated levels of LDH, Ferritin, and D-Dimer are significant indicators of disease severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients and should be monitored closely and managed proactively to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.

Published in American Journal of Laboratory Medicine (Volume 10, Issue 3)
DOI 10.11648/j.ajlm.20251003.12
Page(s) 58-63
Creative Commons

This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.

Copyright

Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

COVID-19, Ferritin, LDH, D-Dimer, Mortality

1. Introduction
The outbreak of 2019 Novel corona virus disease (COVID-19) has caused global attention . Due to its rapid spread worldwide, COVID-19 was declared as a public health emergency by the World Health Organization . The clinical course of this respiratory disease is complicated in up to 15% of infected patients by onset of interstitial pneumonia, evolving toward acute respiratory distress syndrome needing mechanical ventilation or admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), and is also often accompanied by multiorgan failure . Chen et al. reported that mortality of COVID-19 was 4.3%, and severe cases (treated in the ICU) were older, more likely to have underlying co morbidities, dyspnoea and anorexia . Since there is now incontrovertible evidence that laboratory homeostasis provides an essential contribution to decision-making and care of the vast majority of human pathologies .
In order to make prompt and accurate clinical decisions, it is urgent to assess the severity of the disease and investigate potential biomarkers. According to a recent study, patients with COVID-19 typically have elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (41.8%), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (57.0%), and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) (58.3%) .
The levels of CRP, Procalcitonin (PCT) and ferritin are significantly higher in very severe COVID-19 than severe COVID-19 infection. CRP, PCT, and ferritin elevations may indicate a subsequent bacterial infection and a poor clinical outcome . We observe a variations in all biochemical indicators, as we look for biomarkers indicating a poor prognosis. The results showed that the levels of neutrophils (14/16, 87.5%), PCT (11/11, 100%), CRP (11/13, 84.6%), cTnI (7/9, 77.8%), D-Dimer (9/12, 75%), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (9/9, 100%), and lactate (12/12, 100%) were higher as compare to previous one and the levels of lymphocytes (14/16, 87.5%) that were decline. The SAA continued to remain high. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan revealed that the patients' pulmonary lesions were worse at the later stages of disease than at the beginning .
LDH levels increase in severe disease; therefore, it may be useful as a biomarker for predicting disease progression. May be more common in patients with COVID-19 compared with other types of pneumonia . Ferritin may indicate development of cytokine release syndrome . The most common abnormalities are elevated D-Dimer and fibrinogen, and prolonged prothrombin time. D-Dimers levels increase in severe disease; therefore, it may be useful as a biomarker for predicting disease progression. Patients with very high D-Dimer levels have an increased risk of thrombosis .
Pakistan and other nations with less developed healthcare systems are particularly at risk. The greatest administrative strategy to tackle the situation might be with the aid of some prediction tools . Some investigating tools may also help to handle the crisis in the best directorial way. The various Beta and Gamma values are used to predict the COVID-19 . The pandemic has caused great economical and psychological disturbance, health care workers are the team of individual who are facing the direct exposure to the virus .
However there is no single biomarker is available that can predict disease progression and outcome in covid-19 patients. Therefore we hereby perform this study to evaluate the role of LDH, Ferritin and D-Dimer in disease progression Zand mortality.
2. Methodology
1) Study design and participants: This is a single center, observational study. We enrolled in-hospital patients with COVID-19 admitted to the Dr Ziauddin Hospital Karachi from April 2020 to November 2020, and analyzed infection biomarkers in patients who had been tested for LDH, D-Dimers and Ferritin, etc. COVID-19 was diagnosed upon admission. All the collected data will be contrasted among patients and stable gentle sickness (stable mild illness) pneumonia and the individuals who disintegrated from mellow to serious ailment (progression group), severe pneumonia and ARDS on the basis of Chest x-rays (CXR). Patients with previous medical history of Diabetics Hypertension and coronary artery disease etc are also included. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the local hospital and data were collected retrospectively.
2) Data Collection And Infection Biomarker Measurement: Demographic and epidemiological information including age, sex, and previous medical history were gathered upon affirmation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was utilized to identify Corona virus as per the protocol of department of microbiology of the hospital. Serum tests sample were drawn from the patients at the time of admission, blood count, LDH, D-Dimer and Ferritin were performed by the department of biochemistry.
3) Statistical Analysis: SPSS 25.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL) was used for all statistical analyses. Data were presented as percentages for categorical variables and median ± IQR (Inter Quartile Range) for continuous variables, unless otherwise indicated. The normally distributed continuous variables were compared using the simple t test. The Chi-square test was used to compare non-normally distributed continuous variables. For categorical variables, the Fisher's exact test was used to compare them. A p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
3. Results
As stated in the section of methodology, we collected data of 532 patients retrospectively those admitted with the diagnosis of COVID-19. Baseline data of all patient (table 1). The median age of the patients was 58.00 years ranges from 10 to 95, and gender distribution was 362 (68%) male and 170 (32%) were female.
All the patient tested for COVID-19 PCR and infection biomarkers LDH, Ferritin and D-Dimers. Patient with mild symptoms admitted in ward 408 (76.7%) and 124 (23.3%) were admitted in ICU.
Out of 532 patients 150 (28.2%) were expired and 382 (71.8%) were discharged to home. We noted significant variation in the level of biomarkers in the patients, the median of LDH 434.00 (IQR ±328.75), Ferritin 765.50 (IQR ±1138.25) and D-Dmiers 1564.00 (IQR ±5113.75). In 382 live patients who safely discharged to home the median LDH is 389.00, Ferritin 622.50 and D-Dimer 1235.00.
Out of 150 expired patients the median of LDH, Ferritin and D-Dimer was 576.00, 1027.00 and 3885.50 respectively. LDH level found to be raised in 141 (94.0%) P value is 0.17, Ferritin in 121 (80.7%) P value 0.00 and D-Dimer in 137 (91.3%) P value 0.00.
Table 1. Baseline Data of all patients.

Age

Heart Rate

Temperature

Respiratory Rate

SpO2

Systolic Blood Pressure

Diastolic Blood Pressure

COVID-19 PCR

LDH

Ferriten

D-Dimer

VALID

532

532

331

532

532

532

532

532

532

532

532

MISSING

0

0

201

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

MEAN

56.66

103.5113

99.1876

23.6147

97.7008

129.51

78.1259

615.7756

1663.325

74254.52

MEDIAN

58

98

98

21

90

130

80

434

765.5

1564

Std. DEVIATION

14.791

60.032

71.99442

14.35454

98.67046

24.201

14.33107

897.2262

3810.798

211441.4

RANGE

85

1123

981

264

986

218

133

13169

43745

714900

MIN

10

53

10

16

2

12

37

21

15

100

MAX

95

1176

991

280

991

230

170

13190

43760

715000

Table 2. LDH 2×2.

Mortality (+)

Mortality (-)

Total

LDH Elevated

141 (TP)

343 (FP)

484

LDH Normal

9 (FN)

39 (TN)

48

Total

150

382

532

Diagnostic Metrics for LDH
1) Sensitivity = 94.0%
2) Specificity = 10.2%
3) Positive Predictive Value (PPV) = 29.1%
4) Negative Predictive Value (NPV) = 81.3%
5) Accuracy = 33.8%
Table 3. Ferritin 2×2.

Mortality (+)

Mortality (-)

Total

Ferritin Elevated

121 (TP)

249 (FP)

370

Ferritin Normal

29 (FN)

133 (TN)

162

Total

150

382

532

Diagnostic Metrics for Ferritin
1) Sensitivity = 80.7%
2) Specificity = 34.8%
3) Positive Predictive Value (PPV) = 32.7%
4) Negative Predictive Value (NPV) = 82.1%
5) Accuracy = 47.9%
Table 4. D-Dimer 2×2.

Mortality (+)

Mortality (-)

Total

D-Dimer Elevated

137 (TP)

293 (FP)

430

D-Dimer Normal

13 (FN)

89 (TN)

102

Total

150

382

532

Diagnostic Accuracy Metrics
1) Sensitivity = 91.3%
2) Specificity = 23.3%
3) Positive Predictive Value (PPV) = 31.9%
4) Negative Predictive Value (NPV) = 87.3%
5) Accuracy = 42.5%
4. Discussion
The present study assessed the prognostic value of serum Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Ferritin, and D-Dimer levels in predicting in-hospital mortality among COVID-19 patients. Our findings demonstrate a significant association between elevated levels of these biomarkers and mortality, supporting their role as independent predictors of adverse outcomes.
Elevated LDH levels reflect tissue breakdown and cellular damage, which are hallmarks of severe COVID-19 infection . LDH has been consistently reported as a marker of poor prognosis in various infections and inflammatory conditions. In our study, deceased patients had significantly higher LDH levels compared to survivors. This is consistent with previous studies suggesting that increased LDH correlates with the extent of lung injury and systemic inflammation, both of which contribute to severe disease progression and poor clinical outcomes in COVID-19 .
Ferritin, an acute-phase reactant, plays a dual role as a marker of inflammation and iron storage . Hyperferritinemia has been associated with the cytokine storm observed in severe COVID-19 cases . Our results showed significantly elevated ferritin levels in non-survivors, highlighting its potential as a marker of hyperinflammation and disease severity . Similar findings were reported by Zhou et al . and other studies, further supporting the use of ferritin in risk stratification and prognosis in COVID-19 patients .
D-Dimer, a fibrin degradation product, reflects hypercoagulability and thrombotic activity, which are commonly observed in critically ill COVID-19 patients . In this study, patients with fatal outcomes exhibited significantly higher D-Dimer levels. This aligns with prior evidence indicating that elevated D-Dimer is associated with increased risk of thromboembolic events and mortality in COVID-19 . The coagulopathy associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection may result from endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and a dysregulated immune response .
Multivariate analysis confirmed that elevated levels of LDH, Ferritin, and D-Dimer are independent predictors of in-hospital mortality. These biomarkers, therefore, may serve as valuable tools for early identification of high-risk patients, allowing for timely interventions and resource allocation in hospital settings.
5. Conclusion
This study suggest that the serum LDH, Ferritin and D-Dimer is significantly elevated in patient who expired secondary to COVID-19 infection.
LDH showed the highest sensitivity (94%) but very low specificity (10.2%), indicating that it is excellent at detecting those at risk of mortality but poor at ruling out survivors. Ferritin had more balanced specificity and NPV, while D-Dimer showed strong sensitivity and NPV. Overall, these markers are useful for identifying high-risk patients, but none are definitive on their own.
Further studies are required regarding specific threshold levels of these laboratory biomarkers. In the end the patients of COVID-19 with elevated LDH, Ferritin and D-Dimer should be monitored closely and managed aggressively in order decrease disease progression and minimize the risk of death.
6. Limitations
There are some limitation to this study as this is a retrospective study with limited number of patients, so we requires a prospective study with significant data of covid-19 patients, in which patients will be followed properly to get more significant association of these biomarkers with disease process and outcome.
Abbreviations

LDH

Lactate Dehydrogenase

ICU

Intensive Care Unit

ESR

Erythrocytes sedimentation rate

CRP

C- Reactive Protein

PCT

Procalcitonin

CXR

Chest X-rays

IQR

Interquartile Range

PPV

Positive Predictive Value

NPV

Negative Predictive Value

Acknowledgments
Authors are grateful to staff of department of Emergency Medicine and ICU for their support during the study period regarding collection of data.
Author Contributions
AS Q, IA k, AF, SA and SN contributed in concept and design of work. AS Q wrote the manuscript, IA K approved the final version, AF did analysis and interpretation of data and SA and SN have drafted the work or substantively revised it. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
Ethical Approval
Approval has been taken from Ethical Review Committee Ziauddin University.
STATEMENT: On behalf of ERC, we are pleased to inform you that your research proposal titled " LDH, Ferritin & D-Dimers levels as predictor of mortality in COVID-19 Patients" has been approved. Regards ERC, ZU.
This is to certify that the study was performed in accordance with the ethical standards as laid down in the 1964 Declaration of Helsinki and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. Informed consent has been obtained from all the subjects and/or their legal guardians.
Consent to Participate
All necessary informed consent has been obtained from all the subjects and/or their legal guardians and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived.
Funding
The author (s) received no financial support for the research, authorship and/or publication of this article.
Availiblity of Data and Materials
The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Conflicts of Interest
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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Cite This Article
  • APA Style

    Sami, A., Khan, I. A., Aghai, S. H., Faridi, A., Mohsin, S. N. (2025). Ldh Ferritin & D-Dimer Levels as Predictor of Mortality in COVID-19 Patients. American Journal of Laboratory Medicine, 10(3), 58-63. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajlm.20251003.12

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    ACS Style

    Sami, A.; Khan, I. A.; Aghai, S. H.; Faridi, A.; Mohsin, S. N. Ldh Ferritin & D-Dimer Levels as Predictor of Mortality in COVID-19 Patients. Am. J. Lab. Med. 2025, 10(3), 58-63. doi: 10.11648/j.ajlm.20251003.12

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    AMA Style

    Sami A, Khan IA, Aghai SH, Faridi A, Mohsin SN. Ldh Ferritin & D-Dimer Levels as Predictor of Mortality in COVID-19 Patients. Am J Lab Med. 2025;10(3):58-63. doi: 10.11648/j.ajlm.20251003.12

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  • @article{10.11648/j.ajlm.20251003.12,
      author = {Abdul Sami and Inayat Ali Khan and Salva Hafeez Aghai and Arsala Faridi and Syed Naveed Mohsin},
      title = {Ldh Ferritin & D-Dimer Levels as Predictor of Mortality in COVID-19 Patients
    },
      journal = {American Journal of Laboratory Medicine},
      volume = {10},
      number = {3},
      pages = {58-63},
      doi = {10.11648/j.ajlm.20251003.12},
      url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajlm.20251003.12},
      eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ajlm.20251003.12},
      abstract = {This single-center observational study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of LDH, Ferritin, and D-Dimer levels as early predictors of mortality in COVID-19 patients. Conducted at Dr. Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi, from April to December 2020, the study included 532 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses. Data were collected retrospectively following approval by the institutional ethics committee. Of the total patients, 408 (76.7%) with mild symptoms were admitted to the general ward, while 124 (23.3%) required intensive care. Among them, 150 patients (28.2%) died, and 382 (71.8%) were discharged home. Significant differences in biomarker levels were observed between survivors and non-survivors. The overall median (IQR) levels were LDH 434.00 (±328.75), Ferritin 765.50 (±1138.25), and D-Dimer 1564.00 (±5113.75). In discharged patients, median LDH was 389.00, Ferritin 622.50, and D-Dimer 1235.00, whereas in deceased patients, the corresponding values were 576.00, 1027.00, and 3885.50. Elevated LDH was found in 141 (94.0%, p=0.17), elevated Ferritin in 121 (80.7%, p=0.00), and elevated D-Dimer in 137 (91.3%, p=0.00). These findings suggest that elevated levels of LDH, Ferritin, and D-Dimer are significant indicators of disease severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients and should be monitored closely and managed proactively to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.
    },
     year = {2025}
    }
    

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  • TY  - JOUR
    T1  - Ldh Ferritin & D-Dimer Levels as Predictor of Mortality in COVID-19 Patients
    
    AU  - Abdul Sami
    AU  - Inayat Ali Khan
    AU  - Salva Hafeez Aghai
    AU  - Arsala Faridi
    AU  - Syed Naveed Mohsin
    Y1  - 2025/08/28
    PY  - 2025
    N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajlm.20251003.12
    DO  - 10.11648/j.ajlm.20251003.12
    T2  - American Journal of Laboratory Medicine
    JF  - American Journal of Laboratory Medicine
    JO  - American Journal of Laboratory Medicine
    SP  - 58
    EP  - 63
    PB  - Science Publishing Group
    SN  - 2575-386X
    UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajlm.20251003.12
    AB  - This single-center observational study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of LDH, Ferritin, and D-Dimer levels as early predictors of mortality in COVID-19 patients. Conducted at Dr. Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi, from April to December 2020, the study included 532 hospitalized patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses. Data were collected retrospectively following approval by the institutional ethics committee. Of the total patients, 408 (76.7%) with mild symptoms were admitted to the general ward, while 124 (23.3%) required intensive care. Among them, 150 patients (28.2%) died, and 382 (71.8%) were discharged home. Significant differences in biomarker levels were observed between survivors and non-survivors. The overall median (IQR) levels were LDH 434.00 (±328.75), Ferritin 765.50 (±1138.25), and D-Dimer 1564.00 (±5113.75). In discharged patients, median LDH was 389.00, Ferritin 622.50, and D-Dimer 1235.00, whereas in deceased patients, the corresponding values were 576.00, 1027.00, and 3885.50. Elevated LDH was found in 141 (94.0%, p=0.17), elevated Ferritin in 121 (80.7%, p=0.00), and elevated D-Dimer in 137 (91.3%, p=0.00). These findings suggest that elevated levels of LDH, Ferritin, and D-Dimer are significant indicators of disease severity and mortality in COVID-19 patients and should be monitored closely and managed proactively to reduce the risk of adverse outcomes.
    
    VL  - 10
    IS  - 3
    ER  - 

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Author Information
  • Department of Emergency Medicine, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan

  • Department of Emergency Medicine, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan

  • Department of Pediatrics, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplant, Karachi, Pakistan

  • Department of Emergency Medicine, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan

  • Department of Orthopedics, AO Clinic, Karachi, Pakistan