January 15, 2021

Circulating Mitochondrial DNA Is an Early Indicator of Severe Illness and Mortality from COVID-19

Category: Article Summary

Topic: Clinical Characteristics and Health Care Setting

Keywords (Tags): clinical characteristics, mortality

Elevated mitochondrial DNA levels measured within 24 hours of presentation were associated with mortality, ICU admission, intubation, vasopressor use, and renal replacement therapy in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. These associations were maintained after adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities. Circulating mitochondrial DNA levels demonstrate similar or improved sensitivity over clinically established measurements for assessing potential outcomes for COVID-19 patients.

Scozzi et al. (Jan 14, 2021). Circulating Mitochondrial DNA Is an Early Indicator of Severe Illness and Mortality from COVID-19. JCI Insight. https://doi.org/10.1172/jci.insight.143299