Markers of endothelial and epithelial pulmonary injury in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 ICU patients

Abstract Background Biomarkers can be used to detect the presence of endothelial and/or alveolar epithelial injuries in case ARDS. Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell protein-1 (VCAM-1), P-selectin and E-selectin are biomarkers injury, whereas receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) reflects injury. The aims this study were evaluate whether plasma concentration above-mentioned was different 1) survivors non-survivors COVID-19-related ARDS 2) classical Methods This prospective performed two COVID-19-dedicated Intensive Care Units (ICU) one non-COVID-19 ICU at Ferrara University Hospital. A cohort 31 mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 a 11 enrolled. Ang-2, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, P-selectin, RAGE determined bead-based multiplex immunoassay three time points: inclusion (T1), after 7 ± 2 days (T2) 14 (T3). primary outcome trend biomarker levels non-survivors. secondary differences respiratory mechanics variables gas exchanges between Furthermore, we compared T1 Results In ARDS, Ang-2 ICAM-1 statistically higher than survivors, (p = 0.04 p 0.03, respectively), those did not differ. predictors mortality (AUROC 0.650 0.717, respectively). At T1, lower (all < 0.001). Conclusions is characterized by an early pulmonary as detected ICAM-1. exhibited expression biomarkers, suggesting pathological pathways. Trial registration NCT04343053 , Date registration: April 13, 2020