Table 3 Statistical comparison according to parameters of the severity of studied children with COVID-19 as regards serum GDF-15 level

PICU admission

No

453.89 (202.2–594.32)

47.47–2335.44

− 6.202

 < 0.001

HS

Yes

1296.02 (991.14–1871.58)

346.5–2940.2

Duration of admission

Duration ≤ 10 days

521.26 (223.72–688.5)

47.47–2311.8

− 2.227‡

0.023

S

Duration > 10 days

802.6 (401.52–1390.82)

119.11 –2940.2

Comorbidities

No

521.26 (235.92–944.32)

47.47–2522.24

− 3.412‡

0.001

HS

Yes

1035.92 (675.34–1443.5)

176.6–2940.2

Clinical severity

Mild to Moderate

346.5 (202.2–537.82)

47.47– 854.1

49.047‡‡

 < 0.001

HS

Severe

999.76 (786.12–1218.46)

119.11–2335.44

Critically ill

1871.58 (1390.82–2319.22)

1038.84–2940.2

Outcome

Non-survivors (N = 8)

1555.95 (1256.14–2420.73)

1038.84–2940.2

− 3.691‡

 < 0.001

HS

Survivors (N = 64)

570.59 (323.6–999.76)

47.47–2402.6