Novel Scoring Systems to Predict the Need for Oxygenation and ICU Care, and Mortality in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Risk Stratification Tool

Authors

Vishakh C Keri
Pankaj Jorwal
Rohit Verma
Piyush Ranjan
Ashish D Upadhyay
Anivita Aggarwal
Radhika Sarda
Kunal Sharma
Shubham Sahni
Chaithra Rajanna

Publication Date

7-1-2022

Journal

Cureus

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: A rapid surge in cases during the COVID-19 pandemic can overwhelm any healthcare system. It is imperative to triage patients who would require oxygen and ICU care, and predict mortality. Specific parameters at admission may help in identifying them.

METHODOLOGY: A prospective observational study was undertaken in a COVID-19 ward of a tertiary care center. All baseline clinical and laboratory data were captured. Patients were followed till death or discharge. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to find predictors of the need for oxygen, need for ICU care, and mortality. Objective scoring systems were developed for the same using the predictors.

RESULTS: The study included 209 patients. Disease severity was mild, moderate, and severe in 98 (46.9%), 74 (35.4%), and 37 (17.7%) patients, respectively. The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) >4 was a common independent predictor of the need for oxygen (p

Keywords

c-reactive protein, covid-19, icu, mortality, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, oxygen, scoring system