Can the HALP score predict survival in severe COVID-19 pneumonia?

Abstract

Introduction The coronavirus infection has caused a pneumonia pandemic worldwide. Our study aimed to determine the relationship between the HALP score and survival in patients monitored in the intensive care unit due to COVID-19 pneumonia. Materials and Methods Adult patients monitored in our hospital's COVID intensive care unit between 01.11.2020 and 30.11.2021 were retrospectively evaluated. The effect of the HALP score on survival was investigated with examinations. Results The death rate in the 103 patients included in the study was found to be 49.5% (n = 51). When evaluated in terms of patients' gender distribution and median age, no significant difference was observed between survivors and deceased patients (p = 0.20 and p = 0.96, respectively). Ferritin, CRP, LDH and fibrinogen levels were found significantly higher in the deceased patient group compared to the surviving patient group. The median value of the HALP score was significantly higher in the surviving patient group (9.35) compared to the deceased patient group (6.83) (p = 0.015). In the binary logistic regression analysis, HALP score, LDH, and CRP were found to be statistically significant risk factors for mortality. Conclusion As a result of our study, we believe that the HALP score could be a practical and easily accessible scoring method that can be used to predict survival in COVID-19 patients monitored in the intensive care unit.