The Predictive Value of the LDH-albumin Ratio on Poor Clinical Course and Mortality in COVID-19 Patients: A Single-center Study

There are studies evaluating the association of serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and albumin levels with mortality in COVID-19 patients. The aim of our study was to evaluate the predictive effect of the LDH/albumin ratio (LAR) on mortality and poor clinical course in COVID-19 patients. A total of 2093 patients for whom LDH and albumin tests were available were included in the study. Demographic data, length of hospitalization, and signs of poor clinical course were recorded and compared with the LAR value at the time of hospitalization. The study included 1010 female (48.3%) and 1083 male (51.7%) patients. Notably, 1408 (67.3%) of the patients had at least 1 comorbidity. Oxygen was required in 860 patients (41.1%) and intensive care unit was required in 215 patients (10.3%). The mortality rate was 8.1% (n: 170). The median LAR value was 8.05. A positive correlation was observed between LAR and length of hospitalization. The LAR value was significantly higher in patients who died compared with those who survived, in patients who required intensive care compared with those who did not, and in patients who required oxygen compared to those who did not. The cutoff value for LAR in predicting mortality was calculated as 10.48. The sensitivity and specificity were determined as 73.5% and 73.7%. In conclusion, serum LAR at the time of admission is predictive of poor clinical course and mortality in COVID-19 patients. Patients with LAR values higher than the cutoff value should be closely monitored for poor clinical course.