Prognostic Role of Prognostic Nutritional Index in Intensive Care Unit Patients with a Diagnosis of COVID-19

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients with coronavirus 19 (COVID-19).
METHODS: Our retrospective study included the data of 149 patients who were admitted to the COVID-19 ICU of a tertiary care center. Data of patients under 18, pregnant patients, or patients who were in the ICU for <48 h were excluded. Complete blood count, biochemistry panel, and blood gas analysis results were gathered and compiled.
RESULTS: 149 ICU patients with COVID-19 (PCR-positive) were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to PNI values (PNI<37.9 vs. PNI≥37.9). The patients with lower PNI needed longer hospitalization (11.7 vs. 8.3, p=0.04) and demonstrated higher in-hospital mortality (73.6% vs. 48.3%, p=0.003). A multivariate regression analysis was performed to predict in-hospital mortality. The PNI score (OR: 0.93 [0.87–0.99]) and the APACHE II (OR: 1.09 [1.03–1.14]) score predicted in-hospital mortality.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In this study, we showed that a PNI score at admission can predict in-hospital mortality in ICU patients diagnosed with COVID-19.