Predictive value of the neutrophil-lymphocyte index as a predictor of severity and death in patients treated for COVID-19
D. Pérez, I. Palomo, Yorvis López Santana, Alfonzo Calzada Rodríguez, Yeilaine Polledo Piñera
Abstract
Introduction: the neutrophil-lymphocyte index (NLR) is used to evaluate the systemic inflammatory response in different diseases and critical situations, in addition to be an indicator of mortality. Determining it during COVID 19, as a predictor of severity and death, can be very profitable, allowing decisions related to admission and treatment to be made.Objective: determine the predictive value of the neutrophil-lymphocyte index as a predictor of severity and death in patients treated for COVID-19 at the Dr. Agostinho Netoˮ General Teaching Hospital, Guantánamo, during the period July - September 2021.Method: a descriptive observational study was carried out. The universe consisted of 632 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in the period, from which a sample of 247 was selected by simple random sampling.Results: the average age was 64.4±19.0 years, males predominated (52.2%). 40.9% of deaths were recorded and 65.2% were in serious condition. The NLR upon admission of all patients was 5.8 on average and 7.3 in the deceased. The NLR equal to or greater than 4 had the ability to predict death in 36% of the patients.Conclusions: the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio ≥ 4 was associated with mortality and severity status, demonstrating its predictive value.