The prognostic role of NLR, PLR, and LMR in predicting mortality of COVID-19 patients in a rural area

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 has been a challenge worldwide. This infection can manifest in various characteristics, from asymptomatic to severe, leading to mortality. Predictive tools to predict mortality are highly important in better therapeutic strategies. Hematology ratios, including neutrophil, platelet, lymphocyte, and monocyte, have been suggested as a prognostic tool that is widely available. The study aimed to assess the prognostic significance of NLR, PLR, and LMR in predicting COVID-19 patients' mortality in a rural setting. Methods: Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 at Bajawa Regional General Hospital were included in this retrospective cohort study. The patient's medical records from January 2021 to August 2021 were examined. The patients were separated into two groups; in-hospital death and discharged group. The routine blood examination during admission gave NLR, PLR, and LMR results. Data analysis was processed with SPSS 26. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve is used to determine whether NLR, PLR, and LMR may be used as prognostic indicators for hospitalized patients’ outcomes. The area under the curve (AUC) results were used to rate the accuracy. Results: There were 91 patients in total. NLR, PLR, and LMR, AUCs were 0.689, 0.635, and 0.653, with cut-off values of 4.28, 184.12, and 2.69, respectively. Each indicator’s sensitivity and specificity remained poor. The cut-off value of PLR was the only indicator that had significant differences when compared between the two groups. Conclusion: NLR, PLR, and LMR performed poor values as predictors of mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.