Base excess, bicarbonate, and lactate levels predict 28-day mortality in patients with COVID-19: a retrospective study

Abstract

Aim: It is critical to categorize the risk factors that could disclose the severity of COVID-19. This study aimed to determine the effects of arterial blood gases on hospital mortality by examining the results retrospectively measured at the first admission to the emergency department of cases diagnosed with COVID-19.
 Material and Method: In this retrospective study, arterial blood gases of patients with COVID-19 were analyzed using univariate analysis to identify factors linked to 28-day all-cause in-hospital mortality. The patients were divided into two groups survivors and nonsurvivors.
 Results: The study included 159 survivors and 33 nonsurvivors with COVID-19. Serum levels of lactate, D-dimer, troponin, and CRP were higher and serum levels of base excess, bicarbonate, and albumin to creatinine ratio were lower in nonsurvivor patients than in survivors. The highest AUC was found for lactate and base excess.
 Conclusion: The arterial blood gases performed during the first admission to the emergency department are linked with disease severity and can be used to predict disease progression and mortality. Furthermore, patients with higher levels of lactate and lower levels of base excess and bicarbonate should be monitored closely and treated early.