Does abnormal baseline LFTs independently predict death or mechanical ventilation during hospitalization with COVID-19 infection?
A multivariate logistic regression was then performed to ascertain the effects of age, different background illnesses and abnormal baseline LFTS on the primary outcome measure - composite endpoint of death or requirement for mechanical ventilation during hospitalization. Results are presented in table (3) below.
During the 4-month span of the study and out of the 444 subjects hospitalized with COVID-19 in our tertiary care center, 32 (7.2%) patients died and 21 (4.7%) required mechanical ventilation. The overall composite endpoint was identified in 49 (11%) subjects. Univariate analysis revealed that age above 65 years, Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension, congestive heart failure, and abnormal baseline LFTs were all were independently associated with the composite endpoint. Multivariate analysis revealed that abnormal baseline LFTs (OR 6, 95% CI 2.0 – 18.4) was the strongest predictor of meeting the composite endpoint followed by diabetes mellitus (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.3 – 14.8) and congestive heart failure (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.2 – 12.5).