Lactate is associated with long-term mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19; a retrospective cohort study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: COVID-19 disease is the cause of death for many people around the world by causing systemic involvement of organs in the body. The prevalence of the disease has declined over the past two years due to initial treatment, but concerns about upcoming mutations remain. In this study, we investigate the relationship between lactate levels and mortality at different times. Methods: In the present retrospective cohort study, we included 228 patients with COVID-19 according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and extracted the variables using the data in the files and analyzed them. Follow-up of patients, if discharged alive, has been done from hospitalization until March 2021. We used SPSS version 22 to analyzed data and P<0.05 is considered significant. Results: Lactate level (mean 2.88 in the dead group versus mean 1.68 in the living group) has a significant relationship with mortality at hospitalization (p<0.05). It is also effective to measure lactate level as a function of the length of time spent in hospital on mortality (P=0.001, HR = 2.960, 95%CI =4.255-2.58), as well as according to the length of time spent following up on mortality after medical follow-up (P=0.001, HR = 2.960, 95%CI =4.255 to 2.58). Conclusion: Lactate levels in this study were not only associated with mortality and severity but also could identify acute status at the onset of patients by predicting an increased mortality risk ratio at the time of admission and follow-up. Therefore, we recommend measuring this biomarker in COVID-19 patients.