A Meta-Analysis: Coronary Artery Calcium Score and COVID-19 Prognosis

Abstract

Background: Multiple studies have investigated the correlations of mortality, mechanical ventilation, and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions with CAC scores. This analysis overviews the prognostic capability of CAC scoring in mortality, mechanical ventilation, and ICU admission for hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods: Online search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus from inception to 22 November 2021 to identify studies involving CAC scores in relation to ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and death rates. Results: A total of eight studies were analyzed. In the absence of CAC group compared with the presence of CAC score, there was an increase in mortality in the presence of CAC (RR 2.24, 95% CI, 1.41–3.56; p < 0.001). In the low CAC group and high CAC group, high CAC group had increase in mortality (RR 2.74; 95% CI, 1.94–3.86; p < 0.00001). There was no statistical difference in outcomes of mechanical ventilation and ICU admission between any of the groups. Conclusion: This meta-analysis strictly examined the outcomes of interest in death, mechanical ventilation, and ICU admission while comparing the CAC scores in patients with COVID-19. Given these findings, CAC scoring can aid in stratifying patients, thus allowing earlier interventions in rapidly developing illnesses.