Charlson comorbidity index and a composite of poor outcomes in COVID-19 patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background and aims: The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionately affecting patients with comorbidities. Therefore, thorough comorbidities assessment can help establish risk stratification of patients with COVID-19, upon hospital admission. Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) is a validated, simple, and readily applicable method of estimating the risk of death from comorbid disease and has been widely used as a predictor of long-term prognosis and survival.

Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of CCI score and a composite of poor outcomes through several databases.

Results: Compared to a CCI score of 0, a CCI score of 1-2 and CCI score of ≥3 was prognostically associated with mortality and associated with a composite of poor outcomes. Per point increase of CCI score also increased mortality risk by 16%. Moreover, a higher mean CCI score also significantly associated with mortality and disease severity.

Conclusion: CCI score should be utilized for risk stratifications of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.