Lung ultrasound score predicts outcomes in COVID-19 patients admitted to the emergency department

Abstract Background During the COVID-19 pandemic, creating tools to assess disease severity is one of most important aspects reducing burden on emergency departments. Lung ultrasound has a high accuracy for diagnosis pulmonary diseases; however, there are few prospective studies demonstrating that lung can predict outcomes in patients. We hypothesized score (LUS) at hospital admission could This cohort study conducted from 14 March through 6 May 2020 department (ED) an urban, academic, level I trauma center. Patients aged 18 years and older admitted ED with confirmed were considered eligible. Emergency physicians performed ultrasounds calculated LUS, which was tested correlation outcomes. protocol approved by local Ethics Committee number 3.990.817 (CAAE: 30417520.0.0000.0068). Results The primary endpoint death any cause. secondary endpoints ICU endotracheal intubation respiratory failure. Among 180 patients who enrolled (mean age, 60 years; 105 male), average LUS 18.7 ± 6.8. correlated findings chest CT estimated extent parenchymal involvement < 50% CT, 15 6.7 vs. 21 6.0 > involvement, p 0.001), (AUC 0.72, OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.07 1.21; 0.76, 1.17, 1.09 1.26; (AUC: 0.71, 1.14, 0.001). Conclusions In ED, good predictor death, admission, intubation.