The proposed scoring system for hospitalization or discharge of patients with COVID-19

نویسندگان

1 Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran

2 Medical Research Committee, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran

3 Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran

4 General Practitioner, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran

5 Department of Family and Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Qom University of Medical Sciences, Qom, Iran

doi
10.34172/jept.2021.08
چکیده

Objective: Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the triage ofpatients diagnosed with corona virus has been a very important issue. The aim of thisstudy was to introduce a triage scoring system according to the clinical and para-clinicalfindings of patients in order to be admitted or discharged with COVID-19.Methods: After confirming the positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for patients,we used a scoring system which included: the age of patient (less than 40 years and >40years), early vital signs at the time of admission, lab tests including C-reactive protein (CRP),white blood count (WBC), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer, chest imaging findings,comorbidity and shortness of breath.Results: The clinical score obtained for each variable in this scoring system was a numberbetween 0 and 3. The total score was a minimum of 0 and a maximum of 17. A higher scoreindicated an increase in the intensity and the need for intensive care. These scores wereclassified into 3 groups: 0-4, 5-10 and above 10. In the next stage, patients were dividedinto three groups: mild, moderate and severe. In this regard, patients with mild symptomswere suggested to receive home quarantine and home treatment, patients with moderatesymptoms were recommended hospitalization and medical care, and finally patients withsevere symptoms were inclined to intensive care.Conclusion: In order to treat and manage patients with COVID-19, it is necessary to payparticular attention to clinical and para-clinical findings and prioritize these findings basedon the severity and the condition of patients.