Leukocyte glucose index (LGI) as a marker of Covid-19 pneumonia progression

Previous research has revealed that LGI can be a biomarker of COVID-19 severity. <bold>Aim:</bold> to determine the prognostic role of LGI in Covid-19 pneumonia pts. <bold>Materials and Methods:</bold> we studied 50 hospitalized pts ((age – 62,4±1,4 yrs, male – 29(58%)) with Covid-19 confirmed by RNA detection of the 2019‐nCoV. Measurements included medical history, clinical status, complete blood count and LGI. The LGI was calculated by multiplying both values. The pts were divided into two groups according to disease severity (1-Group – 30 severe pts (male – 18(60%), SpO² – 90,2±5,4%), 2-Group – 20 moderate (male – (11(55%), SpO² – 96,5±2,4 % (p=0,001)). <bold>Results:</bold> absolute white blood cells levels in severe pts was 12,1(9,3–16,2)×10⁹/L, in moderate – 8,9(7,2–12,8)×10⁹/L, (p=0,031). Glucose levels in severe pts was 8,0(6,0–10,0) mmol/L, in moderate – 5,8 (3,5–7,5) mmol/L (p=0,021). The LGI level in severe COVID-19 pts was 86,3(61,1–116,6) and was significantly higher than in moderate pts – 47,1(34,3–56,7), (p=0,004) (figure 1). In both pts groups progression of the disease observed: in 1-Group progression developed in 19 (63%) pts, in 2-Group – in 5(25%) pts. High LGI level was associated with Covid-19 progression (OR=4,5 (95% CI:1,2–15,6) p=0,012). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> LGI level could be used as an available biomarker in determining the severity of COVID-19 pneumonia pts. Elevated LGI level on admission increases the risk of COVID-19 pneumonia progression in 4,5 times.