The Effect of Lactate Dehydrogenase/Albumin Ratio on the Clinical Progress in Patients with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection

Purpose: We aimed to explore the impact of the lactate dehydrogenase to albumin (LDH/ALB) ratio, an independent indicator of prognosis associated with the clinical course and mortality in lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI). Materials and Methods: This study included patients aged 18 to 90 who presented to the emergency department or pulmonology outpatient clinic of a training and research hospital between December 2021 and January 2023 and were admitted to the pulmonology ward or intensive care unit with a diagnosis of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). The data from the patients' initial admission whether through the emergency department, pulmonology outpatient clinic, pulmonology ward, or ICU were evaluated for inclusion in the study. Results: A total of 200 patients were included in the study. The LDH/ALB ratios were significantly higher in deceased (ex) patients compared to survivors (p<0.001). In the ROC curve analysis for mortality prediction, the LDH/ALB ratio demonstrated a strong predictive value, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.801 (p<0.001). Conclusion: LDH/ALB ratio may be an independent prognostic ındıcator for in-hospital mortality and ICU hospitalization decision in patients with LRTI.