# Prognostic Value of Charlson Comorbidity Index in Patients with COVID-19

## TL;DR

This study shows that the Charlson Comorbidity Index helps predict severe outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with chronic conditions.

## Contribution

The study demonstrates the CCI's prognostic value in identifying high-risk hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

## Key findings

- Higher CCI scores correlate with increased mortality and severe disease outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
- A CCI score above 5 is strongly associated with non-survivors and respiratory failure in hospitalized patients.
- Arterial hypertension is the most common comorbidity among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

## Abstract

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a highly contagious disease with variable clinical presentation. Severe forms are more common in patients with pre-existing chronic conditions. The objective of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) in relation to disease severity and outcome in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with comorbidities. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 558 patients, hospitalized at the Infectious Diseases Clinic of “St. Marina” University Hospital, Varna, Bulgaria, between March 2020 and March 2021. CCI score was calculated to estimate 10-year survival probabilities. Prevalent comorbidities were arterial hypertension (78.55%), type 2 diabetes (16.09%), and ischemic heart disease (5.82%). A higher number of comorbidities was associated with increased rates of bilateral pulmonary consolidation (χ2 = 6.63, p = 0.010), oxygen therapy needs (χ2 = 5.41, p = 0.020), and mortality (χ2 = 7.88, p = 0.005). Patients with higher CCI scores had worse outcomes. A CCI score above 5 was common among non-survivors and those with pulmonary consolidation and respiratory failure. The findings confirm that advanced age and multiple comorbidities are strong predictors of poor COVID-19 prognosis. Early CCI calculation at hospital admission would help identify high-risk patients and support timely, targeted medical interventions.