Prognostic value of H₂FPEF score in COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Predictive Analytics

Background:

• Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) poses a significant clinical challenge.
• Assessing risk in COVID-19 patients with HFpEF is crucial for resource allocation and patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the predictive capability of the H2FPEF score for severe COVID-19 outcomes.
• To determine if the H2FPEF score stratifies risk in patients with preserved ejection fraction.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective study was conducted at Rush University Medical Center.
• 156 patients with COVID-19 and preserved ejection fraction (≥50%) were analyzed.
• Patients were categorized into low, intermediate, and high H2FPEF score groups.

Main Results:

• High H2FPEF scores were associated with a significantly increased risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes.
• Patients with high H2FPEF scores had higher odds of 60-day mortality, ICU admission, intubation, or non-invasive ventilation compared to intermediate and low score groups.
• No significant difference in outcomes was observed between intermediate and low H2FPEF score groups.

Conclusions:

• The H2FPEF score is a valuable predictor of severe COVID-19 infection in patients with preserved ejection fraction.
• Elevated H2FPEF scores identify patients at higher risk for adverse COVID-19 outcomes, independent of coronary artery disease and chronic kidney disease.