Evaluation of the Relationship between Oxygenation Indices and the Extent of Radiographic Findings in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

Oxygenation indices are used to assess the condition of patients with pneumonia and ARDS. These indexes determine the status of patients as well as the mortality rate of respiratory diseases and the need for intubation. The aim of this study was to determine and compare oxygenation indices and the extent of radiographic findings in patients with COVID-19 in ICU at Shariati Hospital.

The present study was a cross-sectional study that was performed prospectively in the intensive care units of Shariati Hospital in Tehran. Patients admitted to the intensive care unit were examined if they met the inclusion criteria. Data were analysed by SPSS software version 26.

In this study, 39 patients were evaluated. Of these, 35.9% were men and 64.1% were women. The mean age of the population was 62 ±17. On average, SpO2 and PaO2 were not significantly different based on pulmonary involvement, severity of pulmonary involvement and also the pattern of pulmonary involvement (p> 0.05). No significant relationship was found between the severity of ARDS and the parameters of pulmonary involvement severity on CT scan (p> 0.05).

It seems that there is no significant relationship between oxygenation indices and the extent of radiographic findings in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. Also, the severity of ARDS has no significant relationship with the extent of radiographic findings (CT scan). Oxygen saturation should be used as an adjunct when considering a CT scan of the lung, but should not be used as the sole means of diagnosis.