Efficacy of the Mechanistic Score and COVID-19 Mortality Risk scales to assess the risk of mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19

Abstract Introduction: Chronic diseases are associated with a higher risk of mortality from COVID-19. Objective: To compare the efficacy of the Mechanistic Score and COVID-19 Mortality Risk scales for assessing the risk of mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. Methods: Comparative, observational, retrospective study. The mortality rate of COVID-19-positive patients was assessed by comparing both scales, according to information obtained from the records of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 in a specialty hospital. Results: Two-hundred and twenty-one patients were evaluated, out of whom 61% were men and 39% were women; 89% had comorbidity: obesity (88%), hypertension (40%), diabetes mellitus (31%) and cancer (6%). At discharge, 65% survived. The COVID-19 Mortality Risk scale showed a sensitivity of 79% and specificity of 88% for predicting mortality risk. In patients with low risk, the Mechanistic Score showed a sensitivity and specificity of 24 and 97%, respectively; in cases with mild risk, 44 and 97%; with moderate risk, 57 and 77%; with high risk, 95 and 91%; and with remarkably high risk, 100 and 100%. Conclusion: The COVID-19 Mortality Risk scale has higher efficacy than the Mechanistic Score for assessing mortality risk in patients with COVID-19.