Evaluation of the Relationship between Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte, and Platelet (HALP) Score and Mortality in COPD Exacerbation

Background: Hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte, and platelet (HALP) scores are easily calculable markers that allow the evaluation of systemic inflammation and nutritional status. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the predictive power of HALP scores for 3-month and 1-year mortality in patients admitted to the emergency department with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Methods: Hospital records of patients aged ＞ 18 years who had been diagnosed with AECOPD in the emergency department (ED) and hospitalized were retrospectively reviewed. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and HALP scores of the patients were analyzed. Three-month and 1-year mortality rates of the patients were evaluated. Results: Mean age of the 957 patients were 70.6 ± 10.2 and 66.9% (n = 660) were male. The 3-month and 1-year mortality rates were 21.2% and 30.0%, respectively. For 3-month and 1-year mortality, the NLR and PLR were significantly higher and the HALP score was significantly lower in the mortality groups, and the HALP score was found to be a good predictor of 3-month and 1-year mortality. Conclusion: HALP score is a potential prognostic index for patients with AECOPD. Increased NLR and PLR were associated with increased mortality in patients with AECOPD. The HALP score, NLR, and PLR can be used as important predictors of mortality in patients with AECOPD.