RALE Versus CORADS/CT-Severity Score in COVID-19

Rationale Patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) frequently fulfill the criteria for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), with extensive and bilateral abnormalities on the chest radiography (CXR) and the chest computed tomography (CT) abnormalities. The 'Radiographic Assessment of Lung Edema' (RALE) score, the 'COVID-19 Reporting and Data System' (CO-RADS) score, and the 'CT severity score' may all have prognostic value in critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure due to COVID-19.

Objectives To compare the prognostic value of the RALE score, the CO-RADS score and the CT severity score in critically ill patients with ARDS due to COVID-19.

Hypotheses The RALE score, the CO-RADS score and the CT severity score have prognostic value (primary). The RALE score, the CO-RADS score and the CT severity score correlate well.

Study design National, retrospective observational study. Study population Critically ill COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory failure, who received at least one CXR and one chest CT scan during critical illness.

Method CXRs are visually scored by two independent investigators, using the RALE score approach. Chest CT scans are scored by an independent radiologist, using the CO-RADS score and the CT severity score. Demographic, ventilation and outcome data are captured from the hospital systems.

Main study parameters/endpoints ICU mortality (primary) and hospital-, 28-, 90-mortality, the number of days alive and free from invasive ventilation, duration of ventilation in survivors, and length of stay in ICU and hospital.

Nature and extent of the burden and risks associated with participation, benefit and group relatedness Participants will not directly benefit from participation, but burden is absent. The CRX and chest CT scans have already been obtained as part of routine clinical care. Collecting CXR for RALE scoring and chest CT scans for CO-RADS and CT severity scoring, clinical and outcome data is of no harm for individual patients.