Decreased prealbumin level is associated with increased risk of mortality in hospitalized elderly patients with COVID 19

•Low prealbumin concentration was associated with increased risk for worse outcomes (all-cause death, intensive care unit admission, and mechanical ventilation) in elderly patients (≥65 y of age) with COVID-19.•There was a negative linear trend correlation between serum prealbumin concentration and risk for worse outcomes in elderly patients with COVID-19 infection.•A low prealbumin concentration can be regarded as a signal identifying the at-risk elderly patient who would suffer worse outcomes and who requires careful assessment and monitoring.