We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App





Cardiovascular Test Results Can Identify COVID-19 Patients at Higher Risk of Death During Hospitalization

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 22 Jul 2021
Print article
Illustration
Illustration
New research has identified cardiovascular test results that might help to identify patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who face an especially high risk of dying.

In a study of patients hospitalized with COVID-19, researchers from the University of Salerno (Fisciano, Italy) found that transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) might be a useful tool in risk stratification of patients with COVID-19.

A variety of cardiovascular complications among hospitalized patients infected by SARS-CoV-2, including arrhythmias, acute coronary syndromes, myocarditis and pulmonary embolism, have been reported. Early recognition of these life-threatening conditions is crucial for the therapeutic success. Due to the wide availability and bedside feasibility, TTE is generally considered the first-line imaging approach for patients with suspected or confirmed cardiac disease, particularly in critical care setting. The role of TTE in risk stratification of patients admitted with COVID-19 has been poorly investigated. Hence, the researchers conducted a multicentre study to evaluate clinical characteristics of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 and to investigate the association between clinical characteristics and echocardiographic parameters with in-hospital mortality.

The multicentre retrospective observational study included consecutive patients with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 admitted at seven Italian centers from 1 March to 22 April 2020. The baseline demographic, clinical, laboratory and TTE data were collected and recorded on an electronic datasheet. In all patients, demographic (age, gender, height, and weight), clinical (comorbidities, pharmacological therapy before and during hospitalization), laboratory (D-dimer, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide, and high-sensitivity troponin) and echocardiographic data were collected. TTE was performed in accordance with the current guidelines. Information on clinical course (admission in intensive care unit and respiratory support measures) and in-hospital complications were systematically recorded.

Out of the 1401 patients admitted at the participating centers with confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, 226 (16.1%) underwent TTE and were included in the present analysis. In-hospital death occurred in 68 patients (30.1%). Low left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), low tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and acute respiratory distress syndrome ARDS were independently associated with in-hospital mortality.

The researchers concluded that TTE might be a useful tool in risk stratification of patients with COVID-19. Cardiovascular complications can negatively impact on outcomes of patients with COVID-19. Clinical and echocardiographic parameters such as LVEF, TAPSE, and ARDS might help to identify patients at higher risk for in-hospital mortality. In particular, reduced LVEF and reduced TAPSE may help to identify patients at higher risk of death during hospitalization.

"Clinical and echocardiographic parameters of disease severity might help to determine which patients with COVID-19 are at higher risk for in-hospital mortality," said lead author Angelo Silverio, MD, of the University of Salerno, in Italy.

Related Links:
University of Salerno

Gold Member
Real-Time Diagnostics Onscreen Viewer
GEMweb Live
Gold Member
Disposable Protective Suit For Medical Use
Disposable Protective Suit For Medical Use
Silver Member
Compact 14-Day Uninterrupted Holter ECG
NR-314P
New
Medication Cart
Avalo Udi

Print article

Channels

Critical Care

view channel
Image: Researchers have developed a novel risk score for cardiovascular complications after bone marrow transplant (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Tool Predicts Cardiovascular Risks after Bone Marrow Transplantation

Every year, thousands of people undergo bone marrow transplants to potentially cure serious diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, and immune deficiency disorders. While these transplants can be lifesaving,... Read more

Surgical Techniques

view channel
Image: The Early Bird Bleed Monitoring System provides visual and audible indicators of the onset and progression of bleeding events (Photo courtesy of Saranas)

Novel Technology Monitors and Lowers Bleeding Complications in Patients Undergoing Heart Procedures

Bleeding complications at the femoral access site can significantly hamper recovery, affecting the success of procedures, patient satisfaction, and overall healthcare costs. It is crucial for surgeons... Read more

Patient Care

view channel
Image: The newly-launched solution can transform operating room scheduling and boost utilization rates (Photo courtesy of Fujitsu)

Surgical Capacity Optimization Solution Helps Hospitals Boost OR Utilization

An innovative solution has the capability to transform surgical capacity utilization by targeting the root cause of surgical block time inefficiencies. Fujitsu Limited’s (Tokyo, Japan) Surgical Capacity... Read more

Health IT

view channel
Image: First ever institution-specific model provides significant performance advantage over current population-derived models (Photo courtesy of Mount Sinai)

Machine Learning Model Improves Mortality Risk Prediction for Cardiac Surgery Patients

Machine learning algorithms have been deployed to create predictive models in various medical fields, with some demonstrating improved outcomes compared to their standard-of-care counterparts.... Read more

Point of Care

view channel
Image: The new eye-safe laser technology can diagnose traumatic brain injury (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Diagnostic Hand-Held Device Detects Known Biomarkers for Traumatic Brain Injury

The growing need for prompt and efficient diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major cause of mortality globally, has spurred the development of innovative diagnostic technologies.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.