ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: R wave peak time (RWPT) is also known as intrinsicoid deflection time or ventricular activation time. It shows the conduction time from the endocardium in the ventricle to the epicardium. It provides diagnostic and prognostic information for many cardiovascular diseases, such as RWPT prolongation, left ventricular hypertrophy, volume overload, conduction system abnormalities, and myocardial ischemia. Objectives The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 mortality and RWPT in superficial ECG. METHODS: This study retrospectively examined 640 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 and treated in an intensive care unit at a single center between January 2021 and June 2022. All patients included in the study had clinical and radiological characteristics and signs of COVID-19 pneumonia. RESULTS: 640 patients included in the study were divided into 2 groups: surviving and deceased. There were 510 patients in the surviving group and 130 patients in the deceased group. The deceased group was found to be significantly older. The number of patients with COPD was higher in the deceased group. Troponin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), D-dimer and T-peak to T-end interval(Tpe) and RWPT were found to be significantly increased in the deceased group. In binary logistic regression analysis; age, COPD, LDH, CRP, troponin, D-dimer, Tpe interval, RWPT were determined as independent risk factors for mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged RWPT is useful in risk stratification for COVID-19 pneumonia mortality.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented conditions for overall health care systems by restricting resources for non-COVID-19 patients. As the burden of the disease escalates, routine elective surgeries are being cancelled. The aim of this paper was to provide a guideline for management of endocrine surgical disorders during a pandemic. METHODS: We used Delphi method with a nine-scale Likert scale on two rounds of voting involving 64 experienced eminent surgeons and endocrinologists who had the necessary experience to provide insight on endocrine disorder management. All voting was done by email using a standard questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall, 37 recommendations were voted on. In two rounds, all recommendations reached an agreement and were either endorsed or rejected. Endorsed statements include dietary change in primary hyperparathyroidism, Cinacalcet treatment in secondary hyperparathyroidism, alpha-blocker administration for pheochromocytoma, methimazole ± ß-blocker combination for Graves' disease, and follow-up for fine-needle aspiration results of thyroid nodules indicated as Bethesda 3-4 cytological results and papillary microcarcinoma. CONCLUSION: This survey summarizes expert opinion for the management of endocrine surgical conditions during unprecedented times when access to surgical treatment is severely disrupted. The statements are not applicable in circumstances in which surgical treatment is possible.