ABSTRACT
Background: Endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and hypercoagulability are hallmarks of severe COVID-19 related disease. Endothelial function can be measured non-invasively by flow-mediated dilatation in the brachial artery. We planned a study to measure it as a marker of the severity of COVID-19 disease. Objective: To evaluate the association of clinically recognizable endothelial dysfunction in COVID-19 disease and its usefulness as a marker of severe COVID-19-related disease. Methods: 20 COVID-19 patients being admitted to our unit were analyzed for endothelial dysfunction and correlated with disease severity as per computed tomography (CT) chest score. Patients with diabetes, atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, dyslipidemia, chronic renal disease, and infections other than COVID-19 were excluded. Endothelial dysfunction was measured by flow-mediated dilatation in the brachial artery. Results: The mean age was 46.4 ± 16.5 years; 70% were males. The mean CT severity score was 22 ± 8; 60% required supplemental oxygen and steroids. The incidence of endothelial dysfunction was more in patients with a computed tomography severity score of >19.5 or oxygen saturation of <93% at room air as compared to mild cases (P = 0.003). Endothelial dysfunction was more evident >7 days after onset of disease as compared to early (<7 days) disease (P = 0.016). There was negative correlation between % flow-mediated dilatation in brachial artery and severity of lung involvement and prolonged symptomatic phase. Conclusions: Endothelial dysfunction as measured by impaired brachial artery flow mediated dilatation correlates with disease severity.
ABSTRACT
CONTEXT: Vital parameters including blood oxygen level, respiratory rate, pulse rate, and body temperature are crucial for triaging patients to appropriate medical care. Advances in remote health monitoring system and wearable health devices have created a new horizon for delivery of efficient health care from a distance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This diagnostic validation study included patients attending the outpatient department of the institute. The accuracy of device under study was compared against the gold standard patient monitoring systems used in intensive care units. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The statistical analysis involved computation of intraclass correlation coefficient. Bland-Altman graphs with limits of agreement were plotted to assess agreement between methods. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients, including 152 males and 48 females in the age range of 2-80 years, formed the study group. A strong correlation (intraclass correlation coefficient; r > 0.9) was noted between the two devices for all the investigated parameters with significant P value (<0.01). Bland-Altman plot drawn for each vital parameter revealed observations in agreement from both the devices. CONCLUSION: The wearable device can be reliably used for remote health monitoring. Its regulated use can help mitigate the scarcity of hospital beds and reduce exposure to health-care workers and demand of personal protection equipment.