ABSTRACT
In hospitalized COVID-19 patients, myocardial injury and echocardiographic abnormalities have been described. The present study investigates cardiac function in COVID-19 patients 6 weeks post-discharge and evaluates its relation to New York Heart Association (NYHA) class. Furthermore cardiac function post-discharge between the first and second wave COVID-19 patients was compared. We evaluated 146 patients at the outpatient clinic of the Leiden University Medical Centre. NYHA class of II or higher was reported by 53% of patients. Transthoracic echocardiography was used to assess cardiac function. Overall, in 27% of patients reduced left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction was observed and in 29% of patients LV global longitudinal strain was impaired (> − 16%). However no differences were observed in these parameters reflecting LV function between the first and second wave patients. Right ventricular (RV) dysfunction as assessed by tricuspid annular systolic planar excursion (< 17 mm) was present in 14% of patients, this was also not different between the first and second wave patients (15% vs. 12%;p = 0.63);similar results were found for RV fraction area change and RV strain. Reduced LV and RV function were not associated with NYHA class. In COVID-19 patients at 6 weeks post-discharge, mild abnormalities in cardiac function were found. However these were not related to NYHA class and there was no difference in cardiac function between the first and second wave patients. Long term symptoms post-COVID might therefore not be explained by mildly abnormal cardiac function.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Short-term follow-up of COVID-19 patients reveals pulmonary dysfunction, myocardial damage and severe psychological distress. Little is known of the burden of these sequelae, and there are no clear recommendations for follow-up of COVID-19 patients.In this multi-disciplinary evaluation, cardiopulmonary function and psychological impairment after hospitalization for COVID-19 are mapped. METHODS: We evaluated patients at our outpatient clinic 6 weeks after discharge. Cardiopulmonary function was measured by echocardiography, 24-hours ECG monitoring and pulmonary function testing. Psychological adjustment was measured using questionnaires and semi-structured clinical interviews. A comparison was made between patients admitted to the general ward and Intensive care unit (ICU), and between patients with a high versus low functional status. FINDINGS: Eighty-one patients were included of whom 34 (41%) had been admitted to the ICU. New York Heart Association class II-III was present in 62% of the patients. Left ventricular function was normal in 78% of patients. ICU patients had a lower diffusion capacity (mean difference 12,5% P = 0.01), lower forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity (mean difference 14.9%; P<0.001; 15.4%; P<0.001; respectively). Risk of depression, anxiety and PTSD were 17%, 5% and 10% respectively and similar for both ICU and non-ICU patients. INTERPRETATION: Overall, most patients suffered from functional limitations. Dyspnea on exertion was most frequently reported, possibly related to decreased DLCOc. This could be caused by pulmonary fibrosis, which should be investigated in long-term follow-up. In addition, mechanical ventilation, deconditioning, or pulmonary embolism may play an important role.