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BACKGROUND: According to the results of the ESSE-RF study, the frequency of obesity in the population reached 29.7%. Obesity is one of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Features of the course of COVID-19 in patients with obesity is a very urgent problem. AIM: The aim of the study was a comparative investigation of clinical and laboratory-instrumental parameters in AH patients with or without obesity who had COVID-19 associated pneumonia, to identify the role of obesity as a potential predictor of post-COVID cardiovascular complications 3 months after discharge from the hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Materials and methods. The study included 174 patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia. Group 1 included 78 patients with AH without obesity, group 2 - 96 patients with AH and obesity. All patients were tested with a blood sample at the time of admission and 3 months after discharge from the hospital. We assessed parameters of general blood test, biochemistry, hemostasis, inflammation biomarkers - concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), highly sensitive CRP (hs-CRP), homocysteine, IL-6, etc. All patients initially underwent computed tomography of the chest. In both groups, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring was performed using BPLaB device, according to the standard protocol;echocardiography using an expert class ultrasound diagnostic system Vivid S70. The study is registered with the Clinical Trials.gov database Identifier: NCT04501822. RESULT(S): Results. The biomarker that significantly distinguished the both groups of patients, as well as subgroups according to the degree of obesity was the concentration of maxCRP and hs-CRP, which was significantly higher in group 2. In addition, the registered maximum values of MPO, NT-proBNP, IL-1,6, TNA-alpha and NRL parameters in group 2 of patients with 2-3 degrees of obesity, may indicate the highest probability of developing delayed adverse cardiovascular complications in this group of patients. Mean systolic blood pressure, variability of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate at night were significantly higher in AH patients with obesity. Numerous correlations of obesity with laboratory and instrumental parameters have been registered, which may indicate an increased likelihood of delayed unwanted cardiovascular complications in this particular group of patients. Multiple regression showed that obesity is an independent predictor of an increase in LDH, hs-CRP and right atrium. CONCLUSION(S): Dynamic control of the studied parameters in patients with AH and OB registered an increased concentration of CRP at the initial stage and 3 months after treatment, with a general trend towards a decrease in the increased initial structural parameters of ECHO CG. The logistic regression method showed that the presence of OB in patients with AH is an independent factor causing increased levels of immune inflammation (CRP), a marker of tissue destruction (LDH), and load on the right atrium.Copyright © Endocrinology Research Centre, 2022.
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Aim. To determine the prevalence and show the features of the development of newly diagnosed heart failure (HF) in patients with dyspnea after a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Material and methods. This clinical prospective observational study was conducted during 2020-2022. The study consecutively included 368 outpatients with shortness of breath, who applied to the clinic. Depending on the presence of prior COVID-19, the patients were divided into 2 groups: the first group consisted of 205 patients with shortness of breath after COVID-19, the second group - 163 patients without prior COVID-19. All patients underwent a clinical examination within 3 days after presentation with an assessment of outpatient records and other medical documents for the differential diagnosis of dyspnea. The severity of dyspnea was determined using the Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale (mMRC). The diagnosis of HF was verified in accordance with the 2020 Russian Society of Cardiology guidelines and in some cases reclassified in accordance with the 2021European Society of Cardiology guidelines. For further analysis, 2 subgroups of patients with HF were identified depending on the presence and absence of prior COVID-19. The subgroup analysis excluded patients with acute heart failure, acute illness, and conditions requiring hospitalization and/or intensive care. Results. Among 368 patients who presented to the clinic with dyspnea during 2020-2022, 205 patients (55,7%) had COVID-19. The average period of treatment after COVID-19 was 3,5 [1,5;22,4] months. Patients after COVID-19 applied earlier after the onset of dyspnea, which is associated with higher mMRC score. The prevalence of HF among patients with shortness of breath after COVID-19 was significantly higher than in patients without this pathology in history, and amounted to 19,0% vs 9,8% (p=0,021). Prior COVID-19 increased the relative risk (RR) of HF in patients with shortness of breath by 1,7 times. RR for HF in systolic blood pressure >140 mm Hg increased by 1,9 times, while in diastolic blood pressure >90 mm Hg - by 1,9 times, with the development of a hypertensive crisis - by 28%, with a heart rate >80 bpm at rest - by 1,4 times, with the development of type 2 diabetes - by 31%, in the presence of pulmonary fibrosis - by 2,3 times. Patients with shortness of breath after COVID-19 had more severe HF, both according to clinical tests and according to the blood concentration of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), mainly with the preserved ejection fraction (EF) with a higher prevalence of left atrial (LA) enlargement in combination with a decrease in right ventricular (RV) systolic function and its dilatation. In patients after COVID-19 in the presence of chronic kidney disease, the RR for HF increased by 4,5 times;in the presence of C-reactive protein >4 mg/l - by 1,6 times. Conclusion. Every fifth patient with shortness of breath 3,5 months after COVID-19 had more severe HF, both according to clinical tests and according to blood NT-proBNP concentration, mainly with preserved EF with a higher prevalence of LA increase in combination with a decrease in RV systolic function and its dilatation. The risk of HF is interrelated with the female sex and multiple comorbidities.Copyright © 2023, Silicea-Poligraf. All rights reserved.
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BACKGROUND: According to the results of the ESSE-RF study, the frequency of obesity in the population reached 29.7%. Obesity is one of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Features of the course of COVID-19 in patients with obesity is a very urgent problem. AIM: The aim of the study was a comparative investigation of clinical and laboratory-instrumental parameters in AH patients with or without obesity who had COVID-19 associated pneumonia, to identify the role of obesity as a potential predictor of post-COVID cardiovascular complications 3 months after discharge from the hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Materials and methods. The study included 174 patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia. Group 1 included 78 patients with AH without obesity, group 2 - 96 patients with AH and obesity. All patients were tested with a blood sample at the time of admission and 3 months after discharge from the hospital. We assessed parameters of general blood test, biochemistry, hemostasis, inflammation biomarkers - concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), highly sensitive CRP (hs-CRP), homocysteine, IL-6, etc. All patients initially underwent computed tomography of the chest. In both groups, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring was performed using BPLaB device, according to the standard protocol;echocardiography using an expert class ultrasound diagnostic system Vivid S70. The study is registered with the Clinical Trials.gov database Identifier: NCT04501822. RESULT(S): Results. The biomarker that significantly distinguished the both groups of patients, as well as subgroups according to the degree of obesity was the concentration of maxCRP and hs-CRP, which was significantly higher in group 2. In addition, the registered maximum values of MPO, NT-proBNP, IL-1,6, TNA-alpha and NRL parameters in group 2 of patients with 2-3 degrees of obesity, may indicate the highest probability of developing delayed adverse cardiovascular complications in this group of patients. Mean systolic blood pressure, variability of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate at night were significantly higher in AH patients with obesity. Numerous correlations of obesity with laboratory and instrumental parameters have been registered, which may indicate an increased likelihood of delayed unwanted cardiovascular complications in this particular group of patients. Multiple regression showed that obesity is an independent predictor of an increase in LDH, hs-CRP and right atrium. CONCLUSION(S): Dynamic control of the studied parameters in patients with AH and OB registered an increased concentration of CRP at the initial stage and 3 months after treatment, with a general trend towards a decrease in the increased initial structural parameters of ECHO CG. The logistic regression method showed that the presence of OB in patients with AH is an independent factor causing increased levels of immune inflammation (CRP), a marker of tissue destruction (LDH), and load on the right atrium.Copyright © Endocrinology Research Centre, 2022.
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Case Presentation: Term male infant born to SARS-CoV-2 positive mother with infant testing negative. ECG for perinatal bradycardia revealed ventricular pre-excitation. Echocardiogram showed asymmetric LV hypertrophy with prominent trabeculations, subaortic narrowing with no pressure gradient, and normal biventricular systolic function. Rapid increase in RV pressure estimates and NT-proBNP in first week if life concerning for diastolic dysfunction. Anti-arrhythmic therapy initiated for SVT with subsequent resolution. Later, developed progressive LV dilation and systolic dysfunction. Myocardium showed regions resembling non-compaction and others concerning for infiltrative process. Cardiac MRI showed no obvious tumors, but rhabdomyomas could not be ruled out given similar appearance to myocardium. Due to worsening heart failure, everolimus therapy initiated to target potential rhabdomyomas while awaiting genetic testing for tuberous sclerosis. Subaortic narrowing and LV hypertrophy improved within days, and LV appearance became more consistent with non-compaction. Genetic testing revealed a TSC2 gene variant consistent with tuberous sclerosis. Systolic function improved, and patient discharged on afterload reduction. Echocardiogram 6 months post-discharge shows continued LV dilation and mild systolic dysfunction. Discussion(s): Although outflow obstruction and arrhythmias are common with cardiac rhabdomyomas and can cause dysfunction, our patient developed progressive dysfunction in the absence of outflow tract gradient or prolonged arrhythmia. As rhabdomyomas subsided, it became clearer that he had an underlying cardiomyopathy. We suspect that rhabdomyomas in the setting of abnormal myocardium led to abnormalities in myocardial contractility and compliance causing combined systolic and diastolic dysfunction. After complete resolution of rhabdomyomas, cardiac function has improved. However, he continues to have ventricular dilation and mild dysfunction attributable to cardiomyopathy. It is unlikely that mother's SARS-CoV-2 infection played a role as infant tested negative and clinical picture was not consistent with myocarditis.
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BACKGROUND: According to the results of the ESSE-RF study, the frequency of obesity in the population reached 29.7%. Obesity is one of the main risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. Features of the course of COVID-19 in patients with obesity is a very urgent problem. AIM: The aim of the study was a comparative investigation of clinical and laboratory-instrumental parameters in AH patients with or without obesity who had COVID-19 associated pneumonia, to identify the role of obesity as a potential predictor of post-COVID cardiovascular complications 3 months after discharge from the hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Materials and methods. The study included 174 patients with COVID-19-associated pneumonia. Group 1 included 78 patients with AH without obesity, group 2 - 96 patients with AH and obesity. All patients were tested with a blood sample at the time of admission and 3 months after discharge from the hospital. We assessed parameters of general blood test, biochemistry, hemostasis, inflammation biomarkers - concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP), highly sensitive CRP (hs-CRP), homocysteine, IL-6, etc. All patients initially underwent computed tomography of the chest. In both groups, 24-hour blood pressure monitoring was performed using BPLaB device, according to the standard protocol;echocardiography using an expert class ultrasound diagnostic system Vivid S70. The study is registered with the Clinical Trials.gov database Identifier: NCT04501822. RESULT(S): Results. The biomarker that significantly distinguished the both groups of patients, as well as subgroups according to the degree of obesity was the concentration of maxCRP and hs-CRP, which was significantly higher in group 2. In addition, the registered maximum values of MPO, NT-proBNP, IL-1,6, TNA-alpha and NRL parameters in group 2 of patients with 2-3 degrees of obesity, may indicate the highest probability of developing delayed adverse cardiovascular complications in this group of patients. Mean systolic blood pressure, variability of systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and heart rate at night were significantly higher in AH patients with obesity. Numerous correlations of obesity with laboratory and instrumental parameters have been registered, which may indicate an increased likelihood of delayed unwanted cardiovascular complications in this particular group of patients. Multiple regression showed that obesity is an independent predictor of an increase in LDH, hs-CRP and right atrium. CONCLUSION(S): Dynamic control of the studied parameters in patients with AH and OB registered an increased concentration of CRP at the initial stage and 3 months after treatment, with a general trend towards a decrease in the increased initial structural parameters of ECHO CG. The logistic regression method showed that the presence of OB in patients with AH is an independent factor causing increased levels of immune inflammation (CRP), a marker of tissue destruction (LDH), and load on the right atrium.Copyright © Endocrinology Research Centre, 2022.
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Introduction: Catestatin (CST) is a peptid with imunomodulatory, antiinflammatory, and antimicrobial activities. Acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus can cause a systemic disease range unpredictably from mild flu-like disease to multiple organ failure. Despite many studies and scientific interest for COVID 19, there is lack of information regarding correlation between serum CST levels and clinical course od COVID 19. There are only few studies investigated CST plasma levels at COVID 19 patients, but mostly at ICU-patients, and those studies revealed that COVID 19 patients release significant amounts of CST in the plasma and CST predicts a poor COVID-19 outcome. In our work the aim was to demonstrate plasma CST levels and correlation with clinical outcome in a group of severe COVID 19 patients admitted in non-ICU department. Method(s): The subjects were patients admitted during second surge of COVID 19 in April and May 2020 in non-ICU unit for COVID 19 patients (high dependency unit) in Infectology department of University Hospital Split, Croatia. The reason of admission was pulmonary infiltrates and COVID 19 positivity confirmed with nucleic acid test. In study were included 32 subjects (25 females, 7 males) (Table 1). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for serum CST levels assessment. Result(s): We found significant positive correlation between serum CST levels and: C-reactive protein (r = 0.423, p = 0.008), D-dimers (r = 0.395, p = 0.013), hsTNT (high sensitivity troponin T) (r = 0.603, p < 0.001), proBNP (N-terminal-pro brain natriuretic peptide) (r = 0.569, p < 0.001), and hospitalisation days (r = 0.388, p = 0.014). There was significant difference between groups of participants with SOFA < 3 (n = 18) and SOFA > 3 (n = 14) in catestatin serum levels (7.25 +/- 3.66 vs. 11.05 +/- 9.52 ng/ml;p = 0.065). Conclusion(s): This study confirmed that serum CST levels could have important role as clinical prognostic parameter among non-ICU COVID 19 patients.
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Introduction: COVID-19 has been responsible for millions of deaths and intensive care unit (ICU) admissions all over the world. Identifying the patients at risk of developing a severe form is crucial for an optimized orientation and allocation of resources. The main objective of our study was to identify among a selection of biomarkers, those predictive of short term worsening in COVID-19. Method(s): This is an ancillary study using clinical data and collected biobanking from the multicentric cohort study COVIDeF, which included prospectively from March 31th 2020 to March 30th 2021, patients admitted with a suspected Sars-CoV2 infection in the Assistance- Publique-Hopitaux de Paris network, France. Patients with confirmed COVID-19 were divided in 2 groups: a severe (ICU admission or invasive or non-invasive ventilation or ARDS or death) and a control group (no worsening). The routine blood tests and following biomarkers: troponin, C Reactive Protein (CRP), procalcitonin, Mild- Regional pro-Adrenomedulin (MR-proADM), pro-endothelin, SuPAR, NT-proBNP, calprotectin, PF4, D-dimers, were measured in plasma or serum and compared between both groups using a conditional logistic regression. Result(s): Among the 1040 first patients included in the COVIDEF cohort, we selected 512 patients having a blood sample drawn at admission before worsening, of which 60 secondarily worsened (severe group). The mean age was 59.5 (+/- 19.5) years and 50.2% were females. Among the biomarkers tested, three were independently associated with worsening: CRP (mg/l) OR 1.01 [IC 1.01-1.02], procalcitonin (ng/ml) OR 0.4428 [0.21-0.95] and MR-proADM (pg/ml) OR 3.012 [1.06-8.53]. Conclusion(s): Among a selection of biomarkers of interest, MRproADM appears to best identify at admission COVID-19 patients at risk of worsening. Future interventional studies should test the efficacy and security of this biomarker to rule-in and rule-out severe outcome and the usefulness for allocating resources.
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The proceedings contain 16 papers. The topics discussed include: false identification of icterus by eye in a complex patient with severe neutropenic sepsis;an unusual cause of Hypertriglyceridemia in an Infant;a confectionary cause of biochemical mimic for fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase (FBP1) deficiency;forward thinking for reverse PseudoHyperKalaemia;an unexpected follow-up of increased leucine on newborn blood spot screening;'that's gas!' - evaluation of the Abbott Alinity carbon dioxide assay;calcium verification with a difference?;changes in diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus during the Covid-19 pandemic at a large maternity hospital in Southwest Ireland;NT-proBNP in primary care. What's the indication and can it be interpreted? and elevated serum neurofilament light chain (NfL) as a potential biomarker in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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The prohormone N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) is released from stretched cardiac myocytes and is a diagnostic biomarker for heart failure and cardiac dysfunction as well as pulmonary embolism and pneumonia that are frequent complications to severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). NT-proBNP is frequently elevated in COVID-19. In a recent publication, it was demonstrated that NT-proBNP was strongly associated with mortality in patients with COVID-19, and further investigation of its usefulness as a prognostic tool to predict disease outcomes in COVID-19 was suggested (1). In the recently completed phase 2 trial (angiotensin II type 2 receptor agonist COVID-19 trial [ATTRACT];NCT04452435) in subjects hospitalised with COVID-19, it was investigated whether treatment with the AT2R agonist C21 for 7 days affected the release of the plasma biomarker NTproBNP. ATTRACT was a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial that investigated the safety and efficacy of C21 treatment (100 mg twice daily) for 7 days in hospitalised subjects with COVID-19, not requiring mechanical ventilation. The results of the trial demonstrated that treatment with C21 on top of standard of care (vast majority of patients received glucocorticoids) significantly reduced the proportion of subjects requiring supplemental oxygen at Day 14, indicating faster recovery with C21 treatment compared to placebo. Blood samples for exploratory analysis were taken before and after 7 days of treatment with C21 or placebo. Plasma NT-proBNP was markedly elevated in both treatment groups before treatment, with average values of 357 and 438 pg/mL in the placebo and C21 groups, respectively, as compared to normal levels of approximately <100 pg/mL. After 7 days of treatment, the C21 group experienced a dramatic reduction in plasma NT-proBNP (by 259 pg/mL) as compared to the placebo group (63 pg/mL) (p=0.02). The results show that short-term C21 treatment decreased the release of NT-proBNP in subjects hospitalised with COVID-19. Further investigations are needed to elucidate whether this is related to effects on COVID-19- induced pulmonary damage or direct protective effects on the heart. We are currently conducting a global phase 3 trial (VP-C21-008) further investigating the effect of C21 in subjects hospitalised with COVID-19 including determination of NT-proBNP.
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Introduction: It is estimated that 15% of patients with AS have concomitant cardiac amyloidosis (CA). Left ventricular (LV) longitudinal strain (LS) pattern with relative apical sparing (RELAPS>1), shown as bright red in the apical segments on the polar map, has been strongly associated with CA. Its presence and its significance in AS is yet to be determined. Purpose(s): To determine the prevalence of the RELAPS>1 pattern in patients with severe AS with and without concomitant CA, and to analyze the echocardiographic phenotype associated with this strain pattern and its prognostic value. Method(s): Patients with severe symptomatic AS undergoing TAVI were prospectively and consecutively included between Jan-19 and Dec-20. Pre-procedure, a complete echocardiogram was performed that included deformation parameters using Speckle-Tracking. Strain derived Indices accepted for CA screening were calculated: RELAPS: Relative apical LS (average apical LS/average basal+mid LS);SAB: (apical-septal/basal-septal LS);EFSR: (LVEF/GLS). After TAVI, a 99Tc-PYP scintigraphy and a proteinogram were performed to screen for CA. Result(s): 324 patients were included. The mean age was 81 yo, 52% women. Strain analysis could be performed in 243 patients due to acoustic window and covid19 pandemic restrictions. Among those, 111 (46%) presented relative apical sparing (RELAPS>1). There were no differences in clinical characteristics between patients with RELAPS <1 and >1: Similar age, sex, cardiovascular risk factors and funcional class, renal function or NT-proBNP. Among patients with RELAPS>1 there was more frecuently CA with uptake grade 2 and 3 on scintigraphy (15% vs. 4.5%, P=0.006) (Figure 1). RELAPS>1 group showed greater LV hypertrophic remodeling: Thicker myocardial wall with smaller ventricular cavity, especially concentric hypertrophy;LVEF and GLS was similar, however, MAPSE and myocardial contraction fraction (MCF) were worse in RELAPS >1 group, and EFSR was significantly higher (4.2 vs 3.9, p=0.002). RELAPS >1 group had smaller aortic valve area (AVA: 0.6 vs 0.7 cm2, p=0.045), but similar transvalvular gradients due to lower stroke volume. It had larger atria and less left atrial (LA) fractional emptying, as well as higher prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF: 41% vs 27%, p=0.03). Right ventricle (RV) size were similar, however, RV function was worse in RELAPS >1 group (TAPSE: 19 vs 21 mm, p=0.003;free Wall LS: -24 vs -27%, p=0.008). There was no difference in all-cause mortality at 1 year of follow-up between groups (6.4% vs. 6.3%, p=1). Figure 2 represents the morphological characteristics according to the LS phenotype. Conclusion(s): In severe AS, RELAPS >1 is present in almost half of the patients. It is associated with worse cardiac remodeling, as well as higher prevalence of AF. However, it wasn't associated with higher mortality at 1 year. 1 in 7 patients with AS and RELAPS >1 have concomitant ATTR CA grade 2/3.
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Background: COVID-19 infection has been shown to have an adverse impact on the cardiovascular system. Cardiac injury, as indicated by elevated cardiac troponin and NT-proBNP levels have been confirmed in COVID-19 cases. There is still ambivalent data on the effect of left ventricular function. Cases of left ventricular impairment, persistent hypotension, acute myopericarditis, myocarditis, arrhythmia and heart failure have been reported in the short term, but there is a significant lacuna when it comes to medium and long-term follow-up of subjects previously infected with COVID-19. Purpose(s): To assess any residual myocardial and autonomic injury in subjects previously infected with COVID-19 at a median follow-up of 5 months. Method(s): A case-control study was performed. Cases were randomly selected subjects who were previously diagnosed with COVID-19 infection following nasopharyngeal swabbing. Controls were subjects who had not been found to be infected with COVID-19 following swabbing and were negative for COVID-19 IgG antibodies. All participants were submitted a standardised questionnaire regarding past medical history. Blood investigations were taken including NT-proBNP and troponin I levels. In addition, all participants underwent 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and 24-hour ECG monitoring. The latter was used to assess both for underlying arrhythmias as well as heart rate variability (HRV), a measure of autonomic regulation of the heart. All data was analysed using SPSS version 23.0. Result(s): The study comprised 259 subjects, whereby cases included 174 participants while 75 subjects were age- and gender-matched controls. The study cohort was relatively young with a mean age of 46.1+/-13.8 years. The median follow-up was of approximately 5 months (median 173.5 days, IQR 129-193.25 days). There was no statistically significant difference between cases and controls with regards cardiovascular risk factors and underlying medical conditions. Likewise, there was no difference in blood investigations, including troponin I and NT-proBNP levels at 5-months followup. No difference was noted between the two groups in both awake and asleep blood pressure (BP) readings, as well as dipping BP status. No significant arrhythmias were noted in both groups on 24-hour ECG monitoring. However, when assessing for heart rate variability, it was shown that subjects who had been previously infected with COVID-19 exhibited lower root-mean square differences of successive R-R intervals (RMSSD), p=0.028. This indicates poor vagus nerve-mediated autonomic control of the heart. Conclusion(s): Subjects previously infected with COVID-19 exhibited lower HRV as exhibited by low RMSSD as compared to controls. Reduced HRV is a known biomarker for mortality and sudden death in cardiac disease. The possible long-term implications of reduced HRV in subjects previously infected with COVID-19 merits further investigation.
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Background: Cardiovascular complications are rapidly emerging as a major threat in COVID-19 infection. Nonetheless, the mechanisms underlying the disproportionate effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on patients with cardiovascular comorbidities remain incompletely understood. Purpose(s): To assess whether COVID-19 infection has an adverse clinical outcome at medium-term follow-up. Method(s): A case-control study was performed. Cases were subjects who were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection following nasopharyhngeal swabbing. Controls were age- and gender-matched subjects who were not found to be infected with COVID-19 following swabbing and were negative on testing for COVID-19 IgG antibodies. All participants were submitted a standardised questionnaire regarding past medical history. Baseline blood investigations were taken including N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and troponin levels. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) was taken as marker of inflammation and von Willebrand factor (vWF) was taken as marker of endothelial dysfunction. Result(s): 270 subjects were recruited, comprising 174 cases and 96 controls. Of the latter, 21 were found to be COVID-19 IgG positive and were excluded from the analysis. Hence, the study cohort comprised 174 cases and 75 controls. The mean age of the participants was 46.1+/-13.8 years. The median follow-up was of 173.5 days (IQR 129-193.25 days). There was no statistically significant difference in the baseline demographics between cases and controls with regards age, gender as well as cardiovascular risk factors and underlying medical conditions. Regarding symptomatology at follow-up, there was a statistically significant difference between the groups in deterioration in general condition (p<0.001), shortness of breath (SOB) (p=0.008), fatigue (p=0.044), arthralgia (p<0.001), abnormal taste (p<0.001) and anosmia (p<0.001), all being more frequent in subjects with prior COVID-19 infection. At follow-up, the blood investigations showed that only hsCRP was statistically significantly higher in the cases as compared to the controls (p=0.03, Figure 1). Correlation analysis consequently revealed a negative correlation in both troponin (p=0.013, r=-0.19) and vWF levels (p=0.026, r=-0.169) with time. Finally, the association between the cases experiencing dyspnoea and the blood investigations at follow-up was assessed. Multivariate analysis revealed that COVID-19 positive cases experiencing dyspnoea have significantly higher white cell count (WCC) (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.02-1.46, p=0.029) and troponin levels (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.02-1.29, p=0.015) and lower haemoglobin levels at follow-up (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.5-0.86, p<0.002), Figure 2. Conclusion(s): Patients previously infected with COVID-19 have persistent symptomatology at medium-term follow-up. The role of troponin, together with markers of inflammation and endothelial dysfunction at long-term follow-up merit further investigation. (Figure Presented) .
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Introduction: Although cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) remains one of the leading causes of graft failure after heart transplantation (HTx), simultaneous thrombosis of multiple epicardial coronary arteries (CA) is an uncommon finding. Case Report: A 43-year-old male patient with non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy underwent successful HTx in 2019. The first two years after HTx were uneventful, surveillance endomyocardial biopsies (EMB) did not reveal any rejection episodes, coronary CTA revealed only minimal non-calcified CA plaques. The patient was admitted to hospital due to fever and chest pain in 2021. Immunosuppressive therapy consisted of tacrolimus, mycophenolate-mofetil and methylprednisolone. ECG verified sinus rhythm. Laboratory test revealed elevated hsTroponin T, NT-proBNP and CRP levels. Cytomegalovirus, SARS-CoV-2-virus and hemoculture testing was negative. Several high-titre donor-specific HLA class I and II antibodies (DSAs;including complement-binding DQ7) could have been detected since 2020. Echocardiography confirmed mildly decreased left ventricular systolic function and apical hypokinesis. EMB verified mild cellular and antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) according to ISHLT grading criteria. Cardiac MRI revealed inferobasal and apical myocardial infarction (MI);thus, an urgent coronary angiography was performed. This confirmed thrombotic occlusions in all three main epicardial CAs and in first diagonal CA. As revascularization was not feasible, antithrombotic therapy with acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel and enoxaparin was started for secondary prevention. Tests for immune system disorders, thrombophilia and cancer were negative. Patient suddenly died ten days after admission. Necropsy revealed intimal proliferation in all three main epicardial CAs, endothelitis, thrombosis, chronic pericoronary fat inflammation, fat necrosis, and subacute MI. CA vasculitis owing to persistent high-titre DSAs, chronic ABMR and acute cellular and antibody-mediated rejection led to multivessel CA thrombosis and acute multiple MI. ABMR after HTx may be underdiagnosed with traditional pathological methods. Pathologies affecting coronary vasculature of HTx patients with DSAs, unique manifestations of CAV lesions and occlusive thrombosis of non-stenotic, non-atherosclerotic lesions should be emphasized.Copyright © 2023
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Introduction: Hospitalized COVID-19 patients commonly develop pulmonary complications and respiratory insufficiency. Prediction of respiratory deterioration in hospitalized COVID-19 patients is an unmet goal. Aim(s): To assess monitoring of lung fluid status of hospitalized COVID-19 patients to predict respiratory deterioration and prognosis. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04406493. Method(s): Study population comprised 51 patients hospitalized in Hillel Yaffe Medical Center with COVID-19 infection. Patient lung fluid status was monitored by repeat measurements of the lung impedance (LI), a technique found to be very effective for monitoring and guiding treatment of heart failure patients. Decreasing LI reflects lung fluid accumulation. Clinical and laboratory parameters, chest X-ray and LI level were recorded during hospitalization. Result(s): Of 51 patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection (37- men and 14- women, 55.7+/-12.6 years-old), 46 were discharged alive after successful treatment and of these 27 returned for follow-up evaluation 3-6 months after discharge. In these patients' admission LI was 72.6+/-18.4 Ohms (Figure 1) and discharge LI was 83.8+/-20.7 Ohms, which is 15% higher than the admission value (p< 0.04). LI at the follow up visit was surprisingly low (63.7+/-15 Ohms), or 31.6% lower than discharge value (p<0.01, figure 1). At follow up, examination of the patients and the NT-proBNP tests were within normal limits. Using our previous experience we calculated the normal ("dry") LI based on the age, sex, weight, height and anthropology of the chest. The calculated values of the normal LI of patients in time of post-discharge visits were exactly same as measured. Therefore, the LI values of patients in time of hospitalization were higher than their normal values. This finding contrasts with our experience with heart failure patients, where decreasing LI reflects lung fluid accumulation. The possible explanation of this finding is that the lung fluid of COVID-19 patients, containing a high concentration of proteins, has different conductivity properties than the lung fluid of heart failure patients. Conclusion(s): Decreasing of LI level at post-discharge visits of COVID-19 patients 3-6 months after hospitalization differs significantly from the pattern in heart failure patients.Copyright © 2022
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Background: Several comorbidities, including cardiovascular diseases or myocardial injury, are reported to be associated with poor prognosis in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, detailed prognostic analysis of myocardial injury by various biomarkers in COVID-19 patients is limited. Purpose(s): This study aims to explore the prognostic values of highsensitive Troponin I (hsTnI) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) for COVID-19 patients using Japanese real-world data. Method(s): The COVID-MI study is a retrospective cohort study that enrolls consecutive laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients admitted to the hospital from July 2020 to September 2021. We collected clinical data, including cardiac biomarker values, by chart review. If the prespecified biomarkers in concern were not available, we measured them using the institutional serum blood bank, which enrolled patients prospectively from July 2020. Patients with available biomarkers were analyzed according to the values of hsTnI or NT-proBNP, using the clinically relevant thresholds (hsTnI: 5 ng/L and 99th percentile of the upper reference limit [99%ile URL], and NTproBNP: 125 pg/mL and 900 pg/mL). The primary outcome measure was all-cause death. Secondary outcome measures included acute respiratory distress syndrome, myocardial infarction, myocarditis/pericarditis, venous thromboembolism, cerebral infarction, and bleeding events. Result(s): We enrolled 917 patients with COVID-19 confirmed by viral nucleic acid amplification test. The mean age was 61 years, and 591 patients (64%) were men. On admission, the number of patients classified as severe or critical COVID-19 was 515 (56%) and 85 (8.7%), respectively. Among the 544 patients with hsTnI values, 365 (67%) patients had elevated hsTnI of >=5 ng/L, and 134 patients (25%) had TnI of >=99%ile URL. Besides, among 546 patients with NT-proBNP values, 295 patients (54%) had elevated NT-pro-BNP of >=125 pg/mL, and 93 patients (17%) had NT-proBNP of >=900 pg/mL. The median follow-up period was 31 days (interquartile range: 11-90 days). In cumulative incidence analysis, higher levels of hsTnI and NT-proBNP were associated with significantly higher mortality (hsTnI: <5 ng/L group;8.8%, 5 ng/L to 99%ile URL group;19%, and >=99%ile URL group;37%, P<0.001, and NT-proBNP: <125 pg/mL group;7.8%, 125 to 900 pg/mL group;21%, and >=900 pg/mL group;45%, P<0.001). The adjusted risk for all-cause death remained significant for each threshold of cardiac biomarkers (hsTnI >=99%ile URL: Hazard ratio [HR] 1.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11-3.54, P=0.02, and NT-proBNP >=900 pg/mL: HR 3.60, 95% CI 1.86-6.98, P<0.001). Conclusion(s): Elevation of hsTnI or NT-proBNP was associated with poor prognosis in the current relatively severely ill COVID-19 patients. Measuring hsTnI or NT-proBNP can be an attractive option for risk stratification and deciding appropriate management in patients with COVID-19.
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Background: Several studies described occurrence of myocarditis after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in pediatric patients. Weaimed to characterize the clinical course of myocarditis following SARS-CoV2 vaccination including follow-up data within the prospective German registry for suspected myocarditis in children and adolescents "MYKKE." Method: Patients younger than 18 years with suspected myocarditis and onset of symptoms within 21 days followingSARS-CoV2 vaccination were enrolled within the MYKKE registry. The suspect of myocarditis is valid in patients with clinical symptoms and diagnostic findings typically seen in myocarditis. Clinical data are monitored at initial admission and duringshort-term and long-term follow-up. Result(s): Between July 2021 and August 2022, a total of 48 patients with a median age of 16.2 years (IQR: 15.2-16.8)were enrolled by 13 centers, 88% male. Onset of symptoms occurred at a median of 3 days (IQR: 2-7) after vaccine administration, most frequently after the second dose (52%). Most common symptoms at initial admission were anginapectoris (81%), fatigue (56%), dyspnea (24%) and documented arrhythmias (17%). Initial ECG abnormalities included ST-elevation (48%) and T-wave inversion (23%). Elevated Tropon in was observed in 32 patients (67%) and in 19 cases (40%)NT-proBNP was above the normal range with a median level of 171 pg/mL (IQR: 32-501). 11 (23%) patients presentedwith mildly reduced systolic function at initial echocardiography or cardiac MRI. In 40 patients cardiac MRI and/orendomyocardial biopsy was performed (83%) and diagnosis of myocarditis could be verified in 27 cases (68%). Thirty-nine patients underwent short-term follow-up with a median of 2.8 months (IQR: 1.9-3.9) after discharge. 19 patients (49%)presented with either clinical symptoms (n = 9) and/or diagnostic abnormalities (n = 16) at follow-up. 12 patients (38%)still had medical treatment. Except for one patient with malign arrhythmias (ventricular tachycardia), no major cardiac adverse events were observed during initial admission and follow-up. Conclusion(s): Our data confirm that SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-related myocarditis is characterized by a mild disease course. However, after short-term follow-up a considerable number of patients still presented with symptoms and/or diagnostic abnormalities. Data on long-term follow-up are awaited.
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Background: Multiple studies have described acute effects of the Covid-19 infection on the heart, but little is known about the long-term cardiac and pulmonary effects and complications after recovery. The aim of this analysis was to deliver a comprehensive report of symptoms and possible long-term impairments after hospitalization because of Covid-19 infection as well as to try to identify predictors for Long-Covid. Method(s): This was a prospective, multicenter registry study. Patients with verified Covid-19 infection, who were treated as in-patients at our dedicated Covid hospital (Clinic Favoriten), have been included in this study. In all patients, testing was performed approximately 6 months post discharge. During the study visit the following tests and investigations were performed: Detailed patient history and clinical examination, transthoracic echocardiography, electrocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), chest computed tomography (CT) scan, lung function test and a comprehensive list of laboratory parameters including cardiac bio markers. Result(s): Between July 2020 and October 2021, 150 patients were recruited. Sixty patients (40%) were female and the average age was 53.5+/-14.5 years. Of all patients, 92% had been admitted to our general ward and 8% had a severe course of disease, requiring admission to our intensive care unit. Six months after discharge the majority of patients still experienced symptoms and 75% fulfilled the criteria for Long-Covid. Only 24% were completely asymptomatic (figure 1). Echocardiography detected reduced global longitudinal strain (GLS) in 11%. Cardiac MRI revealed pericardial effusion in 18%. Furthermore, cardiac MRI showed signs of former peri-or myocarditis in 4%. Pulmonary CT scans identified post-infectious residues, such as bilateral ground glass opacities and fibrosis in 22%. Exertional dyspnea was associated with either reduced forced vital capacity measured during pulmonary function tests in 11%, with reduced GLS and/or diastolic dysfunction, thus providing evidence for a cardiac and/or pulmonary cause. Independent predictors for Long-Covid were markers of a more severe disease course like length of in-hospital stay, admission to an intensive care unit, type of ventilation as well as higher NT-proBNP and/or troponin levels. Conclusion(s): Even 6 months after recovery from Covid-19 infection, the majority of previously hospitalized patients still suffer from at least one symptom, such as chronic fatigue and/or exertional dyspnea. While there was no association between fatigue and cardiopulmonary abnormalities, impaired lung function, reduced GLS and/or diastolic dysfunction were significantly more prevalent in patients presenting with exertional dyspnea. On chest CT approximately one fifth of all patients showed post infectious changes in chest CT including evidence for myo-and pericarditis as well as accumulation of pericardial effusions.
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Introduction and aim: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has substantial impact on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) clinical course and outcome. In Poland during early phase of COVID-19 pandemic a network of dedicated hospitals was set to treat SARS-Cov2 positive patients. There is scarce data on STEMI patients outcome treated in this setting. Our aim was to compare outcomes of STEMI patients treated with primary PCI in hospitals dedicated to treat COVID-19 and referral high volume haemodynamic centres. Method(s): Study was a retrospective analysis of 115 consecutive COVID- 19 patients with STEMI, treated with primary PCI, admitted to 4 high volume centres (2 referral hospitals and 2 COVID dedicated sites) in southern Poland between May 2020 and November 2021. Data was obtained from patients' electronic medical records. Result(s): Detailed characteristics are presented in Table 1 and 2. In general in all hospitals, patients were similar in terms of age (median 69 y.o., IQR: 60-73), with similar profile of comorbidities. All patients used acetylsalicylic acid and unfractioned heparin. In referral centres, as compared with COVID-19 dedicated sites, there was a higher use of mechanical thrombectomy (p<0.001) and adenosine (p<0.001). Overall mortality rate was higher in COVID-19 centres (50% vs 25%, p=0.008). Detailed results are presented in Table 3. Conclusion(s): There is a significantly higher mortality in COVID patients who develop STEMI than in patients with STEMI who were tested positive on admission. Patients in COVID-19 hospitals had higher levels of CRP and NT-proBNP at baseline. There are substantial differences in treatment of patients in referral centres and COVID dedicated hospitals. (Table Presented).
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Background: mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines have been reported to rarely cause myocarditis. Although myocardial biopsy is considered gold standard in the diagnosis of myocarditis, no standardized study following COVID-19 vaccination in humans was performed so far. Since heart transplant (HTX) recipients frequently undergo routine myocardial biopsy, we here aimed to investigate effects of COVID-19 vaccination by analyzing myocardial inflammation by state-of-the-art quantitative immunohistochemistry. Method(s): Consecutive patients after HTX who underwent routine endomyocardial biopsies at a median of 167 days before and 136 days after their first COVID-19 vaccination with a mRNA vaccine were included and divided into groups with and without inflammatory response following vaccination, defined as increased number of CD3+ lymphocytes >14/mm2. Patients with histological signs of rejection (ISHLT Grade >1) or >14 CD3+ lymphocytes/mm2 at baseline were excluded. Afterward clinical characteristics of patients with inflammatory response were screened for signs of myocarditis. Result(s): The final analysis included 46 patients with a median age of 63 years and a time post-HTX of 2.4 years. Immunosuppressive therapy remained unchanged between biopsies. 36 (78%) patients remained below the cut-off of 14 CD3+ lymphocytes/mm2. However, in 10 (22%) recipients, we detected significant leucocyte infiltration by quantitative analysis of endomyocardial biopsies following vaccination (4 vs. 33.7 leucocytes/mm2, p = 0.001). Groups did not differ in age (63 vs. 57 years, p = 0.21), body mass index (25 vs. 24 kg/m2, p = 0.24), NYHA-class (>=2 in 19 vs. 10%, p = 0.4), NTProBNP levels (592 vs. 514 ng/L, p = 0.55) or myocardial CD3+ cell count (4.9 vs. 2.6 cells/mm2, p = 0.07) before vaccination. Patients with leucocyte infiltration remained clinical inapparent with stable NYHA class (>=2 in 10 vs. 20%, p = 0.99) and depicted no increased NT-ProBNP levels (514 vs. 478 ng/L, p = 0.03). No hospitalizations due to suspected myocarditis were reported. Conclusion(s): For the first time, we report subclinical myocardial leucocyte infiltration following COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in every fifth patients without clinical consequences during the short observation period.