Post-Covid-syndrome and transient microvascular pathology in pulse-waveanalysis - association with Mg/Ca ratio and magnesium therapy-options

Post-COVID-syndromes have a high impact on incapacity for work: a mean of over 100 days has been reported in Germany [1]. Magnesium deficiency is documented as a riskincreasing factor for fatal outcome of acute covid disease [2, 3]. A first case report of post-COVID treatment with hybrid magnesium parenteral/ oral was presented in February 2021 during the Global Magnesium COVID 19 online conference. As of yet, there is no established explanation for post-COVID or long-COVID syndrome as well as there being no established treatment. In recourse to the hypothesis that magnesiumdepletion might favour microvascular early-aging and so favour neuro- degenerative prozesses [4] now preliminary observations of these parameters in post-covid patients in our primary care office result. This is done in connection with long years documentation of pulsewave-analysis (pwv), magnesium and Mg/Caprofiles in patients who suffered covid- disease. Figure 1 shows an over 6-year series of pulse-wave-analyses in a 59-year-old female patient who suffered from post-COVID syndrome. Her augmentation index (AIX) as an indicator of the actual microvascular condition increased from favorable 8% (2020) to highly pathological 39% in the post-COVID disease period - corresponding with the mean value of an 80-year-old person [5]. Another 67-year-old female post-COVID patient recovered clinically very well and quickly with high-dosed magnesium therapy and showed coincident positive decrease of AIX to 4%. Further case reports in the context of magnesium pretests and AIX are presented. Late controlled studies concerning magnesium supplementation and PWV focus on the other parameter - the (macrovascular determined) pulse-wave-velocity (PWV) and found no association of PWV with several months of magnesium supplementation [6]. Therefore, it must be emphasized that all our observations of the last years where not based on PWV but rather focused on AIX as a volatile but more magnesium-dependent parameter. Furthermore, our patients where mostly supplemented over years and not only 24 weeks. Evident is the overall small number of clinically manifesting post-COVID cases among our COVID patients (n= 10 when writing the ) among actually 470 Corona-context treatment cases. We have two working hypotheses for this. I: Persistently high magnesium levels may contrib- ute to reducing the number of post- COVID cases - and II: In the case of post-COVID syndrome, high-dose possibly hybrid magnesium therapy might favorably influence the course of the disease. The Corona pandemic and its microvascular consequences are possibly and unfortunately a non-intended turbo-experiment for microvascular early aging in a great number of undetected magnesium- depletion patients. Facing the burden of disease for individuals - and society as a whole - this justifies not only controlled studies but also the increased attention of medical doctors to the optimal magnesium status of these patients.

The effect of COVID-19 on vascular elasticity and liver function in overweight patients.

Objective. To study the changes in the vascular wall, vascular age and metabolic parameters in polymorbid COVID-19 conva-lescents. Material and methods. The study included 62 patients with hypertension who reached the target blood pressure (BP) with dual an-tihypertensive therapy after severe and extremely severe COVID-19. The following examinations were performed: laboratory tests of metabolic parameters, assessment of changes in the vessel elasticity indices (pulse-wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AI), central systolic BP (cSBP), 24-hour BP monitoring, and non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis. Results. According to office BP measurements, after the coronavirus infection, an increase in systolic BP (SBP) by 29.6% and di-astolic BP (DBP) by 23.6%, as well as heart rate (HR) by 11.8% (p<0.05) was reported during regular antihypertensive therapy. In addition, 24-hour BP monitoring data indicated an increase in the average daily SBP, DBP, and heart rate. After the coronavirus infection, an increase in PWV by 35.4% (p<0.05), AI by 24.4% (p<0.05), cSBP by 22.1% were reported. Carbohydrate and lipid metabolism parameters deteriorated. A pronounced adverse effect of coronavirus infection on liver function was observed. The vascular age (according to the modified SCORE scale) increased by 6 years (p<0.05). Conclusion. Our study showed that patients after severe and extremely severe COVID-19 have a high risk of liver fibrosis, hypertension and lipid metabolism control worsening and accelerating vascular aging.Copyright © 2023, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

COVID-19 and cardiovascular system: Not only heart but also vascular. The effects of the infection on arterial stiffness

Background: SARS-CoV-2 determines a framework of multi-organ dysfunction that can involve the cardiovascular system creating damages of different nature. Among these, endothelial damage could play a key role in increasing arterial stiffness and thus the cardiovascular risk of infected patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the Pulse Wave Velocity (PWV) of a population of patients after recovery from infection and to compare them with those of a group affected by arterial hypertension. Method(s): This prospective observational monocentric study involved 143 patients with previous diagnosis of Covid-19 who undergone PWV measurement during the follow-up at a median time of 3.8 months after the infection. These patients were compared to a population of 143 patients with hypertension matched by age, sex, Systolic Blood Pressure values and Body Mass Index. Result(s): PWV values were higher in Covid-19 group comparing to hypertension group (10.5+/-3.0 m/s VS 8.9+/-2.5 m/s). Furthermore, there is a correlation between higher PWV values and lower values of SpO2% at time of admission at the Emergency Department. (R=-0.302;p<0.001). Conclusion(s): SARS-CoV-2 infection seems related to increased PWV values. Moreover, higher arterial stiffness seems correlated to a worse oxygen saturation in Emergency Department. More studies with longer follow-up time are necessary to establish whether the vascular damage is reversible and whether it correlates with an increase of long-term cardiovascular risk.

The effect of COVID-19 on vascular elasticity and liver function in overweight patients.

Objective. To study the changes in the vascular wall, vascular age and metabolic parameters in polymorbid COVID-19 conva-lescents. Material and methods. The study included 62 patients with hypertension who reached the target blood pressure (BP) with dual an-tihypertensive therapy after severe and extremely severe COVID-19. The following examinations were performed: laboratory tests of metabolic parameters, assessment of changes in the vessel elasticity indices (pulse-wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AI), central systolic BP (cSBP), 24-hour BP monitoring, and non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis. Results. According to office BP measurements, after the coronavirus infection, an increase in systolic BP (SBP) by 29.6% and di-astolic BP (DBP) by 23.6%, as well as heart rate (HR) by 11.8% (p<0.05) was reported during regular antihypertensive therapy. In addition, 24-hour BP monitoring data indicated an increase in the average daily SBP, DBP, and heart rate. After the coronavirus infection, an increase in PWV by 35.4% (p<0.05), AI by 24.4% (p<0.05), cSBP by 22.1% were reported. Carbohydrate and lipid metabolism parameters deteriorated. A pronounced adverse effect of coronavirus infection on liver function was observed. The vascular age (according to the modified SCORE scale) increased by 6 years (p<0.05). Conclusion. Our study showed that patients after severe and extremely severe COVID-19 have a high risk of liver fibrosis, hypertension and lipid metabolism control worsening and accelerating vascular aging.Copyright © 2023, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

The effect of COVID-19 on vascular elasticity and liver function in overweight patients.

Objective. To study the changes in the vascular wall, vascular age and metabolic parameters in polymorbid COVID-19 conva-lescents. Material and methods. The study included 62 patients with hypertension who reached the target blood pressure (BP) with dual an-tihypertensive therapy after severe and extremely severe COVID-19. The following examinations were performed: laboratory tests of metabolic parameters, assessment of changes in the vessel elasticity indices (pulse-wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AI), central systolic BP (cSBP), 24-hour BP monitoring, and non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis. Results. According to office BP measurements, after the coronavirus infection, an increase in systolic BP (SBP) by 29.6% and di-astolic BP (DBP) by 23.6%, as well as heart rate (HR) by 11.8% (p<0.05) was reported during regular antihypertensive therapy. In addition, 24-hour BP monitoring data indicated an increase in the average daily SBP, DBP, and heart rate. After the coronavirus infection, an increase in PWV by 35.4% (p<0.05), AI by 24.4% (p<0.05), cSBP by 22.1% were reported. Carbohydrate and lipid metabolism parameters deteriorated. A pronounced adverse effect of coronavirus infection on liver function was observed. The vascular age (according to the modified SCORE scale) increased by 6 years (p<0.05). Conclusion. Our study showed that patients after severe and extremely severe COVID-19 have a high risk of liver fibrosis, hypertension and lipid metabolism control worsening and accelerating vascular aging.Copyright © 2023, Media Sphera Publishing Group. All rights reserved.

The Role of Rehabilitation in Arterial Function Properties of Convalescent COVID-19 Patients.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease, although arterial function involvement has been documented. We assess the impact of a post-acute COVID-19 rehabilitation program on endothelium-dependent vasodilation and arterial wall properties. We enrolled 60 convalescent patients from COVID-19 and one-month post-acute disease, who were randomized at a 1:1 ratio in a 3-month cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program (study group) or not (control group). Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was evaluated by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and arterial wall properties were evaluated by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) and augmentation index (AIx) at 1 month and at 4 months post-acute disease. FMD was significantly improved in both the study (6.2 ± 1.8% vs. 8.6 ± 2.4%, p < 0.001) and control groups (5.9 ± 2.2% vs. 6.6 ± 1.8%, p = 0.009), but the improvement was significantly higher in the study group (rehabilitation) (p < 0.001). PWV was improved in the study group (8.2 ± 1.3 m/s vs. 6.6 ± 1.0 m/s, p < 0.001) but not in the control group (8.9 ± 1.8 m/s vs. 8.8 ± 1.9 m/s, p = 0.74). Similarly, AIx was improved in the study group (25.9 ± 9.8% vs. 21.1 ± 9.3%, p < 0.001) but not in the control group (27.6 ± 9.2% vs. 26.2 ± 9.8 m/s, p = 0.15). Convalescent COVID-19 subjects of the study group (rehabilitation) with increased serum levels of circulating IL-6 had a greater reduction in FMD. Conclusively, a 3-month cardiopulmonary post-acute COVID-19 rehabilitation program improves recovery of endothelium-dependent vasodilation and arteriosclerosis.

The effect of SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP1 agonists, and their sequential combination on cardiometabolic parameters: A randomized, prospective, intervention study.

BACKGROUND: Pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx) are indices used to assess arterial stiffness. We aim to compare the effect of empagliflozin, liraglutide and their sequential combination on arterial stiffness indices in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). METHODS: This was a randomized single blind study evaluating the effect of empagliflozin vs liraglutide in adult patients with T2D. Patients were randomized to liraglutide titrated gradually to 1.8 mg or empagliflozin 25 mg in 1:1 ratio. Three months later empagliflozin was added to the liraglutide group, and liraglutide was added to the empagliflozin group. Patients were assessed with non-invasive tests for arterial stiffness (i.e., carotid-femoral PWV and AIx of aortic pressure) at baseline, 3-month and 9-month visits (final visit was extended for 3 months from the initial design due to Covid 19 pandemic). The primary outcome was the between-group difference of PWV change (ΔPWV) and ΔAIx at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included the between-group difference of ΔPWV and ΔAIx at 9 months, as well as the ΔPWV and ΔAIx between baseline and 9-month visit when total study population was assessed. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients with T2D (30 started liraglutide; 32 empagliflozin, mean age 63 years, 25 % with established cardiovascular disease) participated in the study. We failed to show any significant between-group differences of ΔPWV and ΔΑΙx at 3 and 9 months, as well as between-group difference of ΔPWV and ΔAIx for the total study population between baseline and 9-month visit. In contrast, systemic vascular resistance and lipoprotein(a) levels improved, showing better results with liraglutide than empagliflozin. Favorable effects were also observed on body weight, body mass index, body and visceral fat, blood pressure, HbA1c, and uric acid levels. CONCLUSION: No evidence of a favorable change in arterial stiffness indices was seen with empagliflozin or liraglutide or their combination in this study. Well-designed powerful studies are needed to address any potential effects on arterial stiffness in selected populations.

Vascular Aging and COVID-19.

Vascular age is determined by functional and structural changes in the arterial wall. When measured by its proxy, pulse wave velocity, it has been shown to predict cardiovascular and total mortality. Disconcordance between chronological and vascular age might represent better or worse vascular health. Cell senescence is caused by oxidative stress and sustained cell replication. Senescent cells acquire senescence-associated secretory phenotype. Oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, dysregulation of coagulation and leucocyte infiltration are observed in the aging endothelium. All of these mechanisms lead to increased vascular calcification and stiffness. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can involve the vascular endothelium. It enters cells using angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors, which are abundant in endothelial cells. The damage this virus does to the endothelium can be direct or indirect. Indirect damage is caused by hyperinflammation. Direct damage results from effects on ACE-2 receptors. The reduction of ACE-2 levels seen during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection might cause vasoconstriction and oxidative stress. COVID-19 and vascular aging share some pathways. Due to the novelty of the virus, there is an urgent need for studies that investigate its long-term effects on vascular health.

NOISE POLLUTION AND ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION

Environmental noise significantly impacts human health and well-being. It is a widespread problem in Europe, where at least one in five people are exposed to harmful levels of noise. Hearing loss is the most known health effect related to noise exposure. There is, however, growing data that links noise exposure to hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke. According to some theories, this relationship may be explained by the indirect pathway of noise exposure, which can cause sympathetic and endocrine activation, as well as several cognitive and emotional responses, including annoyance. Noise exposure leads to stress reactions independent of cognitive involvement. There is a possibility that noise exerts its effects directly through synaptic interactions, as well as through cognitive and emotional effects. Epidemiological studies indicate that nocturnal noise exposure has more profound health consequences. Nighttime noise exposure is associated with an increase in heart rate due to sympathetic activation or parasympathetic withdrawal, and with an increase in blood pressure as well as endothelial dysfunction. Hypertension is a common condition and is an important risk indicator for other cardiovascular diseases. Previous studies showed an association between noise exposure, blood pressure and arterial hypertension. Meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies found an increase of hypertension prevalence per 10 dB increase in daytime average road traffic noise level. There is, however, some heterogeneity among these studies. Prospective studies have also found an association between aircraft noise exposure and hypertension, supporting the cross-sectional findings. The analyses, of data from the large Hypertension and Exposure to Noise near Airports (HYENA) study, showed that an increase in nocturnal aircraft noise exposure per 10 dB was associated with an increased incidence of hypertension. The meaningful effect of night-time aircraft noise on arterial hypertension was also observed in the prospective observation of the subset of individuals from that study. In a longitudinal observation of 420 participants, higher aircraft noise exposure during the night significantly associated with the incidence of hypertension. Previous cross-sectional case-control study conducted in 2015, in 2 suburban areas of Krakow, Poland, revealed an increase in blood pressure and arterial stiffness as determined by carotid - femoral pulse wave velocity in individuals exposed to increased aircraft noise levels. However, even short-term noise reduction, as experienced during the COVID-19 lockdown, may reverse those unfavorable effects. As a result of these observations, noise mitigation strategies are important for cardiovascular health.

Home monitoring of arterial pulse-wave velocity during COVID-19 total or partial lockdown using connected smart scales.

Aims: To investigate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown on trajectories of arterial pulse-wave velocity in a large population of users of connected smart scales that provide reliable measurements of pulse-wave velocity. Methods and results: Pulse-wave velocity recordings obtained by Withings Heart Health & Body Composition Wi-Fi Smart Scale users before and during lockdown were analysed. We compared two demonstrative countries: France, where strict lockdown rules were enforced (n = 26 196) and Germany, where lockdown was partial (n = 26 847). Subgroup analysis was conducted in users of activity trackers and home blood pressure monitors. Linear growth curve modelling and trajectory clustering analyses were performed. During lockdown, a significant reduction in vascular stiffness, weight, blood pressure, and physical activity was observed in the overall population. Pulse-wave velocity reduction was greater in France than in Germany, corresponding to 5.2 month reduction in vascular age. In the French population, three clusters of stiffness trajectories were identified: decreasing (21.1%), stable (60.6%), and increasing pulse-wave velocity clusters (18.2%). Decreasing and increasing clusters both had higher pulse-wave velocity and vascular age before lockdown compared with the stable cluster. Only the decreasing cluster showed a significant weight reduction (-400 g), whereas living alone was associated with increasing pulse-wave velocity cluster. No clusters were identified in the German population. Conclusions: During total lockdown in France, a reduction in pulse-wave velocity in a significant proportion of French users of connected smart bathroom scales occurred. The impact on long-term cardiovascular health remains to be established.

Blood pressure control, target organ protection and metabolic disorders control using a fixed combination of azilsartan medoxomil + chlorthalidone in hypertensive patients survived after severe and extremely severe COVID-19

Objective. Evaluation of the possibility of a fixed combination of azilsartan medoxomil + chlorthalidone in additional angioprotection in patients with arterial hypertension (HTN) and high pulse wave velocity (PWV) after confirmed severe or extremely severe COVID-19 (bilateral polysegmental viral pneumonia)treated by genetically engineered biological drugs, who had not previously received combined antihypertensive therapy. Design and methods. An open observational study lasting 12 weeks included 30 patients, 28-31 days after discharge from the hospital after a severe and extremely severe COVID-19, who received or had not previously received antihypertensive therapy. Patients underwent 24-hour blood pressure (BP) monitoring, applanation tonometry (augmentation index and central BP), measurement of PWV, laboratory tests before and after prescription of a fixed combination of azilsartan medoxomil + chlorthalidone. Results. At baseline, patients showed an increase in office blood pressure to 153,06/92,2 mmHg. After treatment with a fixed combination of azilsartan medoxomil + chlorthalidone, a decrease in systolic BP by 18,47 % and diastolic BP by 16,24 % was observed. According to ambulatory BP monitoring, the decrease in systolic BP was 19,65 % and diastolic BP - 24,68 %, PWV decreased by 34,4 %, augmentation index - by 9,42 %, central systolic BP - by 15,48 % (p < 0,05). At baseline, vascular age (VA) was increased to 44,96 years compared to the passport age of 35,03 years. After treatment, there was a significant decrease in VA to 38,74 years (p < 0,01). In addition, the levels of C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, D-dimer, glucose, blood urea nitrogen and uric acid significantly decreased. Conclusions. The fixed combination of azilsartan medoxomil + chlorthalidone provides better control of BP. It also helps to improve vascular elasticity (augmentation index, PWV, central systolic BP, decrease in VA) and to reduce post-infectious inflammation in HTN patients after a severe coronavirus infection. Copyright © 2021 All-Russian Public Organization Antihypertensive League. All rights reserved.

Vascular phenotyping in post-COVID children and adolescents-the lico study

Background and Aim: An infection with SARS-CoV-2 is associated with systemic inflammation, that also affects the endothelium. This may result in endothelitis, which can influence vascular regulation and morphology. Until now, the specific mechanism of vessel damage after a SARS-CoV-2 infection is still unclear, especially in children and adolescents. The LICO Study (Long term impact of COVID-19) aims to investigate the long-term effects of a SARS-CoV-2 infection on vascular structure and function in chil-dren and adolescents. Method(s): Children and adolescents with confirmed evidence of survived SARS-CoV-2 infection are screened 6 +/- 3 months post-infection. Vascular function is assessed by flow-mediated vas-odilation (FMD) and aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV). Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and retinal diagnostics (arteriove-nous ratio-AVR) are used to examine vascular structure. The matched control group without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection undergoes the same examination procedure. Result(s): So far, we have been able to evaluate 24 (9 post-covid) subjects (13.5 +/- 1.9 years;9 girls). Compared to the mean refer-ence values of the control group, 5 post-covid subjects have higher cIMT (0.49 +/- 0.01 mm vs. reference value 0.46 +/- 0.03 mm). Of these, 3 post-covid subjects even deviate from the norm PWV (4.96 +/- 0.16 m/sec vs. reference value 4.63 +/- 0.29 m/sec). The same 3 post-covid subjects are also below the norm FMD (2.06 +/- 1.05 % vs. reference value 4.18 +/- 7.04 %). None of the post-covid subjects deviates from the norm AVR values (refer-ence value 0.85 +/- 0.07). Conclusion(s): It is shown that infection with SARS-CoV-2 has the potential to impair vascular regulation. These initial results provide trends for early vascular changes among children and adolescents after recovered SARS-CoV-2 infection. Due to that this is an ongoing study, the results are constantly being expanded and may still change. To determine lasting changes in morphology, the examination is repeated after 6 months and the further results of this longitudinal study must be awaited.

Effect of Empagliflozin and Dapagliflozin on Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Cardiovascular Co-Morbidities: A Prospective, Observational Study.

Background and Objectives: Individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Arterial stiffness is an independent prognostic marker for cardiovascular disease development. We aimed at determining the effect of two different sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors on ambulatory arterial stiffness in individuals with T2DM. Materials and Methods: In this single-center, single-arm, prospective study performed from January 2020 to August 2021, we planned to enroll adult subjects with T2DM and stable antidiabetic and antihypertensive treatment, assigned either to empagliflozin or dapagliflozin for 6 months. All eligible subjects underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. We set as the primary efficacy outcome the change in ambulatory pulse wave velocity (PWV) from baseline to week 24. Results: We finally enrolled 46 diabetic subjects, with a mean age of 62.89 (8.53) years and mean T2DM duration of 9.72 (6.37) years. Thirty patients received dapagliflozin, while sixteen patients received empagliflozin. Due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictive measures during the study, the mean follow-up period extended from 6 months to 9.98 (3.27) months. Regarding the prespecified primary efficacy outcome, we found that the SGLT-2 inhibitor treatment did not have a significant effect on PWV (p = 0.65). Prior history of cardiovascular disease did not significantly affect the observed effects. Other indices of arterial stiffness, such as augmentation index and central pulse pressure, were not significantly affected, neither by empagliflozin nor by dapagliflozin. Conclusions: SGLT-2 inhibitor treatment with empagliflozin or dapagliflozin in subjects with T2DM failed to improve ambulatory PWV over a mean follow-up of 10 months. Registration number: ISRCTN88851713.

Vascular Age, Metabolic Panel, Cardiovascular Risk and Inflammaging in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Compared With Patients With Osteoarthritis.

Introduction: The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is 1.5-2 times higher than the general population. The fundamental risk factor for CVD is age, related to alterations at the arterial level. The aim of the study was to compare vascular age (VA) in RA patients under a strict treat-to-target (T2T) strategy with Osteoarthritis (OA) patients without strict follow up and to assess the influence of inflammaging (chronic, sterile, low-grade inflammation related to aging) and metabolic markers on VA. Materials and Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study. Patients with RA (under a strict a T2T strategy) and OA patients without strict clinical follow-up were included. Patients with a history of uncontrolled hypertension, CVD, and/or current smoking were excluded. Sociodemographic, physical activity, and toxic exposure data were obtained. Waist-hip ratio and body mass index (BMI) were measured. DAS-28 (RA) and inflammatory markers, lipid profile, and glycaemia were analyzed. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured (oscillometric method, Arteriograph-TensioMed®). VA was calculated based on PWV. Eleven components of inflammaging [six interleukins, three metalloproteinases (MMP), and two tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP)] were evaluated (Luminex® system). Univariate and bivariate analyzes (Mann Whitney U and chi-square) and correlations (Spearmans Rho) were done to compare the two groups. Results: A total of 106 patients (74% women) were included, 52/RA and 54/OA. The mean age was 57 (Interquartile range - IQR 9 years). The BMI, waist circumference, and weight were higher in patients with OA (p < 0.001). RA patients had low disease activity (DAS-28-CRP). There were no differences in VA, inflammaging nor in PWV between the two groups. VA had a positive, but weak correlation, with age and LDL. In group of RA, VA was higher in those who did not receive methotrexate (p = 0.013). LDL levels correlated with MMP1, TIMP1, and TIMP2. Conclusions: When comparing RA patients with low levels of disease activity with OA patients with poor metabolic control, there are no differences in VA. Furthermore, methotrexate also influences VA in RA patients. This shows that implemented therapies may have an impact on not only the inflammatory state of the joint but also CVD risk.

AORTIC STIFFNESS AND INDEXES OF DISEASE SEVERITY IN SUBJECTS WITH PREVIOUS COVID-19 PNEUMONIA: A FOLLOWUP STUDY

Objective: Up to date the possibility of a vascular damage due to COVID-19 pneumonia is a not clarified. We searched for relationships between the carotidfemoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) and clinical and biochemical markers of severity of the infectious disease, after hospital discharge, in a group of patients who had been admitted in care units. Design and method: In 69 subjects (age 58 ± 13 years, 36 males), previously admitted in hospital because of COVID-19 pneumonia, we evaluated at the time of hospital admission anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, history of arterial hypertension or other diseases, drugs, smoking and alcohol habit, physical activity level, and indexes of infectious disease severity, such as the SIMEU score, need for invasive oxygen delivery, PaO2, PaCo2, inflammatory markers such as white blood cells count, levels of proadrenomedulline (proADM), reactive C protein, procalcitonin, IL- 6, glomerular filtration rate (GFR), troponin, mioglobin, B natriuretic peptide. After an average 2 months follow-up the cf- PWV was measured. Results: At univariate analysis the cfPWV was significantly and positively related to age (r = 0.454, P < 0.001), body mass index (r = 0.436, P = 0.016), waist circumference (r = 0.345, P = 0.004), levels of plasma glucose (r = 0.430, P = 0.001), proADM (r = 0.456, P = 0.006), IL-6 (r = 0.280, P = 0.037), mioglobin (r = 0.443, P = 0.001) and inversely related to GFR (r = -0.289, P = 0.023). The cfPWV was higher in diabetics subjects than in non-diabetics (P = 0.011), and in patients who had needed invasive oxygen support (P = 0.044). There was no difference in cfPWV in patients with or without history of arterial hypertension or with different blood pressure levels at admission. At multivariate analysis the cfPWV was independently associated with invasive oxygen support (B = 0.168, P = 0.012), body mass index (B = 0.180, P = 0.001), waist circumference (B = 0.162, P = 0.002), GFR (B = 0.078, P = 0.008), and proADM levels (B = 0.161, P = 0.003). Conclusions: In patients who recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia the aortic stiffness is associated with severity of disease and levels of proADM, but not with history of hypertension. Patients with more higher proADM levels in acute phase of the infectious disease could need a longer follow-up evaluation of the CFPWV after the recovering from disease to search for long time vascular damage.

THE EFFECT OF COVID-19 VACCINE ON ARTERIAL FUNCTION

Objective: To fight the COVID-19 pandemic, messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines were the first to be adopted by vaccination programs worldwide. We sought to investigate the short-term effect of mRNA vaccine administration on endothelial function and arterial stiffness. Design and method: Thirty-two participants (mean age 37 ± 8 years, 20 men) that received the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine were studied in 3 sessions in a sequence-randomized, sham-controlled, assessor-blinded, cross-over design. The primary outcome was endothelial function assessed by brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), and secondary outcomes were aortic stiffness, evaluated with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) and augmentation index (AIx@75), and inflammation measured by high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) in blood samples. The outcomes were assessed prior to, and at 8 h, 24 h post the 1st dose of vaccination, and 8 h, 24 h, and 48 h post the 2nd. Results: There was an increase in hsCRP that was apparent at 24 h after both the 1st dose (-0.60 [95% Confidence intervals [CI]: -1.60 to -0.20], p = 0.013) and the 2nd dose (max median difference at 48 h -6.60 [95% CI: -9.80 to -3.40], p < 0.001) compared to sham. The vaccine did not change PWV or AIx@75. FMD remained unchanged during the 1st dose but decreased significantly by 1.5% (95% CI: 0.1% to 2.9%, p = 0.037) at 24 h post the 2nd dose. FMD values returned towards baseline at 48 h. Conclusions: Our study shows that the mRNA vaccine causes a prominent increase in inflammatory markers, especially after the 2nd dose, and a transient deterioration of endothelial function at 24 h that returns towards baseline at 48 h. These results confirm the short-term cardiovascular safety of the vaccine.

EXERTION2 TRIAL: THE WEIGHT GAIN PREVENTION IN RENAL TRANSPLANT ONLINE STUDY-A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED FEASIBILITY TRIAL

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Adverse weight gain within the first year of receiving a kidney transplant is associated with adverse health outcomes. Kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) have asked for support with physical activity and following healthy lifestyles. There is no recognised intervention to address weight gain prevention for new KTRs. Usability of an online intervention to prevent weight gain in new KTRs has recently been reported. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of undertaking a randomised controlled trial of an online intervention group (IG) compared with usual care UC) to address weight gain prevention in new KTRs. METHOD: Participants were recruited from two south-London transplant sites, had a kidney transplant within 3 months, and had access to an internet compatible device. Exclusion criteria included history of an unstable medical condition, non- English speaking or <18 years. At baseline assessment participants were randomized to either UC or IG. The UC group received standard dietary and physical activity education. The IG received access to a 12-week password-protected website, weekly email reminders, and could contact the research physiotherapist via a secure message function. Primary feasibility outcomes included screening rates, consent rates, adherence to study visits, acceptability of outcomes, engagement with the intervention, retention, willingness to be randomized, adverse events, hospitalizations, experience using the online intervention and experience taking part in the trial. Secondary outcomes were recorded at baseline, 3- and 12-months. These included body weight, body mass index (BMI), bioimpedance (BIA), pulse wave velocity (PWV), augmentation index (AI) and six-minute walk distance (6MWD). RESULTS: Seventeen new KTRs (median age 49 years, 10 males, median 62 days post-transplant) were randomized to the IG (n = 9) or UC (n = 8). Screening rate was 84.2% (95% CI: 68.8-94.0), recruitment 62.5% (95% CI: 43.7-79.0) and intervention adherence at 12 months was 76.4% (95% CI: 50.0-93.2). All pre-set progression criteria for feasibility were achieved. There were no associated adverse events. Qualitative analysis revealed four themes;optimizing participation and recruitment, impact of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), engagement is a choice (technical and personal factors) and mechanisms of action (assessment and intervention factors). The IG appeared to stabilize median body weight across the study;94.5 kg, (IQR: 63.0, 102.0), 95.0 kg, (IQR: 66.7, 105.3) and 94.7 kg (IQR: 77.2, 117.3). Whereas UC participants increased [81.3 kg, (IQR: 73.6,94.6), 86.2 kg (75.4, 96.5) and 93.3 kg (70.3, 101.9)]. IG increased 6MWD [450 m, (IQR: 450, 540), 525 m (IQR: 472.5, 615) and 495 m (IQR: 465, 615)] and UC decreased 6MWD [517.5 m (IQR: 436, 570), 507.5 m (IQR: 442.5, 605) and 435 m (IQR 435, 555)]. All other outcomes were comparable across the sample. CONCLUSION: Limitations include inadequate power and small sample size, and it was a single-centre study. Integrated mixed methods analysis demonstrate congruency of both qualitative and quantitative data. Participant attitudes, experiences and engagement with the study and intervention provide insight for future trial design. A future definitive trial is warranted and welcomed by KTRs.

Acute and Long-Term Consequences of COVID-19 on Arterial Stiffness-A Narrative Review.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the ongoing global coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Although initially viewed as an acute respiratory illness, COVID-19 is clearly a complex multisystemic disease with extensive cardiovascular involvement. Emerging evidence shows that the endothelium plays multiple roles in COVID-19 physiopathology, as both a target organ that can be directly infected by SARS-CoV-2 and a mediator in the subsequent inflammatory and thrombotic cascades. Arterial stiffness is an established marker of cardiovascular disease. The scope of this review is to summarize available data on the acute and long-term consequences of COVID-19 on vascular function. COVID-19 causes early vascular aging and arterial stiffness. Fast, noninvasive bedside assessment of arterial stiffness could optimize risk stratification in acute COVID-19, allowing for early escalation of treatment. Vascular physiology remains impaired at least 12 months after infection with SARS-CoV-2, even in otherwise healthy adults. This raises concerns regarding the extent of arterial remodeling in patients with preexisting vascular disease and the potential development of a persistent, chronic COVID-19 vasculopathy. Long-term follow up on larger cohorts is required to investigate the reversibility of COVID-19-induced vascular changes and their associated prognostic implications.

Impact of COVID-19 on arterial stiffness

Background: Arterial Stiffness is a manifestation of endothelial dysfunction and it can be used as a prediction parameter and a target for therapies aimed at ameliorating endothelial cell dysfunction which is raised after Covid 19 infection. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate arterial stiffness using carotidfemoral Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV) and to compare the difference in different groups among the study subjects. Methods and Results: Observational single centre study was done after randomly selecting 170 subjects from Telangana State Police Department after excluding subjects with chronic inflammatory diseases on chronic steroid therapy and pregnant/lactating subjects. Analysis after dividing them into 4 groups based on the presence or absence of past history of COVID-19 infection and the presence or absence of Comorbidities (Diabetes Mellitus, Systemic Hypertension, CAD, CVA or CKD) showed mean increase in cfPWV was 76.21 cm/s in Group-A (Covid-ve &Comorbidity-ve), 126.5 cm/s in Group-B (Covid+ve &Comorbidity-ve), 210.1 cm/s in Group-C (Covidve &Comorbidity+ve) and 263.9 cm/s in Group-D (Covid+ve &Comorbidity+ve). Significant p values were obtained for intergroup differences in cfPWV. Conclusions: The Arterial stiffness values of prior COVID-19 positive subjects were higher than the group of subjects without prior COVID-19 infection. Comorbidities also independently added to the risk. Pulse wave velocity can be considered as an easy noninvasive screening tool in post-COVID patients to identify possible high-risk candidates.

Pulse Wave Velocity, a Predictor of Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events, and Its Correlation with the General Stress Level of Health Care Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background and Objectives: In the COVID-19 epidemiological context, the health care workers who were treating patients with COVID-19 were exposed daily to additional stress. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) is a predictive parameter for possible major adverse cardiovascular events. The present study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the general stress levels and PWVs of medical workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The study group was heterogeneous in terms of the medical profession. PWV was measured using a TendioMed arteriograph. Assessment of stress level was performed using a general stress questionnaire with questions grouped on the areas that contribute to stress: lifestyle, environment, symptoms, job, relationships and personality. PWV measurements and stress assessment were performed both during the period with many patients with COVID-19 and during the period with few patients with COVID-19. Results: The stress levels and PWVs of subjects were higher in the period when they cared for patients with COVID-19 than in the period when they did not have patients with COVID-19. Conclusions: The study shows a positive correlation between the PWV of each subject and his/her stress score (the higher the stress score, the higher the PWV).