COVID-19 in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Analysis after the second pandemic wave in Slovakia

ABSTRACT

Background: A pandemic caused by a new coronavirus particularly threatens the high risk groups of patients, incuding those with pulmonary arterial hypertension. We evaluated the occurrence of COVID-19 in the group of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), course of disease, mortality and the attitude of patients to vaccination. Data collection. During the period of two weeks before May 15th 2021 we collected, by analysis of documentation and telephone survey, data on adult patients managed from 01.03. 2020 to 15.05.2021 in 3 centers for PAH and the Children‘s Cardiac Centre. Information on deceased patients was provided by medical staff from the particular PAH centre. Results: Out of the total number of 168 adult patients (mean age of 54 ± 22 years, 121 females) 32 (19%) had COVID-19 infection during the first or second wave of the epidemic in Slovakia. During this time period 12 patients died and 1 one lung transplantation was performed. 3 of the 12 patients who died suffered from COVID-19 infection. Of the 32 patients infected 7 (21%) were hospitalized, 10 needed oxygen, one artifitial ventilation, and 3 (9%) patients died. Only 74 (47.7%) were vaccinated to date of data collection, although the availability of vaccination for this group of patients was not limited. Conclusion: Despite the fact that PAH is a severe lung and heart disease with a poor prognosis, the course of the disease and mortality were better than could be expected. Results are limited by low patient numbers, but 6% mortality in people with a mean age of 54 years may still be considered high. Vaccination is low despite good access to the vaccine and clear recommendations. Tab. 2, Ref. 15, on-line full text (Free, PDF) www.cardiologyletters.sk.