Impaired cardiac function is associated with mortality in patients with acute COVID-19 infection

• DOI: 10.1007/s00392-020-01683-0
• Publication Date: 2020-06-14T19:02:27Z
• Authors: Dominik Rath; Álvaro Petersen-U...; Alban Avdiu; Katja Witzel; Philippa Jaeger; Monika Zdanyte; David Heinzmann; Elli Tavlaki; Karin Müller; Meinrad Paul Gawaz
• Keywords: Male; Time Factors; Ventricular Dysfunction, Right; 610; Risk Assessment; Ventricular Function, Left; Ventricular Dysfunction, Left; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Risk Factors; Germany; Humans; Hospital Mortality; Prospective Studies; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; 2. Zero hunger; Original Paper; COVID-19; General Medicine; Middle Aged; Prognosis; Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency; 3. Good health; Hospitalization; Ventricular Function, Right; Female; Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Abstract Background COVID-19 infection may cause severe respiratory distress and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Impaired cardiac function and/or pre-existing cardiovascular disease may be associated with poor prognosis. In the present study, we report a comprehensive cardiovascular characterization in the first consecutive collective of patients that was admitted and treated at the University Hospital of Tübingen, Germany.

Methods 123 consecutive patients with COVID-19 were included. Routine blood sampling, transthoracic echocardiography and electrocardiography were performed at hospital admission.

Results We found that impaired left-ventricular and right-ventricular function as well as tricuspid regurgitation > grade 1 were significantly associated with higher mortality. Furthermore, elevated levels of myocardial distress markers (troponin-I and NT pro-BNP) were associated with poor prognosis in this patient collective.

Conclusion Impaired cardiac function is associated with poor prognosis in COVID-19 positive patients. Consequently, treatment of these patients should include careful guideline-conform cardiovascular evaluation and treatment. Thus, formation of a competent Cardio-COVID-19 team may represent a major clinical measure to optimize therapy of cardiovascular patients during this pandemic.