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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Transthoracic Echocardiography | Original Paper

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

Authors: Dominik Rath, Álvaro Petersen-Uribe, Alban Avdiu, Katja Witzel, Philippa Jaeger, Monika Zdanyte, David Heinzmann, Elli Tavlaki, Karin Müller, Meinrad Paul Gawaz

Published in: Clinical Research in Cardiology | Issue 12/2020

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.

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Title: Impaired cardiac function is associated with mortality in patients with acute COVID-19 infection
Authors: Dominik Rath
Álvaro Petersen-Uribe
Alban Avdiu
Katja Witzel
Philippa Jaeger
Monika Zdanyte
David Heinzmann
Elli Tavlaki
Karin Müller
Meinrad Paul Gawaz
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Transthoracic Echocardiography
Electrocardiography
Heart Failure
COVID-19
Electrocardiography
Published in: Clinical Research in Cardiology / Issue 12/2020
Print ISSN: 1861-0684
Electronic ISSN: 1861-0692
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00392-020-01683-0

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

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