Corrected QT Interval Prolongation, Elevated Troponin, and Mortality in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• The global pandemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has highlighted significant cardiac involvement.
• Cardiovascular complications are increasingly recognized as critical factors in SARS-CoV-2 infection outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the predictive value of elevated troponin and electrocardiogram findings, specifically the corrected QT interval (QTc), for SARS-CoV-2 infection severity.
• To determine the association between cardiovascular complications and mortality in hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of medical records for 339 patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2.
• Analysis of serum troponin levels and electrocardiogram (ECG) findings, including QTc interval, on admission.

Main Results:

• Elevated serum troponin levels on admission were statistically correlated with increased mortality in SARS-CoV-2 patients.
• A prolonged QTc interval demonstrated an independent, statistically significant association with mortality among hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 patients.

Conclusions:

• Cardiovascular sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are a significant concern for patient mortality.
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) assessment, including QTc interval, can serve as an independent prognostic tool for hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
• Utilizing ECG findings may facilitate coordinated treatment strategies to reduce mortality in SARS-CoV-2 infections.