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Cardiology referral during the COVID-19 pandemic
Nathalia Conci Santorio1, Francisco Akira Malta Cardozo1, Rodrigo Freddi Miada1
1Instituto do Coracao (InCor), Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR.
Insights
During the COVID-19 pandemic, cardiology referrals revealed frequent cardiovascular complications in patients with the novel coronavirus. Advanced age and pre-existing heart failure predicted mortality, highlighting the need for continued cardiac evaluation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated adaptations in healthcare delivery, including cardiology services.
- Understanding the cardiovascular impact of COVID-19 is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the cardiology referral model during the early COVID-19 pandemic.
- To identify reasons for cardiology referrals, clinical profiles, and mortality predictors in COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of cardiology referrals from March 30 to July 6, 2020.
- Descriptive analysis of referral reasons and diagnoses.
- Multivariable modeling to identify mortality predictors.
Main Results:
- 206 patients had cardiology referrals; 180 confirmed COVID-19.
- Cardiovascular complications occurred in 77.7% of COVID-19 patients.
- Decompensated heart failure (38.8%), myocardial injury (35%), and arrhythmias (17.7%) were most common.
- Mortality predictors included advanced age, need for ventilatory support, and pre-existing heart failure.
Conclusions:
- A hybrid in-person and remote cardiology referral model is feasible during pandemics.
- Cardiovascular complications are frequent in COVID-19 patients, necessitating ongoing cardiac evaluation.
- Identifying mortality predictors aids in risk stratification and management.
Objectives:
This study presents the cardiology referral model adopted at the University of São Paulo-Hospital das Clínicas complex during the initial period of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, main reasons for requesting a cardiologic evaluation, and clinical profile of and prognostic predictors in patients with COVID-19.
Methods:
In this observational study, data of all cardiology referral requests between March 30, 2020 and July 6, 2020 were collected prospectively. A descriptive analysis of the reasons for cardiologic evaluation requests and the most common cardiologic diagnoses was performed. A multivariable model was used to identify independent predictors of in-hospital mortality among patients with COVID-19.
Results:
Cardiologic evaluation was requested for 206 patients admitted to the ICHC-COVID. A diagnosis of COVID-19 was confirmed for 180 patients. Cardiologic complications occurred in 77.7% of the patients. Among these, decompensated heart failure was the most common complication (38.8%), followed by myocardial injury (35%), and arrhythmias, especially high ventricular response atrial fibrillation (17.7%). Advanced age, greater need of ventilatory support on admission, and pre-existing heart failure were independently associated with in-hospital mortality.
Conclusions:
A hybrid model combining in-person referral with remote discussion and teaching is a viable alternative to overcome COVID-19 limitations. Cardiologic evaluation remains important during the pandemic, as patients with COVID-19 frequently develop cardiovascular complications or decompensation of the underlying heart disease.
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