Cardiac dysfunction and mortality in critically ill patients with COVID-19: A Swedish multicentre observational study

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Critical Care Medicine
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Cardiac dysfunction prevalence in critically ill COVID-19 patients in Sweden was unknown.
• COVID-19 can lead to severe systemic complications, including cardiac involvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of cardiac dysfunction and elevated pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) in critically ill COVID-19 patients in Sweden.
• To investigate the impact of cardiac dysfunction and elevated PAP on mortality.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter observational study in five Swedish intensive care units (ICUs).
• Echocardiography was performed within 72 hours of admission and again at 4–7 days.
• Cardiac dysfunction defined by left ventricular (LV) or right ventricular (RV) dysfunction criteria.

Main Results:

• 32% of 132 patients exhibited cardiac dysfunction (LV, RV, or combined).
• Elevated PAP was present in 26% of patients, more frequent in those with RV dysfunction.
• RV dysfunction and elevated PAP were independently linked to increased mortality risk.

Conclusions:

• Cardiac dysfunction is a frequent complication in critically ill COVID-19 patients in Sweden.
• Right ventricular dysfunction and elevated pulmonary artery pressure are significant predictors of mortality.