Hyperdynamic left ventricular ejection fraction is associated with higher mortality in COVID-19 patients

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• COVID-19 can significantly impact cardiac function.
• Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a key measure of heart function.
• Understanding LVEF variations in COVID-19 patients is crucial for prognostication.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients with hyperdynamic LVEF (HDLVEF) against those with normal or reduced LVEF.
• To assess LVEF as a predictor of 60-day mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study including 419 adult COVID-19 patients with transthoracic echocardiograms.
• Patients categorized into reduced (<50%), normal (≥50% to <70%), and hyperdynamic (≥70%) LVEF groups.
• Logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and BMI to evaluate 60-day mortality.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in 60-day mortality between reduced and normal LVEF groups.
• HDLVEF group showed significantly higher 60-day mortality compared to the normal LVEF group (aOR 2.63).
• HDLVEF group also had higher 60-day mortality risk compared to the reduced LVEF group (aOR 3.34).

Conclusions:

• Hyperdynamic LVEF in COVID-19 patients is associated with increased 60-day mortality.
• HDLVEF is linked to higher requirements for mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, and ICU admission.
• LVEF assessment can aid in identifying high-risk COVID-19 patients.