COVID-19 and Myocardial Injury in a Brazilian ICU: High Incidence and Higher Risk of In-Hospital Mortality

Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021 Feb;116(2):275-282. doi: 10.36660/abc.20200671.
[Article in Portuguese, English]

Abstract

Background: The incidence of myocardial injury (MI) in patients with COVID-19 in Brazil and the prognostic impact of MI have not been elucidated.

Objectives: To describe the incidence of MI in patients with COVID-19 in the intensive care unit (ICU) and to identify variables associated with its occurrence. The secondary objective was to assess high-sensitivity troponin I as a predictor of in-hospital mortality.

Methods: Retrospective, observational study conducted between March and April 2020 with cases of confirmed COVID-19 admitted to the ICU. Numerical variables were compared by using Student t test or Mann-Whitney U test. The chi-square test was used for categorical variables. Multivariate analysis was performed with variables associated with MI and p<0.2 to determine predictors of MI. The ROC curve was used to determine the troponin value capable of predicting higher in-hospital mortality. Survival functions were estimated by use of the Kaplan-Meier method from the cut-off point indicated in the ROC curve.

Results: This study assessed 61 patients (63.9% of the male sex, mean age of 66.1±15.5 years). Myocardial injury was present in 36% of the patients. Systemic arterial hypertension (HAS) [OR 1.198; 95%CI: 2.246-37.665] and body mass index (BMI) [OR 1.143; 95%CI: 1.013-1.289] were independent risk predictors. High-sensitivity troponin I >48.3 ng/mL, which was determined in the ROC curve, predicts higher in-hospital mortality [AUC 0.786; p<0.05]. Survival in the group with high-sensitivity troponin I >48.3 ng/mL was lower than that in the group with values ≤48.3 ng/dL [20.3 x 43.5 days, respectively; p<0.05].

Conclusion: There was a high incidence of MI in severe COVID-19 with impact on higher in-hospital mortality. The independent risk predictors of MI were SAH and BMI. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

Fundamentos: A incidência de injúria miocárdica (IM) em pacientes com COVID-19 no Brasil é pouco conhecida e o impacto prognóstico da IM, mal elucidado.

Objetivos: Descrever a incidência de IM em pacientes com COVID-19 em unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) e identificar variáveis associadas à sua ocorrência. O objetivo secundário foi avaliar a troponina I ultrassensível (US) como preditor de mortalidade intra-hospitalar.

Métodos: Estudo observacional, retrospectivo, entre março e abril de 2020, com casos confirmados de COVID-19 internados em UTI. Variáveis numéricas foram comparadas com teste t de Student ou U de Mann-Whitney, sendo o teste X2 empregado para as categóricas. Realizou-se análise multivariada com as variáveis associadas à IM e p<0,2 objetivando determinar preditores de IM. Curva ROC foi empregada para determinar o valor da troponina capaz de predizer maior mortalidade intra-hospitalar. Funções de sobrevida foram estimadas pelo método de Kaplan-Meier a partir do ponto de corte apontado pela curva ROC.

Resultados: Este estudo avaliou 61 pacientes (63,9% do sexo masculino, média de idade de 66,1±15,5 anos). A IM esteve presente em 36% dos casos. Hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) [RC 1,198; IC95%: 2,246-37,665] e índice de massa corporal (IMC) [RC 1,143; IC95%: 1,013-1,289] foram preditores independentes de risco. Troponina I US >48,3 ng/ml, valor determinado pela curva ROC, prediz maior mortalidade intra-hospitalar [AUC 0,786; p<0,05]. A sobrevida no grupo com troponina I US >48,3 ng/ml foi inferior à do grupo com valores ≤48,3 ng/dl [20,3 x 43,5 dias, respectivamente; p<0,05].

Conclusão: Observou-se alta incidência de IM na COVID-19 grave com impacto em maior mortalidade intra-hospitalar. HAS e IMC foram preditores independentes de risco de sua ocorrência. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2020; [online].ahead print, PP.0-0).

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Brazil / epidemiology
  • COVID-19*
  • Hospital Mortality
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Intensive Care Units
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prognosis
  • ROC Curve
  • Retrospective Studies
  • SARS-CoV-2