Carotid intima-media thickness and flow-mediated dilation do not predict major outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Abstract

Studies have suggested a potential role of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in the pathophysiology of COVID-19. Herein we tested whether brachial flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) measured upon hospital admission are associated with major clinical outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. A total of 211 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were submitted to assessments of FMD and mean and maximum cIMT (cIMTmean and cIMTmax) within the first 72 hours of hospital admission. Study primary outcome was a composite of intensive care unit admission, mechanical ventilation, or death during the hospitalization. These outcomes were also considered independently. Thrombotic events were included as a secondary outcome. Odds ratios (OR) and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using unadjusted and adjusted multivariable logistic regression models. Eighty-eight (42%) participants demonstrated at least one of the composite outcomes. cIMTmean and cIMTmax were predictors of mortality and thrombotic events in the univariate analysis (cIMTmean and mortality: unadjusted OR 13.0[95%CI 1.7-105], P=0.015; cIMTmean and thrombotic events: unadjusted OR 13.0[95%CI 1.7-93]; P=0.013; cIMTmax and mortality: unadjusted OR 8.3[95%CI 1.3-53]; P=0.026; cIMTmax and thrombotic events: unadjusted OR 12.0[95%CI 2.0-74]; P=0.007). However, these associations were no longer present after adjustment for potential confounders (P=0.06-0.79). Additionally, FMD% was not consistently associated with any outcome. In conclusion, cIMT and FMD are not independent predictors of clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. These results suggest that subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction may not be the main drivers of COVID-19 complications in hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

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DOI

https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpheart.00026.2022

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https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/1628181