Longer disease duration in long-haul COVID-19 patients was associated with a decrease in POTS prevalence from 71% in the first 12 months to 0% after 24 months (p<0.0001).
Observational (n=29)
Does the prevalence of orthostatic intolerance and cerebral blood flow abnormalities change over time in long-haul COVID-19 patients?
In long-haul COVID-19 patients, the prevalence of POTS decreases over time, but cerebral blood flow abnormalities during orthostatic stress persist.
Absolute Event Rate: 0% vs 71%
p-value: p=<0.0001
Background: Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) has been described early after the onset of the COVID-19 infection, but also orthostatic hypotension (OH). In the present study, we hypothesized that orthostatic intolerance decreases over time. Methods: In 29 long-haul COVID-19 (LHC) patients, a tilt test was performed, including measurements of cerebral blood flow (CBF) by extracranial Doppler. The time interval between the onset of infection and the tilt test varied between 3 and 28 months. Results: In the first 12 months after the infection, 71% of the LHC patients showed POTS and after 24 months none of them. In the first 12 months, 29% of patients had a normal heart rate and blood pressure response (normHRBP) and after 24 months 75% (distribution of POTS, OH, and a normHRBP over time: p < 0.0001). Linear regression showed that, over time, there was a decrease in the abnormal CBF during the tilt (p = 0.024) but remained abnormal. Conclusion: In LHC patients, hemodynamic abnormalities of a tilt test change over time. Patients studied early after the onset of the disease mainly exhibit POTS, but patients studied later in the time course mainly show a normHRBP or OH. In addition, the abnormal CBF reduction improves over time, but CBF remains abnormal.
Campen et al. (Fri,) conducted a observational in Long-haul COVID-19 (n=29). Longer disease duration (>24 months since infection) vs. Shorter disease duration (first 12 months) was evaluated on Distribution of POTS, orthostatic hypotension, and normal heart rate/blood pressure response (p=<0.0001). Longer disease duration in long-haul COVID-19 patients was associated with a decrease in POTS prevalence from 71% in the first 12 months to 0% after 24 months (p<0.0001).