Key result
The presence of any major ECG abnormality in adults hospitalized with COVID-19 was associated with a higher risk of death (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.78).
Why the study?
COVID-19 affects the cardiovascular system, and ECG abnormalities may be associated with worse prognosis, prompting evaluation of their prognostic value in hospitalised patients.
Do major ECG abnormalities predict death in adults hospitalised with COVID-19?
Cohort (n=2,451)
Yes
Do major ECG abnormalities predict death in adults hospitalised with COVID-19?
Odds Ratio: 1.39 (95% CI 1.09–1.78)
Major ECG abnormalities and sinus tachycardia >120 bpm are significant prognostic markers for 30-day mortality and cardiovascular events in adults hospitalized with COVID-19.
Major ECG abnormalities may aid early risk stratification in hospitalized COVID-19; leaves open whether routine screening improves outcomes.
BACKGROUND: COVID-19 affects the cardiovascular system and ECG abnormalities may be associated with worse prognosis. We evaluated the prognostic value of ECG abnormalities in individuals with COVID-19. METHODS: Multicentre cohort study with adults hospitalised with COVID-19 from 40 hospitals across 23 countries. Patients were followed-up from admission until 30 days. ECG were obtained at each participating site and coded according to the Minnesota coding criteria. The primary outcome was defined as death from any cause. Secondary outcomes were admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Multiple logistic regression was used to evaluate the association of ECG abnormalities with the outcomes. RESULTS: Among 5313 participants, 2451 had at least one ECG and were included in this analysis. The mean age (SD) was 58.0 (16.1) years, 60.7% were male and 61.1% from lower-income to middle-income countries. The prevalence of major ECG abnormalities was 21.3% (n=521), 447 (18.2%) patients died, 196 (8.0%) had MACE and 1115 (45.5%) were admitted to an ICU. After adjustment, the presence of any major ECG abnormality was associated with a higher risk of death (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.78) and cardiovascular events (OR 1.81; 95% CI 1.30 to 2.51). Sinus tachycardia (>120 bpm) with an increased risk of death (OR 3.86; 95% CI 1.97 to 7.48), MACE (OR 2.68; 95% CI 1.10 to 5.85) and ICU admission OR 1.99; 95% CI 1.03 to 4.00). Atrial fibrillation, bundle branch block, ischaemic abnormalities and prolonged QT interval did not relate to the outcomes. CONCLUSION: Major ECG abnormalities and a heart rate >120 bpm were prognostic markers in adults hospitalised with COVID-19.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Filho et al. (2022) conducted a cohort in COVID-19 (n=2,451). Major ECG abnormalities vs. Absence of major ECG abnormalities was evaluated on Death from any cause (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.78). The presence of any major ECG abnormality in adults hospitalized with COVID-19 was associated with a higher risk of death (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.78).
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: