The application experience of focused ultrasound heart examination in patients with COVID-19 in Prone-position.

Aim of the study. To study the experience of using focused transthoracic echocardiography in patients with COVID-19 in prone position (fEchoPr) in intensive care units (ICU). Materials and methods. The retrospective observational study included 53 patients (period from 15 April to 31 December 2020). Inclusion criteria: confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, availability of fEchoPr data, outcome certainty (discharge/death). We analyzed electronic medical records. The fEchoPr was performed in patients in the prone position with a bolster under the left side of the chest and left arm raised ('swimmer's position'). We assessed the systolic function of the right ventricle (RV) (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)), RV size, RV/LV ratio, systolic function of the left ventricle (LV) (left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral. (LVOT VTI)), and pulmonary hypertension (PH) (tricuspid regurgitation peak gradient (PGTR). Depending on the results, the patients were divided into 2 groups: informative (+fEchoPr) and non-informative (-fEchoPr) examinations. Results. There was no statistically significant difference in the groups (+fEcho n = 35 vs -fEcho n = 18) by age (65.6 +/- 15.3 vs 60.2 +/- 15.8, p > 0.05), by gender (male: 23 (65.7%) vs 14 (77.8%), p > 0.05), by body mass index (31.3 +/- 5.3 kg/m2 vs 29.5 +/- 5.4 kg/m2, p > 0.05), by mechanical ventilation support (24 (68.6%) vs 17 (94.4%), p = 0.074), by NEWS scale indicators (6.9 +/- 3.7 vs 8.5 +/- 3.5 points), by mortality (82.8% vs 94.4%, p > 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a moderate inverse relationship between being on mechanical ventilation and the informative value of the study (Spearman's r = -0.30 at p = 0.033). In the +fEchoPr group, the correct measurement of TAPSE and RV/LV was carried out in 100%: a decrease in RV systolic function was recorded in 5 patients (14%), expansion of the RV in 13 patients (37%). Signs of PH were detected in 11 patients (31%), PGTR could not be measured in 10 patients (28%). LV systolic dysfunction was detected in 7 patients (20%). No pathology was detected in 16 patients (46%). One patient was diagnosed with infective endocarditis of native mitral valve, which was later confirmed by autopsy. Conclusion. In 66% of cases, fEchoPr examinations were informative, especially in terms of assessing the state of the right heart. fEchoPr examination is an affordable, valid and reproducible method to assess and monitor the state of the heart in ICU patients.Copyright © 2021 VIDAR Publishing House. All Rights Reserved.

COVID-19 in hemodialysis patients

Objective. Evaluation of clinical observation, the course, the risk factors, and treatment options for SARS-CoV-2 infection in hemodialysis patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease. Material and methods. The retrospective, single-center, uncontrolled study involved 231 patients (132 M/99 W) aged 61.7+/-14.7 years with COVID-19 diagnosed. The SPSS software package was used for statistical analysis. Results. 72 (31.2%) of patients died, 68 (94.4%) of them had ARDS as the main cause of death. Comparative analysis in groups with favorable and unfavorable outcomes of the disease showed that age (68.1+/- 13.2 years vs 58.7+/-14.5 years, p<0.0001) and the comorbidity index (8.8+/-2.2 vs 6.2+/-2.6, p<0.0001) were significantly higher in those who have died compared to survivors. According to CT data, they were more likely to have 3rd or 4th-degree lung damage (72.2 vs 36.5%, p<0.0001), and the minimum oxygen saturation index: 67.6+/-12.8 and 87.8+/-10.9%, respectively (p<0.0001). Somorbidity index and the need for invasive ventilation were independent predictors of the fatal outcome of COVID-19. Early administration of monoclonal antibodies to IL-6 (in the first 3 days after hospitalization) in patients with a low prevalence of the pulmonary process (CT stage 1-2) was associated with a significantly lower frequency of fatal outcome. Conclusions. SARS-CoV-2 infection in HD patients is characterized by a high rate of mortality. Predictors of severe disease in this population are comorbidity index and the need for invasive ventilation.Copyright © Infectious Diseases: News, Opinions, Training.

[COVID-19 in haemodialysis patients: result analysis of the first year of the pandemic].

BACKGROUND: Present concepts of the novel coronavirus infection prognosis in haemodialysis (HD) patients are rather controversial. There is little information on therapy efficiency and safety in such patients. We studied COVID-19 course specifics, prognostic factors associated with fatal outcomes, therapy efficiency and its transformation at different stages of the pandemic first year. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Single-centre retrospective uncontrolled study included 653 COVID-19 HD-patients treated at Moscow City Nephrology Centre from April 1 to December 31, 2020. RESULTS: This period mortality rate was 21.0%. Independent predictors of COVID-19 unfavourable outcome in HD patients were pulmonary lesion extension (CT grades 34), high comorbidity index, and mechanical ventilation. Approaches to COVID-19 treatment modified significantly at different periods. Immunomodulatory drugs (monoclonal antibodies to IL-6, corticosteroids) were used largely at later stages. With tocilizumab administration, mortality was 15.1%, tocilizumab together with dexamethasone 13.3%; without them 37.8% (р0,001). Tocilizumab administration in the first 3 days after hospitalization of patients with CT grades 12 was associated with more favourable outcomes: 1 out of 29 died vs 6 out of 20 (tocilizumab administered at later periods); p0.04. There was no significant difference in death frequency in patients with CT grades 34 depending on tocilizumab administration time. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 in HD patients can manifest in a severe course with unfavourable outcome. It is urgent to identify reliable disease outcome predictors and develop efficient treatment in this population.

The application experience of focused ultrasound heart examination in patients with COVID-19 in Prone-position

Aim of the study. To study the experience of using focused transthoracic echocardiography in patients with COVID-19 in prone position (fEchoPr) in intensive care units (ICU). Materials and methods. The retrospective observational study included 53 patients (period from 15 April to 31 December 2020). Inclusion criteria: confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19, availability of fEchoPr data, outcome certainty (discharge/death). We analyzed electronic medical records. The fEchoPr was performed in patients in the prone position with a bolster under the left side of the chest and left arm raised ('swimmer's position'). We assessed the systolic function of the right ventricle (RV) (tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE)), RV size, RV/LV ratio, systolic function of the left ventricle (LV) (left ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral. (LVOT VTI)), and pulmonary hypertension (PH) (tricuspid regurgitation peak gradient (PGTR). Depending on the results, the patients were divided into 2 groups: informative (+fEchoPr) and non-informative (-fEchoPr) examinations. Results. There was no statistically significant difference in the groups (+fEcho n = 35 vs -fEcho n = 18) by age (65.6 ± 15.3 vs 60.2 ± 15.8, p >0.05), by gender (male: 23 (65.7%) vs 14 (77.8%), p >0.05), by body mass index (31.3 ± 5.3 kg/m2 vs 29.5 ± 5.4 kg/m2, p >0.05), by mechanical ventilation support (24 (68.6%) vs 17 (94.4%), p = 0.074), by NEWS scale indicators (6.9 ± 3.7 vs 8.5 ± 3.5 points), by mortality (82.8% vs 94.4%, p >0.05). Correlation analysis revealed a moderate inverse relationship between being on mechanical ventilation and the informative value of the study (Spearman's r = −0.30 at p = 0.033). In the +fEchoPr group, the correct measurement of TAPSE and RV/LV was carried out in 100%: a decrease in RV systolic function was recorded in 5 patients (14%), expansion of the RV in 13 patients (37%). Signs of PH were detected in 11 patients (31%), PGTR could not be measured in 10 patients (28%). LV systolic dysfunction was detected in 7 patients (20%). No pathology was detected in 16 patients (46%). One patient was diagnosed with infective endocarditis of native mitral valve, which was later confirmed by autopsy. Conclusion. In 66% of cases, fEchoPr examinations were informative, especially in terms of assessing the state of the right heart. fEchoPr examination is an affordable, valid and reproducible method to assess and monitor the state of the heart in ICU patients. © 2021 VIDAR Publishing House. All Rights Reserved.

COVID-19 in hemodialysis patients

Objective. Evaluation of clinical observation, the course, the risk factors, and treatment options for SARS-CoV-2 infection in hemodialysis patients with end-stage chronic kidney disease. Material and methods. The retrospective, single-center, uncontrolled study involved 231 patients (132 M/99 W) aged 61.7±14.7 years with COVID-19 diagnosed. The SPSS software package was used for statistical analysis. Results. 72 (31.2%) of patients died, 68 (94.4%) of them had ARDS as the main cause of death. Comparative analysis in groups with favorable and unfavorable outcomes of the disease showed that age (68.1± 13.2 years vs 58.7±14.5 years, p<0.0001) and the comorbidity index (8.8±2.2 vs 6.2±2.6, p<0.0001) were significantly higher in those who have died compared to survivors. According to CT data, they were more likely to have 3rd or 4th-degree lung damage (72.2 vs 36.5%, p<0.0001), and the minimum oxygen saturation index: 67.6±12.8 and 87.8±10.9%, respectively (p<0.0001). Сomorbidity index and the need for invasive ventilation were independent predictors of the fatal outcome of COVID-19. Early administration of monoclonal antibodies to IL-6 (in the first 3 days after hospitalization) in patients with a low prevalence of the pulmonary process (CT stage 1-2) was associated with a significantly lower frequency of fatal outcome. Conclusions. SARS-CoV-2 infection in HD patients is characterized by a high rate of mortality. Predictors of severe disease in this population are comorbidity index and the need for invasive ventilation. © Infectious Diseases: News, Opinions, Training.

Risk factors of adverse outcome of COVID-19 and experience of tocilizumab administration in patients on maintenance hemodialysis due to diabetic kidney disease

BACKGROUND: Patients with Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) and patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) are at a high risk of adverse clinical course of COVID-19. To date, the causes of high mortality in these groups are not fully understood. Data about peculiarity of clinical course and Tocilizumab (TCZ) administration in patients with T2DM receiving MHD due to outcome of diabetic kidney disease (DKD) are not yet highlighted in current publications. AIMS: Identification of risk factors (RF) of adverse COVID-19 outcome and evaluation of TCZ administration in patients with T2DM receiving MHD due to DKD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients treated in Moscow City Hospital №52 were included in retrospective observational study. The observation period was from 04.15 to 07.30 2020. The study endpoints were the outcomes of hospitalization - discharge or lethal outcome. Data were collected from electronic medical database. The following independent variables were analysed: gender, age, body mass index, time from the onset of symptoms to hospital admission, cardiovascular and general comorbidity (Charlson Index, CCI), cardiovascular event (CVE) during hospitalization, treatment in ICU, mechanical ventilation (MV), degree of lung damage according to CT data, level of prandial glycemia at admission, MHD-associated parameters (vintage, type of vascular access, frequency of complications). The autopsy reports were evaluated for the purpose of lethal structure investigation. In a subgroup treated TCZ the time from symptoms onset to TCZ administration and number of laboratory indicators were evaluated. RESULTS: 53 patients were included, mean age 68 ±9 y, males - 49%. General mortality in observation cohort was 45%, mortality in ICU - 81%, mortality on MV - 95%. High cardiovascular and general comorbidity was revealed (mean CCI - 8,3 ±1,5 points). The causes of outcomes according to autopsy reports data: CVE 37,5% (among them - acute myocardial infarction during hospitalization), severe respiratory failure - 62,5%. The independent predictors of lethal outcome were: MV (OR 106;95% CI 11,5-984;р <0,001), 3-4 degree of lung damage according to CT data (ОR 6,2;95% CI 1,803-21,449;р = 0,005), CVE during hospitalization (ОR 18,9;95% CI 3,631-98,383;р <0,001);CCI ≥10 points (ОR 4,33;95% CI 1,001-18,767;р = 0,043), level of prandial glycemia at admission ≥10 mmol/l (ОR 10,4;95% CI 2,726-39,802;р <0,001). For risk identification of upcoming lethal outcome a predictive model was created with the use of discovered RF as variables. The predictive value of this model is 92,45% (positive prognostic value - 96,5%, negative prognostic value - 87,5%). In TCZ treated subgroup the laboratory markers of adverse outcome were detected with application of correlation analysis. Among them: increasing level of CPR 24-48 hours before lethal outcome (r = 0,82), the reduction of lymphocytes count after TCZ administration (r = -0,49), increasing of leukocytes and further reduction of lymphocytes count 24-48 hours before lethal outcome (r = 0,55 и r = -0,52, resp.)). CONCLUSIONS: The number of RF of adverse COVID-19 outcome in patients with T2DM receiving MHD due to DKD are identified. CVE is one of the leading causes of mortality in study cohort. According to our experience the preventive (instead of rescue) strategy of TCZ administration should be used.

Covid-19-associated cardiac damage in patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Case reports and review of the literature

A brief review of current publications about incidence, outcomes and mechanisms of cardiovascular complications in patients with the new coronaviral disease (COVID-19) is given. The possibility of direct deleterious viral effect on the myocardium, negative consequences of cytokine storm, the role of hypoxemia complicating acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), myocardial infarction 1,2 type (MI 1, 2), hypercoagulation, systolic disfunction of right ventricle due to ARDS, recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE) and cardiotoxic effects of drug therapy is discussed. Three case reports of cardiac injury in patients on maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) with COVID-19 are presented. The first case demonstrated MI 2 type due to ischemic imbalance in a patient with severe ARDS in the absence of obstructive coronary arteries lesion. The second case represented coexistent affection of heart as a result of viral myocarditis and cardiotoxic effect of Azithromycin and Plaquenil co-administration. The viral myocarditis was proven by postmortem histological and immunohistochemical tests. The third case demonstrated the diagnostic quest in a patient with recurrent dyspnea due to sequential severe ARDS, viral hemorrhagic exudative pericarditis with cardiac tamponade and PE progression. Currently three basic phenotypes of cardiac injury are distinguished: permanent elevation of myocardial damage markers, MI 1, 2 Type and viral myo/pericarditis. Of note, the course of COVID-19 in patients on MHD is more complicated in comparison with the general population. The initial vulnerability of these patients is determined not only by severe co-morbidity. Some interconfounding pathophysiological processes same to COVID-19 are critically important for the understanding of the current state of the art. The crucial role of persistent chronic inflammation, coagulopathy, pulmonary hypertension, permanent hemodynamic stress and fluctuation of volemic status should also be taken into consideration. MHD by itself is a powerful risk factor which overburdens the course of COVID-19. Статья содержит краткий обзор текущих публикаций, касающихся распространенности, исходов и механизмов формирования сердечно-сосудистых осложнений у пациентов с новой коронавирусной инфекцией (COVID-19). Обсуждаются возможность прямого повреждающего действия вируса на миокард, негативные последствия цитокинового шторма, роль гипоксемии, осложняющей течение острого респираторного дистресс синдрома (ОРДС), развитие инфарктов миокарда 1 и 2 типов (ИМ 1, 2), гиперкоагуляции, систолической дисфункции правого желудочка на фоне ОРДС, рецидивирующей тромбоэмболии легочной артерии (ТЭЛА) и кардиотоксические эффекты медикаментозной терапии. Представлено описание трех клинических случаев поражения сердца у пациентов, находящихся на лечении программным гемодиализом (ПГД). В первом случае продемонстрировано развитие ИМ 2 типа вследствие ишемического дисбаланса у пациента с тяжелым ОРДС без обструктивного поражения коронарных артерий сердца. Во втором случае показано сочетанное поражение сердца у пациента с верифицированным вирусным миокардитом и кардиотоксическим эффектом совместного применения азитромицина и плаквенила. Вирусный миокардит был подтвержден при аутопсии с последующим проведением гистологического и иммунногистохимического исследований. Третий случай демонстрирует диагностический поиск причин рецидивирующего одышечного синдрома у пациента с последовательным развитием тяжелого ОРДС, вирусного геморрагического экссудативного перикардита, осложненного тампонадой сердца, и ТЭЛА. В обсуждении клинических случаев подчеркивается широкое распространение поражения сердца при COVID-19. Выделяется 3 основных фенотипа вовлечения сердца в патологический процесс: стойкое повышение концентрации маркеров повреждения миокарда, развитие ИМ 1, 2 типов и вирусные мио/перикардиты. Отмечается, что COVID-19 протекает значительно тяжелее у пациентов на ПГД по сравнению с общей популяцией. Стартовая уязвимость диализных пациентов для новой коронавирусной инфекции обусловлена не только исходно тяжелой коморбидностью. Крайне важным является наличие взаимоотягощающих патофизиологических процессов, синергичных таковым при COVID-19. Решающую роль играют персистирующие в диализной популяции процессы хронического воспаления, коагулопатия, легочная гипертензия, перманентный гемодинамический стресс и колебания волемического статуса. ПГД как таковой представляется мощным фактором риска, отягощающим течение COVID-19.