Nada, F., Sabry, M., Maklady, F., Tageldein, A. (2023). Pulmonary Hypertension and Functional Impairment in Exercise Capacity 3 Months after Recovery from COVID-19 Infection. Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 26(10), 54-66. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2023.397058
Fathy Nada; Mohamed Sabry; Fathi Maklady; Ahmed Tageldein. "Pulmonary Hypertension and Functional Impairment in Exercise Capacity 3 Months after Recovery from COVID-19 Infection". Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 26, 10, 2023, 54-66. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2023.397058
Nada, F., Sabry, M., Maklady, F., Tageldein, A. (2023). 'Pulmonary Hypertension and Functional Impairment in Exercise Capacity 3 Months after Recovery from COVID-19 Infection', Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 26(10), pp. 54-66. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2023.397058
Nada, F., Sabry, M., Maklady, F., Tageldein, A. Pulmonary Hypertension and Functional Impairment in Exercise Capacity 3 Months after Recovery from COVID-19 Infection. Suez Canal University Medical Journal, 2023; 26(10): 54-66. doi: 10.21608/scumj.2023.397058
Pulmonary Hypertension and Functional Impairment in Exercise Capacity 3 Months after Recovery from COVID-19 Infection
1Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, Egypt.
2Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Elahrar Hospital, Egypt.
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 infection can lead to significant cardiovascular complications, including pulmonary hypertension (PH) and functional impairment. This study investigates the prevalence and functional impairment in non-critical, non-mechanically ventilated patients three months post-recovery from COVID-19 at Suez Canal University Hospital in Ismailia City. Methods: Conducted as a cross-sectional descriptive study, it included 104 non-critically ill patients three months after recovering from COVID-19 pneumonia. Participants were categorized into mild and moderate/severe groups based on WHO criteria. We measured troponin and CRP levels at admission, performed echocardiographic assessments of the right ventricle, calculated pulmonary artery systolic pressure, and conducted a six-minute walk test to evaluate functional status. Results: Pulmonary hypertension was found in 72% of patients, with a higher prevalence in the moderate/severe group. Additionally, functional capacity impairment was more pronounced in this group. A significant negative correlation was observed between troponin I levels (r = -0.808), CRP levels (r = -0.681), pulmonary hypertension (r = -0.930), and functional status. Conclusions:PH is common in non-critical COVID-19 cases, affecting 72% of patients. There is a significant negative correlation between baseline troponin I and CRP levels, pulmonary hypertension, and functional impairment.