University of Edinburgh

Bristol Myers Squibb

DL-2022-005

Complications such is lung clots and irregular heart rhythm have been reported both during the acute course of the COVID-19 infection and in the months following the infection. From previous research we know that these complications are also associated with other acute illnesses. Using data from hospital records we aim to evaluate and compare the rate of complications following confirmed COVID-19 infection and other acute illnesses requiring hospitalisation.

Our knowledge about the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (COVID-19) has grown significantly over the past two years. Although the infection is mainly characterised by respiratory manifestations, cardiovascular co-morbidities and complications are not uncommon in these patients and are associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Myocarditis, cardiac arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation and venous thromboembolisms are recognised complications of the acute illness phase, but more recently these have also been reported in COVID-19 survivors who suffer from the long-term effects of the illness. Evidence so far comes mainly from case series and retrospective cohort studies with little or no follow-up beyond the index hospital presentation. Furthermore, few studies have enrolled consecutive patients or undertaken screening for cardiovascular complications systematically. As such, the cardiovascular consequences of COVID-19 are not well understood. Furthermore, we know that myocardial injury, atrial fibrillation, and venous thromboembolism are common in many acute illnesses particularly where there is a systemic inflammatory trigger. Whether these complications are more common in COVID-19 compared to patients who suffer from other systemic conditions requiring hospitalisation is not currently known.

Public Health Research

05/07/2023

Anonymous

Release