Cardiac Damage in Patients Infected with Different SARS-CoV-2 Variants
Author Information
Author(s): Burkert Francesco, Oberhollenzer Martina, Kresse Daniela, Niederreiter Sarah, Filippi Vera, Lanser Lukas, Weiss Günter, Bellmann-Weiler Rosa
Primary Institution: Medical University of Innsbruck
Hypothesis
How do different SARS-CoV-2 variants affect cardiac biomarkers and clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients?
Conclusion
Patients infected with the Omicron variant showed higher levels of cardiac biomarkers compared to those infected with the wild-type or Alpha variants, indicating greater cardiac involvement.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients infected with the Omicron variant had higher hs-TnT levels compared to those with the wild-type or Alpha variants.
- More patients with Omicron had elevated NT-proBNP levels, indicating greater cardiac stress.
- Despite higher cardiac biomarker levels, in-hospital mortality rates were similar between the two groups.
Takeaway
This study found that people with COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant had more heart damage than those with earlier variants, even though they didn't die more often.
Methodology
A single-center retrospective cohort analysis comparing biomarkers and clinical outcomes in hospitalized patients infected with different SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the retrospective design and exclusion of patients with incomplete data.
Limitations
The study was conducted at a single center, which may limit the generalizability of the findings, and it did not account for all potential confounding factors such as vaccination status.
Participant Demographics
The mean age of participants was 66.07 years, with 60% being male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.03–3.99
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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