Biochemical predictors of preclinical arteriosclerosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after COVID-19

Abstract

This article presents the findings of an open, comparative, prospective study aimed to investigate the state of vascular endothelial function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who have recovered from COVID-19, and to assess the potential for long-term prediction of preclinical atherosclerosis development.Materials and methods. A total of 133 COPD patients were examined under outpatient conditions: the main group (n=90), with a history of COVID-19, and a comparison group (n=43). Participants were examined twice: V1 - initial examination from 3 weeks to three months post-infection, V2 - a follow-up examination 12 months after the first visit. Based on the CAVI index values at point V2, the main group was divided into 2 subgroups. The state of vascular endothelial function was assessed using volume sphygmomanometry and by determining the concentration of biochemical markers in the blood.Results. In the main group at point V2, the studied parameters of arterial stiffness were significantly higher compared to the comparison group (aortic pulse wave velocity, cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) on the right and left, augmentation indices on the brachial and carotid arteries). At point V1, in the 1st subgroup (R-CAVI≥8.5 units), the concentration of biomarkers such as endothelin-1, total homocysteine, monocyte chemoattractant protein, vascular endothelial growth factor, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6,10 was significantly higher than in the 2nd subgroup (R-CAVI<8.5 units). Conclusion. Taking into account the results obtained, a mathematical model for predicting preclinical atherosclerosis in COPD patients 12 months after COVID-19 was developed, which can be applied by clinicians in the long-term assessment of cardiovascular risk. Key words: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COVID-19, sphygmomanometry, predictors, prognosis, CAVI index> ˂ 8.5 units).Conclusion. Taking into account the results obtained, a mathematical model for predicting preclinical atherosclerosis in COPD patients 12 months after COVID-19 was developed, which can be applied by clinicians in the long-term assessment of cardiovascular risk.