Relationship of right ventricular functions with in-hospital and 1 year later mortality in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the association of right ventricular function with in-hospital mortality and mortality 1 year after discharge in patients hospitalized for COVID-19 pneumonia.

Methods: The study was conducted in Van Yuzuncu Yil University Faculty of Medicine hospital between February 10, 2021 and August 10, 2022. A total of 156 patients hospitalized in intensive care and wards due to COVID-19 pneumonia were included in this study. Echocardiography was performed in all patients.

Results: Among the demographic findings of the patients included in the study, male gender, patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU), patients receiving O₂ support, and smokers were found to have higher mortality rates during hospitalization. At the end of 1 year, the mortality rate was higher in patients who were hospitalized in the ICU received O₂ support and had diabetes mellitus. Among echocardiographic findings, those with a low left ventricular ejection fraction had higher early and 1-year mortality rates. Of the right ventricular functions, low fractional area change, high systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP), shortened pulmonary acceleration time, low right ventricle systolic wave S' velocity, increased right atrium area, and inferior vena cava diameter were found to be associated with high mortality. Increased right atrial area and inferior vena cava diameter, increased SPAP, and shortened pulmonary acceleration time were found to be significant in 1-year mortality. The presence of pericardial effusion was associated with mortality during hospitalization but not with 1-year mortality. B-type natriuretic peptide, D-dimer, and hemoglobin levels were significantly correlated with both hospital mortality and 1-year mortality.

Conclusions: In the follow-up of COVID-19 pneumonia, right ventricular function is considered to be an important factor in early and late mortality. It could be helpful to establish a follow-up program for discharged patients from the parameters involved in mortality.