Mid-term endothelial dysfunction post COVID-19

Abstract Introduction Cardiovascular complications of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), resulting from the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), have been documented. Endothelium-induced “cytokine storm” in critically ill COVID-19 patients is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Vascular endothelial damage caused by COVID-19 emphasizes the crucial role of endothelium in COVID-19 clinical impact. Purpose To examine the mid-term (1-month) impact of COVID-19 in endothelial function. Methods In this case control study, 20 consecutive patients who were hospitalized for COVID-19 either on Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or non-ICU were examined one month following hospital discharge. In the control group we recruited 12 consecutive subjects from the outpatient cardiology clinic. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and endothelial function was evaluated by brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD). Results There was no difference in age between COVID-19 patients and control subjects (66±12 years vs. 71±5 years, p