OBJECTIVE
To investigate predictors of death within six months of non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) in post-COVID-19 patients.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Outcomes were analyzed in 185 patients treated for NSTEMI at the Demikhov City Clinical Hospital from July 2020 to March 2021. Six months after discharge from the hospital, telephone interviews were conducted with treated patients, and in the absence of the possibility of personal contact, with their next of kin. During the survey, an assessment was made of the vital status (alive/dead), the presence of repeated hospitalizations and their causes. In the event of a patient’s death, the cause of death was clarified on the basis of information received from relatives or from a unified medical information analytical system.
RESULTS
Overall mortality within 6 months after NSTEMI was 9.7% (n=18), in the COVID(+) group — 13.8% (n=13), in the COVID(–) group — 5.5% (n=5), p=0.0558. By causes of death, both groups are comparable (p>0.05). Median survival in patients in the COVID(+) group was 5.4 months (95% CI 5.1-5.7) and 5.9 months (95% CI 5.8-6.0) in patients in the COVID(–) group (χ2=5.27; p=0.0217). The deceased and survivors were comparable in terms of gender and age (p>0.05). The deceased patients had lower baseline values of SpO2, hemoglobin, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and had a higher score on the Syntax scale, C-reactive protein (CRP), creatinine (p<0.05). Patients had a history of COVID-19 in 72.2% (n=13) of lethal cases (p=0.0554). In 72.2% (n=13) of patients with a fatal outcome, multivessel coronary artery disease was noted (p<0.0001). With the development of NSTEMI within 28 days of COVID-19 disease, there was an increase in the risk of death (RR 33.2; p<0.0001). Predictors of the development of a lethal outcome after 6 months were an increase in the titer of IgG to SARS-CoV-2 ≥ 234.9 U/l, CRP ≥ 17.3 mg/l, a decrease in prothrombin time <9.5 s, GFR < 46.9 ml/l min/1.73 m2.
CONCLUSION
Patients who survived COVID-19 showed a trend towards a higher incidence of deaths within 6 months. The development of a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction within 28 days of the onset of COVID-19 symptoms was accompanied by a significant increase in the chances of death within 6 months. A significant impact on the risk of death within 6 months was exerted by an increased level of C-reactive protein and IgG to SARS-CoV-2, a decrease in prothrombin time and glomerular filtration rate.
