Comparison of the clinical features and therapeutics of COVID-19 in cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CCVD) and non-CCVD patients

Abstract

Cardio-cerebrovascular disease (CCVD) is a major comorbidity of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the clinical characteristics and outcomes remain unclear. In this study, 102 cases of COVID-19 from January 22, 2020 to March 26, 2020 in Xixi Hospital of Hangzhou were included. Twenty cases had pre-existing CCVD. Results showed that compared with non-CCVD patients, those with CCVD are more likely to develop severe disease (15% versus 1%), and the proportion of pneumonia severity index grade IV was significantly higher (25% versus 3.6%). Computed tomography images demonstrated that the proportion of multiple lobe lesion involvement was significantly higher in the CCVD group than in the non-CCVD group (90% versus 63.4%). Compared with non-CCVD group, the levels of C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, D-dimer, and serum amyloid-A were higher, whereas the total protein and arterial partial PaO 2 were lower in the CCVD group. Although no statistical difference was observed in the outcomes between groups, CCVD patients received more intensive comprehensive treatment to improve COVID-19 symptoms compared with non-CCVD patients. Integrated Chinese and Western medicine treatments have certain advantages in controlling the severe conversion rate and mortality of COVID-19. In addition, given that COVID-19 patients are usually related to coagulation disorders and thrombosis risk, the application of Chinese medicine in promoting blood circulation and removing stasis should be strengthened.

Significance of serum amyloid A for the course and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection

“…In patients with hypertension who get COVID-19, SAA levels were more elevated compared to non-hypertensive patients, which may explain why hypertension is a risk factor for severe disease (51). Patients with COVID-19 with cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases also had significantly higher levels of SAA than those without those chronic diseases (52). These findings suggest that more severe inflammation occurs in hypertensive COVID-19 patients.…”