Biomarkers of hemodynamic status in patients with moderate and severe COVID-19

Abstract

Aim. To assess laboratory markers of hemodynamic status in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19.Materials and Methods. Here we examined 15 patients with moderate COVID-19 and 16 critically ill COVID-19 patients. The control group consisted of 20 healthy volunteers. The levels of endothelin-1, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The amounts of nitrites (NO2) and nitrates (NO3) were measured by a Griess test (an enzymatic conversion of nitrates to nitrites) with a following colorimetric analysis.Results. Measurements of endothelin-1, nitrites, and nitrates showed high variability. The levels of NT-proBNP were reduced by 65% and 50% in patients with moderate and severe COVID-19, respectively (p < 0.05). In contrast, the levels of BNP were elevated by 472% and 548% in these patient categories (p < 0.05). These results indicated increased left ventricular load and suggested a heart failure.Conclusion. Progressive increase of BNP and concurrent reduction of NT-proBNP indicate affected hemodynamics in patients with moderate and severe COVID-19.