The study concluded:
- The multivariate logistic regression analysis identified independent predictors, including age ≥65, atrial fibrillation, cerebrovascular disease, D-dimer quartiles, hs-cTnI categories (<18, >18-99, and >100 ng/L), and ARDS
- Patients with cardiac injury were more likely to have elevated D-dimer levels (1.9 vs 1.1 mg/ml, p <0.001), raising the possibility of microthrombi formation as another mechanism by which cardiac injury occurs
- Using presenting hs-cTnI trends, patients with higher levels by categories ≤18 ng/L, >18−99 ng/L, and ≥100 ng/L were more likely to develop in-hospital complications and adverse events including acute kidney injury, need for renal replacement therapy, mechanical ventilation, ICU transfer, and mortality
- Patients with higher peak hs-cTnI levels during admission had significantly higher rates of mechanical ventilation or death
Overall, the presence of cardiovascular risk factors was associated with an increased risk of developing cardiac injury in patients admitted with COVID-19. The extent of cardiac injury was associated with worse outcomes, including mortality.