This study states that Morbidity and mortality associated with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is substantial, and underlying cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a risk factor for severe disease.1,2 Early retrospective case series of hospitalized patients suggested that biomarkers reflecting CVD and inflammation were strongly associated with poor prognosis.1–4 These studies identified C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin, cardiac troponins, N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, and D-dimer as markers of increased risk. Retrospective studies carry significant risk of selection bias, because the indication for measurements is at the discretion of the treating physician. We aimed to overcome such limitations by prospectively investigating associations between CVD and inflammatory biomarkers and COVID-19.

COVID-MECH (COVID-19 Mechanisms Study; NCT04314232) was a prospective, observational study enrolling consecutive adult patients hospitalized with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 at Akershus University Hospital (Norway) March 18 to May 4, 2020. Study-specific consent forms were signed by participants or next-of-kin for patients unable to consent. The study was approved by local regulatory authorities. Study data are not publicly available because of Norwegian General Data Protection Regulation. The primary end point in COVID-MECH was the composite of hospital mortality or admission to the intensive care unit prompted by need for mechanical ventilation lasting >24 hours.

Reference link- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.120.050089

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