Qtc interval and electrocardiographic findings of covid-19 patients

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of using the QTc interval and electrocardiographic (ECG) findings to predict 28-day all-cause mortality in patients with COVID-19. Material and Methods: Patients aged 18 or older who visited ED with complaints of fever, cough and shortness of breath were tested using real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, were imaged with CCT, underwent ECG, and consequently, diagnosed with COVID-19 were included in this study. Results: A total of 276 patients were included in the study. When at least one comorbid disease, reduced oxygen saturation, ECG findings of prolonged QTc interval, ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation, left bundle branch block and ST segment elevation/depression or severe lung involvement (four or five lobes) on CCT scans were detected, patients had a higher 28-day all-cause mortality rate. Compared to surviving individuals, deceased patients had approximately 4.5-fold increased D-dimer levels, and approximately 5-fold increased C-reactive protein and troponin T levels. Among the deceased patients, 40% had sinus tachycardia. Discussion: Usage of comorbidities, ECG, laboratory tests and CCT together is useful for predicting 28-day all-cause mortality rate in patients diagnosed with COVID-19.