Changes of blood D-dimer level after COVID-19 in patients with coronary heart disease

Type of funding sources: None.

Covid-19 was emerged in Wuhan and disseminated to the rest of the world. The virus may affect any kind of human organs. Aim of the study was to estimate the blood D-dimer level after Covid-19 in patients with coronary heart disease.

65 patients who were undergone Covid-19 (mild to moderate severity) without coronary heart disease (CHD; Group 1; aged 42-76 years, mean age 56.8±13.5 years) and 65 patients with CHD who was affected with Covid-19 (Group 2; aged 45-72 years, mean age 57.4±12.8 years) have been enrolled in this prospective study. Baseline characteristics were collected when first admitted to the hospital due to Covid-19, and follow-up characteristics were collected when they admitted to our hospital for the rehabilitation after undergoing Covid-19 in 3 months. Baseline and follow-up anthropometric, laboratory and instrumental data were assessed. All statistical analysis were performed by STATA software.

Mean blood D-dimer level significantly reduced in both groups (from 864 ng/mL to 475 ng/mL in the first group, P<0.05 vs. from 812 ng/mL to 452 ng/mL in the Group 2, P<0.05), however there were not observed statistically significant changes when compared to groups, P>0.05. In the first group mean D-dimer level tended to be higher in men, with high fibrinogen level, and older patients. In the second group, D-dimer level tended to be higher in patients with higher body mass index (BMI) with high fibrinogen level. In the first group in 31% of patients was observed high level of D-dimer (>500 ng/mL) after 3 months whereas in the second group elevated D-dimer level maintained in 28% of patients.

Elevated blood D-dimer level are common after Covid-19, however concomitant CHD does not effect on it. Further studies are needed to reveal mechanisms of it.