NO-mediated Vascular Function in Covid-19 Patient

Summary

The 2019 coronavirus-induced infection (COVID-19) has caused a pandemic that has spread worldwide. Up to date, many subjects affected by the virus report important sequelae on different organs increasing morbidity and exacerbating previous pathological conditions. Mortality is also increased in cases of comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes. COVID-19 infection is caused by Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Concerning the specific interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with the cardiovascular system, we know that this virus enters the body through the receptors for the conversion of angiotensin II (ACE2r) that are present in the lungs, heart, intestinal epithelium and vascular endothelium. This receptor's availability suggests a multi-organ involvement with a consequent multi-organ dysfunction, as found in patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Furthermore, poor vascular peripheral function -usually correlated with old age and long periods of bed rest or hypomobility- is a distinguishing characteristic of the population affected by COVID-19, as well. Thus, it is reasonable to expect that peripheral vascular function, already deteriorated by aging and common age-related diseases, can be further compromised by COVID-19 and by the forced hypomobility, typically experienced during the acute phase of the disease.

The main aim of this project will be to investigate the peripheral NO-mediated vascular function in the leg of patients recovering from Covid-19 pneumonia.

A significant vascular dysfunction is expected to be found in post COVID individuals and to be correlated to the relevant clinical variables.

Conditions

• COVID-19 Pneumonia

Interventions

DIAGNOSTIC_TEST

Single passive leg movement

The investigation consists of a non-invasive evaluation by ultrasounds performed on the common femoral artery investigating the speed of arterial blood flow \[Leg Blood Flow LBF\] and diameter of vessel with a dedicated ultrasound system (General Electric Medical Systems, Milwaukee, WI) using Doppler method, before and after a passive flexion-extension movement of the knee. A linear probe will be used with a frequency of 5 MHz. Using the diameter of the artery and the average volume (Vmean), the LBF will be calculated every second with the formula=Average volume\*PiGreco\*(vessel diameter / 2)2\*60. The subject will be placed in a sitting position for 20 minutes before the test. The protocol consists of image acquisition for 60 seconds (basal measurement), followed by a passive flexion-extension of the knee (single passive leg movement). The knee flexion will be performed by health care personnel at a rate of 1 Hz. At the end of the movement, the recording will continue for 60 seconds.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Universita di Verona

  collaborator OTHER

• Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri SpA

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Mara Paneroni, PT · Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS

Eligibility

Min Age

30 Years

Max Age

80 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2020-05-30

Primary Completion

2021-04-30

Completion

2021-05-10

Countries

• Italy

Study Locations