Long-term Effects of COVID-19 on Vascular Parameters—A Prospective Longitudinal Ultrasound Clinical Study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the longitudinal effects of COVID-19 on major vascular structures and parameters and clinical outcomes. Design: Observational prospective trial. Setting: Post-COVID-19 research clinic established by University of Louisville Division of Infectious Diseases. Participants: The study population consisted of 72 post-COVID-19 individuals and 11 non-COVID-19 infected participants in the control group. The participants were recruited from adult hospitals and from the community. The enrollment started in October 2020 and follow-up periods were at 3, 6, and 12 months from their initial COVID-19 diagnosis. Interventions: The participants were interviewed for medical and COVID-19 infection history. Samples of white blood cell (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and D-dimer were taken at each visit. Certified sonographers performed vascular ultrasound on the study participants. Measurements and Main Results: Median intima-media thickness (IMT) was increased in mild/asymptomatic (0.80 mm) and severe/critical (0.90 mm) groups when compared with controls (0.60 mm; P