Long COVID in Uganda: Electrographic findings among patients at risk

• Main Authors: Andrew Weil Semulimi (Author), Charles Batte (Author), Daniel Iraguha (Author), Pamela Apio Okwir (Author), Hope Atuhaire (Author), Chelsea Lipoto (Author), Tonny Muwonge (Author), Norah Namirembe (Author), Grace Biyinzika Lubega (Author), Provia Ainembabazi (Author), John Mukisa (Author), Felix Bongomin (Author), Isaac Ssinabulya (Author), Emmy Okello (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Wiley, 2023-06-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Abstract Background COVID‐19 has a significant cardiovascular involvement. An electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities among people at a risk of Long COVID in Uganda was investigated. Methods A cross‐sectional study was conducted from February to June 2022 at the post COVID‐19 clinic in Mulago National Specialized Hospital, Kampala. A standard resting ECG was performed on individuals at least 2 months following acute COVID‐19, with a negative SARS‐CoV‐2 reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction. Socio‐demographic and clinical characteristics as well as vital signs were recorded for all study participants. Results Of the 244 study participants, 117 (47.9%) were female. The median age of all the participants was 33.0 (interquartile range: 26.0-43.5) years. Twenty‐five (10.2%) participants had a history of smoking, whereas 117 (48%) had a history of alcohol intake. In total, 46 (18.9%) had abnormal ECG findings (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 14.39-24.29), and nonspecific T‐wave inversion (n = 16, 34%) was the most frequent ECG abnormality. The proportion of participants with ECG abnormalities was 48% lower among females (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR]: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.28-0.96, p value <0.05) and twofold greater for those with a history of smoking (aPR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.096-3.776, p value <0.05). Conclusion One in five Ugandans who were checked at the clinic at a risk of Long COVID showed ECG abnormalities. ECG screening is suggested to be integrated into the follow‐up care of those at a risk of Long COVID.

Item Description

2769-2450
10.1002/puh2.78