Potential of electrocardiogram contour analysis in predicting severe coronavirus disease 2019

Aim . To study the prognostic value of electrocardiogram (ECG) contour analysis parameters in patients with novel coronavirus infection (COronaVIrus Disease 2019, COVID-19). Material and methods . A total of 110 people diagnosed with corona-virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were included in the study. Paraclinical research data were studied as possible predictors of COVID-19 severity. Particular attention was paid to the characteristics of the P wave, QRS complex, and T wave areas in various ECG leads assessed upon admission of patients to the hospital. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 12, StatTech v. 4.7.1. Differences were considered significant at p<0,05. Results. A prognostic model was developed to determine the probability of severe COVID-19. The following parameters were included in the model: QRS complex area in lead III, QRS complex area in lead AVF and the level of C-reactive protein upon admission to the hospital. The sensitivity and specificity of the resulting prognostic model were 71,4 and 94,7%, respectively. Conclusion . To assess the ECG changes, a new technology should be used — contour analysis along with qualitative, semi-quantitative and quantitative methods for assessing the parameters.