Microcirculation disturbance as a predictor of post-COVID syndrome development

Background. The novel coronavirus infection, besides its variable course ranging from asymptomatic to severe forms, may persist after the acute phase of the disease. Research aimed at identifying factors associated with the likelihood of developing post-COVID syndrome remains highly relevant.

Objective – to determine the role of peripheral microcirculation in the development of post-COVID syndrome.

Material and methods. This prospective study included 127 patients with different clinical courses of novel coronavirus infection. The control group comprised 50 practically healthy volunteers. Laser Doppler flowmetry was used to assess peripheral microcirculation within the first 72 hours from disease onset, as well as at 2 weeks, 3 months, and 12 months, to determine the type of blood flow. At 3 and 12 months after disease onset, patients completed a primary self-rated health questionnaire to identify signs of post-COVID syndrome.

Results. A congestive-stasis hemodynamic type was registered in 22 (68.75%) patients with communityacquired pneumonia and in 20 (71.43%) patients without lower respiratory tract involvement, who subsequently developed post-COVID syndrome.

Conclusion. According to the results of the occlusion test, the vast majority of patients who later experienced post-COVID syndrome exhibited a congestive-stasis hemodynamic type. Since this type indicates reduced blood flow velocity and pronounced stasis at the level of postcapillaries and venules, it can be considered one of the predictors for the development of post-COVID syndrome.

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