ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY FOR ASSESSING CARDIAC FUNCTION IN ELDERLY ATHLETES WITH ACUTE SEVERE INFECTIONS AND CYTOKINE STORM

Abstract

Objective: This study assesses the utility of echocardiography for cardiac monitoring in elderly athletes experiencing acute severe infections complicated by cytokine storms. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 30 elderly athletes admitted with acute severe infections and cytokine storm from January 2019 to January 2020. All patients underwent echocardiographic evaluation, with comprehensive documentation and analysis of clinical, hematological, electrocardiographic, and echocardiographic parameters across different stages of their condition. Results: Significant changes were observed in various clinical parameters during the infection. At the onset, there was an increase in heart rate and body temperature, with a concurrent decrease in peripheral oxygen saturation, diastolic and systolic blood pressure (P<0.05). Post-remission, these parameters showed marked improvement (P<0.05). Blood analysis indicated significant elevations in specific markers at the onset compared to pre-onset, with reductions post-remission (P<0.05). ECG analysis revealed an increased incidence of arrhythmias such as ventricular and atrial premature contractions, and new ST-T changes at the onset, which decreased significantly post-remission (P<0.05). Echocardiographically, parameters such as left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and a-peak were reduced at the onset, whereas left ventricular end-diastolic and systolic volumes (LVEDV, LVESV), and dimensions of the left atrium and right ventricle (LAEDD, RVEDD) were increased, with significant normalization post-remission (P<0.05). Conclusion: Echocardiography proves to be an invaluable tool in monitoring cardiac function in elderly athletes with severe infections complicated by cytokine storms. It provides critical insights into the dynamic cardiac changes associated with the severity and remission of the condition, underscoring its significance in clinical applications. The precise monitoring offered by echocardiography facilitates targeted interventions, potentially enhancing recovery and minimizing the cardiac impact of severe systemic infections.