The Effect of Pulmonary Hypertension on Mortality and Intensive Care Unit Admission in Patients With SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Aim Severe COVID-19 can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome, hypoxia, systemic complications, and increased mortality. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a major global health issue associated with worsening symptoms and increased mortality. This systematic review aimed to assess the influence of PH onset among COVID-19 patients on all-cause mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Method An unrestricted search of five databases up to June 2022 was undertaken. Pulmonary hypertension was assessed using transthoracic echocardiogram, computed tomography, or right heart catheterisation. After duplicate screening, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment, random effects meta-analyses of odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) were performed for all-cause mortality and ICU admission. Results From the 26 studies that were included (3,373 patients, 76% males, median age 62.6 years), PH in COVID-19 patients was significantly associated with higher odds for all-cause mortality (26 studies; OR 3.89; 95% CI 2.85–5.31; p<0.001) and higher odds for ICU admission (six studies; OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.69–3.70; p<0.001). Meta-regression/subgroup analyses by patient demographics, comorbidities, or therapeutic regimens, and sensitivity analyses did not find any differences. Conclusion Evidence from observational studies indicates that PH in COVID-19 patients is associated with increased odds of mortality and ICU admission.