Sars-cov-2 infection and autonomic dysfunction - pressure liability at covid-19

A 53-year-old male, hypertensive and with bronchitis, was admitted to the emergency department on December 15, 2020 due to flu-like symptoms, fever and headache that started eight days ago. After finding significant lung involvement by chest computed tomography (CT) suggestive of SARS-CoV2 virus infection, the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit. He was intubated on the tenth day of hospitalization, and, 2 days later, he evolved with significant pressure lability, using norepinephrine and nitroprusside, in addition to other antihypertensive drugs, as needed. The predominant state was hypertension, expressed mainly when there is interference from the patient's position in bed. The highest pressure value recorded was 240x90 mmHg. Dysautonomy was also manifested by the absence of stools, excessive sweating and muscle spasms. Heart rate remains stable and within normal limits. From the thirtieth day of hospitalization onwards, there was an evolution with progressive improvement and restoration of homeostasis. He was discharged after 59 days of hospitalization, without sequelae. The most reasonable explanation for the case is the increase in peripheral vascular resistance, due to the action of angiotensin II, associated with the suppression of the parasympathetic system, which also explains the incompetence of the baroreflex to compensate the heart rate. Additionally, the patient was using carvedilol. This case emphasizes the importance of tools that early identify dysautonomy, prepare the team. Vagal stimulation can be an effective therapeutic option, but further studies are needed