COVID-19 Guidance from the GenTAC Alliance
COVID-19 Guidance from the Marfan Foundation
In light of the current public health crisis due to COVID-19, The Marfan Foundation is providing regular updates for the Marfan, VEDS, Loeys-Dietz, and related condition community. Their Professional Advisory Board has collaborated with us to bring you the best medical information on COVID-19 in relation to our community. Click here to visit The Marfan Foundation page for COVID-19 updates.
Guidance on ACE- Inhibitors and COVID-19
There have been theoretical concerns related to the use of ACE-inhibitors and ARBS in the setting of COVID 19. The ACC is recommending no changes in medical management at this time. Click here for the link to current ACC recommendations (published 3/17).
Common ARB’s: losartan, irbesartan, valsartan, olmesartan, telmisartan
Common ACE Inhibitors: lisinopril, enalapril, captopril, ramipril
COVID-19 Vaccine Q & A from Dr. Kim Eagle
Is the COVID vaccine recommended for people with Marfan, Loeys-Dietz, and VEDS? Which vaccine should they take? Are the side effects worse if you have one of these conditions? If someone with Marfan or a related condition gets COVID, are the symptoms worse? Dr. Kim Eagle, Chair of the GenTAC Alliance, answers the most common questions we are asked about COVID and the COVID vaccines.
Tip of the Week
In this week’s tip, Dr. Kim Eagle responds to common questions on COVID-19. These include patient concerns about whether there is increased risk of an aortic dissection or rupture in a person who has a genetic aortic condition if they contract COVID-19. He also reminds patients that if they have any symptoms that could be related to an aortic event, they should still visit the emergency room. Finally, he urges everyone to get their flu shot this year.
In this week’s tip, Dr. Kim Eagle discusses the importance of continuing use of prescribed angiotosin receptor blocking medication (such as losartan, irbesartan, valsartan, olmesartan, telmisartan) and ACE inhibitors (lisinopril, enalapril, captopril, ramipriland), despite early reports that these medications may increase risk or severity of COVID-19.
Influenza Infection and Aortic Dissection
GenTAC Alliance researchers have contributed to a new article describing their isolation of influenza virus from the wall of dissected aorta. This article discusses the possible interactions between aortic dissection and influenza virus and possibility of winter spikes in acute aortic dissections being connected to influenza virus and not just the cold weather.
