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A cross-sectional study of laboratory parameters 5-6 months after the first COVID-19 infection
Taja Zore1, Jasna Lojk2, Katarina Reberšek3
1Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Insights
Long COVID aftermath reveals lingering correlations between disease severity and specific lab markers, including immune cells and proteins, 5-6 months post-infection. These findings highlight potential indicators of persistent effects or pre-existing conditions influencing COVID-19 outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Hematology
Background:
- Limited research exists on the long-term consequences of COVID-19.
- Understanding post-infection sequelae is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess COVID-19 resolution by analyzing laboratory parameters 5-6 months post-infection.
- To identify potential biomarkers associated with COVID-19 disease severity.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 92 biochemical, hematological, and immunological parameters.
- Study included 75 non-vaccinated patients 5-6 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Demographic and disease severity data collected via surveys.
Main Results:
- Most laboratory parameters normalized within 5-6 months.
- Fifteen parameters showed significant correlations with disease severity.
- Correlated parameters included immune cells (B lymphocytes, NK cells), cytokines (IL-12, IL-1β), cortisol, ferritin, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, and various biochemical markers (creatinine, cholesterol, HbA1c, protein fractions).
Conclusions:
- Lingering correlations between laboratory markers and disease severity suggest potential long-term organ alterations or pre-infection baseline differences.
- These findings may indicate residual organ stress or damage from the acute phase.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the clinical significance of these persistent markers.
Objectives:
Despite extensive study of COVID-19 disease, only a few studies also addressed the aftermath of the disease and potential long-term consequences. The aim of this study was to assess COVID-19 resolution through the cross-sectional analysis of an extensive range of haematological and biochemical laboratory parameters and to find potential markers still associated with disease severity 5-6-months post infection.
Methods:
In this study, we analysed 92 routine biochemical, haematological and immunological parameters in 75 non-vaccinated patients 5-6 months after recorded first time SARS-CoV-2 infection without reinfection. Demographic and disease severity data were obtained through surveys.
Results:
The majority of analysed parameters were within the normal reference intervals, however, statistically significant correlations with the disease severity were detected in 15 parameters: B lymphocytes, NK cells, interleukin (IL)-12, IL-1β, cortisol, ferritin, SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG and IgM antibodies, Na, Cl, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, HbA1c and alpha 2 and beta 2 globulin fractions of the proteinogram.
Conclusions:
Although most observed parameters returned to their normal reference intervals, significant correlations were still observed with disease severity, that could indicate either the pre-infection baseline state which affected disease outcome or minor remaining alterations in function of certain organs, pertaining their stress or damage during the acute phase of the disease.
