Abnormalities of Endocrine Function Tests in COVID-19-Recovered Individuals

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• COVID-19's impact on the endocrine system is linked to widespread Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2 (ACE2) receptor distribution.
• Previous studies primarily focused on endocrine changes during acute COVID-19.
• Long-term endocrine consequences in recovered individuals require comprehensive evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate endocrine abnormalities in individuals who have recovered from COVID-19.
• To assess the prevalence and types of endocrine dysfunctions post-COVID-19 recovery.
• To understand the implications for long-term endocrine and metabolic health.

Main Methods:

• Recruited 83 COVID-19-recovered individuals 8-20 weeks post-recovery.
• Stratified patients based on COVID-19 disease severity (mild vs. moderate to severe).
• Evaluated inflammatory markers and hypothalamic-pituitary axes (thyroid, adrenal, gonadal, prolactin).

Main Results:

• 53% of participants exhibited endocrine dysfunction post-COVID-19.
• Central pituitary axis dysfunction occurred in 33.7%, with prolactin alterations being most common (20.4%).
• Thyroid function abnormalities were found in 30.1%, and gonadal dysfunction in 14% of males and 6% of females.

Conclusions:

• Significant endocrine function test abnormalities persist beyond 3 months post-COVID-19 recovery.
• Findings highlight the need for careful interpretation of endocrine tests in recovered patients.
• These abnormalities have implications for the long-term endocrine and metabolic health of COVID-19 survivors.