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Publications

Journal Article Epublish

PubMed: 40128677 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-025-10619-w

Early biomarkers in hospitalized patients as predictors of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a one-year cohort study.

BMC Infect Dis 25(1):398

Authors: Chithira V Nair, Malavika Krishnakumar, Georg Gutjahr, Kiran G Kulirankal, Merlin Moni, Dipu T Sathyapalan

Affiliations

  • Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of General Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India.
  • Department of Health Sciences Research, Amrita Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India.
  • Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of General Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, 682041, India.

Abstract

BACKGROUND

Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) represent a significant challenge in patient care, with symptoms persisting beyond three month's post-recovery. This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of PASC at one year post-COVID-19 and identify predictive biomarkers and comorbidities for effective risk stratification.

METHODS

A cohort of 120 adult patients, including 50 intensive care and 70 non-intensive care patients, was followed up at two weeks, six weeks, and one-year post-discharge using structured questionnaires. The study integrated comorbidities and laboratory biomarkers to forecast the risk for PASC.

RESULTS

The median age of participants was 56 years, with 40% having moderate to severe comorbidities. A year post-recovery, 32.8% exhibited post COVID-19 conditions. The most common symptoms were constitutional (16%), respiratory (8.4%), and neuropsychiatric (2.5%). Bayesian network analysis indicated significant correlations between constitutional symptoms, rehospitalisation, and biomarkers including C-reactive protein, lactate-dehydrogenase, ferritin, and albumin.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the prolonged impact of PASC, one-year post infection. It highlights the role of specific biomarkers such as C-reactive protein, lactate-dehydrogenase, ferritin, and albumin in tailoring individual patient care by advancing understanding in post-COVID-19 symptoms prediction. Our findings support the need for further research to refine these insights, which are pivotal for the ongoing care of patients in the aftermath of COVID-19.

MeSH

Comorbidity, Sars-Cov-2, Oxidoreductases, Cohort Studies, Recycling, Biomarkers, Signs And Symptoms, Covid-19, Ferritins, Patient Care, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Related Coronavirus, Communicable Diseases, Infections, Post-Acute Covid-19 Syndrome