Early biomarkers in hospitalized patients as predictors of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a one-year cohort study, 2025, Nair et al

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

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

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.

Link | PDF (BMC Infectious Diseases) [Open Access]

 

Interesting to see iron come up again as differentiating hospitalized LC vs. hospitalized recovered patients.

Ferritin was noted in Hanson et al.

A study I co-authored following post-hospitalization COVID-19 cases also found that hemoglobin and hematocrit during hospitalization were correlated with convalescent physical function.