RISK FACTORS AND ANTIBODY RESPONSE ASSOCIATED WITH LONG COVID: LONGITUDINAL COHORT STUDY

Authors

  • Iulia NEDELCU “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
  • Eliza MILITARU “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
  • Anca DAMALAN “Fundeni” Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania
  • C. BĂICUȘ “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
  • Laura MARIN “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
  • Adriana HRISTEA “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania

Abstract

Aims: Although numerous studies assess risk factors for long COVID, data on humoral response are scarce and discordant. This study aimed to determine if serum antibody titers are associated with long COVID and to analyze demographic characteristics, comorbidities, treatment, and disease severity influencing its development. Materials and methods: We included 80 unvaccinated COVID-19 patients who contracted the disease in early 2020. Clinical data and serum samples were collected at inclusion, 33±10 days (visit 1), and 91±19 days (visit 2) post-symptom onset for symptomatic patients, and post-diagnosis for asymptomatic patients. Symptoms were tracked via questionnaires at each visit and one month after the second visit by telephone. Serum samples were analyzed to measure IgG antibodies using indirect chemiluminescent immunoassay technology. Results: We found 53.7% (CI95%, 42.2-65; p=0.57) of patients experienced long COVID. Female gender (OR, 1.95; CI95%, 1.12-3.41; p=0.01) and pre-existing comorbidities (OR, 1.56; CI95%, 1.02-2.38; p=0.04) were significantly associated with long COVID symptoms. Importantly, patients with long COVID had higher overall median antibody levels at both follow-up visits. While this difference was not statistically significant, it suggests a trend worth further investigation. Conclusions: Understanding the risk factors associated with long COVID could provide valuable insights for managing and potentially decreasing its incidence in the future.

Author Biographies

  • Iulia NEDELCU, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania

    “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals”, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Bucharest, Romania

  • Eliza MILITARU, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania

    “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals”, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Bucharest, Romania

  • Anca DAMALAN, “Fundeni” Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania

    Department of Prevention and Control of Nosocomial Infections

  • C. BĂICUȘ, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania

    “Colentina” Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
    Department of Internal Medicine

  • Laura MARIN, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania

    “Colentina” Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
    Department of Internal Medicine

  • Adriana HRISTEA, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania

    “Prof. Dr. Matei Bals”, National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Bucharest, Romania

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Additional Files

Published

2024-09-18

Issue

Section

INTERNAL MEDICINE - PEDIATRICS