.png){kind=logo}
Long-term Clinical and Biochemical Alterations in Mild-to-Moderate COVID-19 Survivors: A Case-Control Study from South India.
Keywords:
COVID-19, Long COVID, Post-acute sequelae, Biochemical markers, Liver enzymes, Renal function, DyslipidemiaAbstract
Background: COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has evolved from a predominantly respiratory illness to a multisystem disease with long-term clinical and biochemical sequelae, now recognized as Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) or Long COVID. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term changes in biochemical parameters among individuals who recovered from mild to moderate COVID-19.
Objectives: To evaluate key biochemical parameters in post-COVID-19 patients.
To determine the clinical implications across different organ systems.
Methods: A case-control study was conducted from May 2022 to May 2023 at ACSR Government College and Hospital, Nellore. Fifty recovered COVID-19 patients (≥12 weeks post-infection) were compared with 50 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. All participants underwent a comprehensive biochemical assessment including inflammatory, hematological, hepatic, pancreatic, renal, and lipid parameters. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v25.0, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05.
Results: COVID-19 survivors exhibited significantly elevated inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR, D-dimer, PT; p < 0.001) and hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT; p < 0.001). Pancreatic enzymes (amylase, lipase) and renal markers (urea, creatinine, uric acid) were also significantly higher, with reduced eGFR (p = 0.025).
The lipid profile showed increased total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides in survivors compared to controls (p < 0.001). Haematological changes included elevated WBC and RBC counts and reduced haematocrit and MCHC.
Conclusion: Recovered COVID-19 patients demonstrated persistent biochemical abnormalities across multiple organ systems even months after infection, despite mild to moderate disease severity. These findings underscore the importance of long-term follow-up and biochemical surveillance to monitor post-COVID complications and guide clinical management strategies.
