Long-term multiple metabolic abnormalities among healthy and high-risk people following nonsevere COVID-19

• Published in: Scientific reports Vol. 13; no. 1; p. 14336
• Main Authors: Washirasaksiri, Chaiwat, Sayabovorn, Naruemit, Ariyakunaphan, Pinyapat, Kositamongkol, Chayanis, Chaisathaphol, Thanet, Sitasuwan, Tullaya, Tinmanee, Rungsima, Auesomwang, Chonticha, Nimitpunya, Pongpol, Woradetsittichai, Diana, Chayakulkeeree, Methee, Phoompoung, Pakpoom, Mayurasakorn, Korapat, Sookrung, Nitat, Tungtrongchitr, Anchalee, Wanitphakdeedecha, Rungsima, Muangman, Saipin, Senawong, Sansnee, Tangjittipokin, Watip, Sanpawitayakul, Gornmigar, Nopmaneejumruslers, Cherdchai, Vamvanij, Visit, Phisalprapa, Pochamana, Srivanichakorn, Weerachai
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 31.08.2023; Nature Publishing Group; Nature Portfolio
• Subjects: 692/699/2743/137; 692/699/2743/2037; 692/699/2743/2099; 692/699/2743/2815; 692/699/2743/393; C-reactive protein; COVID-19; COVID-19 vaccines; Dyslipidemia; Humanities and Social Sciences; Lipid metabolism; Lipids; Low density lipoprotein; Metabolism; multidisciplinary; Science; Science (multidisciplinary)
• ISSN: 2045-2322; 2045-2322
• DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41523-5

Few studies have identified the metabolic consequences of the post-acute phase of nonsevere COVID-19. This prospective study examined metabolic outcomes and associated factors in nonsevere, RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19. The participants’ metabolic parameters, the prevalence of long-term multiple metabolic abnormalities (≥ 2 components), and factors influencing the prevalence were assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months post-onset. Six hundred individuals (mean age 45.5 ± 14.5 years, 61.7% female, 38% high-risk individuals) with nonsevere COVID-19 attended at least one follow-up visit. The prevalence of worsening metabolic abnormalities was 26.0% for BMI, 43.2% for glucose, 40.5% for LDL-c, 19.1% for liver, and 14.8% for C-reactive protein. Except for lipids, metabolic-component abnormalities were more prevalent in high-risk hosts than in healthy individuals. The prevalence of multiple metabolic abnormalities at the 6-month follow-up was 41.3% and significantly higher in high-risk than healthy hosts (49.2% vs 36.5%; P  = 0.007). Factors independently associated with a lower risk of these abnormalities were being female, having dyslipidemia, and receiving at least 3 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. These findings suggest that multiple metabolic abnormalities are the long-term consequences of COVID-19. For both high-risk and healthy individuals with nonsevere COVID-19, healthcare providers should monitor metabolic profiles, encourage healthy behaviors, and ensure complete vaccination.