POST-COVID-19 SYNDROME: INCIDENCE, BIOMARKERS, AND CLINICAL PATTERNS IN KAZAKHSTAN.

Abstract

Background: Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) remains a significant challenge in modern medicine due to its diverse clinical manifestations and long-term impact on patients' health. Identifying risk factors and biomarkers associated with PCS can facilitate early diagnosis and improve patient management.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the prevalence, diagnostic markers and clinical characteristics of post-COVID syndrome (PCS) in the Abay region.

Methods: A retrospective-prospective cohort study was conducted among 639 individuals who had recovered from COVID-19. Participants were divided into two groups: those with PCS (n=300) and those without (n=339). Clinical and demographic data, laboratory biomarkers, and vaccination history were analyzed. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression, were applied to identify key risk factors and clinical subtypes of PCS.

Results: The prevalence of PCS was 47%, with significant differences observed between groups regarding comorbid conditions, and laboratory biomarkers. PCS patients had a higher incidence of hypertension (47% vs. 23.5%, p=0.003) and diabetes mellitus (10.3% vs. 6.7%, p=0.032). Elevated alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels were associated with PCS (p=0.004), whereas hematocrit (HCT) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels were lower in PCS patients. Cluster analysis identified four distinct clinical phenotypes, emphasizing the heterogeneity of PCS manifestations. Vaccination status showed a significant inverse correlation with PCS incidence (p=0.002), suggesting a protective effect of higher vaccine doses.

Conclusion: PCS presents with a broad spectrum of symptoms, necessitating a multidisciplinary approach for optimal patient management. Identified biomarkers, including ALP, HCT, and IgG, may serve as potential indicators for PCS diagnosis. Vaccination ap-pears to reduce PCS risk, highlighting the importance of immunization in mitigating long-term COVID-19 complications. These findings contribute to a better understanding of PCS pathophysiology and provide a foundation for future research and personalized treatment strategies.