SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with self-reported post-acute neuropsychological symptoms within six months of follow-up

BACKGROUND

Chronic neuropsychological sequelae following SARS-CoV-2 infection, including depression, anxiety, fatigue, and general cognitive difficulties, are a major public health concern. Given the potential impact of long-term neuropsychological impairment, it is important to characterize the frequency and predictors of this post-infection phenotype.

METHODS

The Epidemiology, Immunology, and Clinical Characteristics of Emerging Infectious Diseases with Pandemic Potential (EPICC) study is a longitudinal study assessing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in U.S. Military Healthcare System (MHS) beneficiaries, i.e. those eligible for care in the MHS including active duty servicemembers, dependents, and retirees. Four broad areas of neuropsychological symptoms were assessed cross-sectionally among subjects 1-6 months post-infection/enrollment, including: depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety (General Anxiety Disorder-7), fatigue (PROMIS® Fatigue 7a), and cognitive function (PROMIS® Cognitive Function 8a and PROMIS® Cognitive Function abilities 8a). Multivariable Poisson regression models compared participants with and without SARS-CoV-2 infection history on these measures, adjusting for sex, ethnicity, active-duty status, age, and months post-first positive or enrollment of questionnaire completion (MPFP/E); models for fatigue and cognitive function were also adjusted for depression and anxiety scores.

RESULTS

The study population included 2383 participants who completed all five instruments within six MPFP/E, of whom 687 (28.8%) had at least one positive SARS-CoV-2 test. Compared to those who had never tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the positive group was more likely to meet instrument-based criteria for depression (15.4% vs 10.3%, p<0.001), fatigue (20.1% vs 8.0%, p<0.001), impaired cognitive function (15.7% vs 8.6%, p<0.001), and impaired cognitive function abilities (24.3% vs 16.3%, p<0.001). In multivariable models, SARS-CoV-2 positive participants, assessed at an average of 2.7 months after infection, had increased risk of moderate to severe depression (RR: 1.44, 95% CI 1.12-1.84), fatigue (RR: 2.07, 95% CI 1.62-2.65), impaired cognitive function (RR: 1.64, 95% CI 1.27-2.11), and impaired cognitive function abilities (RR: 1.41, 95% CI 1.15-1.71); MPFP/E was not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection were up to twice as likely to report cognitive impairment and fatigue as the group without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings underscore the continued importance of preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection and while time since infection/enrollment was not significant through 6 months of follow-up, this highlights the need for additional research into the long-term impacts of COVID-19 to mitigate and reverse these neuropsychological outcomes.

Decreased Self-reported Physical Fitness Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection and the Impact of Vaccine Boosters in a Cohort Study

Background

The long-term effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on physical fitness are unclear, and the impact of vaccination on that relationship is uncertain.

Methods

We compared survey responses in a 1-year study of US military service members with (n = 1923) and without (n = 1591) a history of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We fit Poisson regression models to estimate the association between history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and fitness impairment, adjusting for time since infection, demographics, and baseline health.

Results

The participants in this analysis were primarily young adults aged 18-39 years (75%), and 71.5% were male. Participants with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection were more likely to report difficulty exercising (38.7% vs 18.4%; P < .01), difficulty performing daily activities (30.4% vs 12.7%; P < .01), and decreased fitness test (FT) scores (42.7% vs 26.2%; P < .01) than those without a history of infection. SARS-CoV-2-infected participants were at higher risk of these outcomes after adjusting for other factors (unvaccinated: exercising: adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 3.99; 95% CI, 3.36-4.73; activities: aRR, 5.02; 95% CI, 4.09-6.16; FT affected: aRR, 2.55; 95% CI, 2.19-2.98). Among SARS-CoV-2-positive participants, full vaccination before infection was associated with a lower risk of post-COVID-19 fitness impairment (fully vaccinated: exercise: aRR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.70-0.95; activities: aRR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.64-0.91; FT: aRR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.76-1.00; boosted: exercise: aRR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.51-0.74; activities: aRR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.41-0.65; FT: aRR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.49-0.70).

Conclusions

In this study of generally young, healthy military service members, SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with lower self-reported fitness and exercise capacity; vaccination and boosting were associated with lower risk of self-reported fitness loss.

Persistent COVID-19 Symptoms at 6 Months After Onset and the Role of Vaccination Before or After SARS-CoV-2 Infection

IMPORTANCE

Understanding the factors associated with post-COVID conditions is important for prevention.

OBJECTIVE

To identify characteristics associated with persistent post-COVID-19 symptoms and to describe post-COVID-19 medical encounters.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This cohort study used data from the Epidemiology, Immunology, and Clinical Characteristics of Emerging Infectious Diseases With Pandemic Potential (EPICC) study implemented in the US military health system (MHS); MHS beneficiaries aged 18 years or older who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 from February 28, 2020, through December 31, 2021, were analyzed, with 1-year follow-up.

EXPOSURES

SARS-CoV-2 infection.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The outcomes analyzed included survey-reported symptoms through 6 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision diagnosis categories reported in medical records 6 months following SARS-CoV-2 infection vs 3 months before infection.

RESULTS

More than half of the 1832 participants in these analyses were aged 18 to 44 years (1226 [66.9%]; mean [SD] age, 40.5 [13.7] years), were male (1118 [61.0%]), were unvaccinated at the time of their infection (1413 [77.1%]), and had no comorbidities (1290 [70.4%]). A total of 728 participants (39.7%) had illness that lasted 28 days or longer (28-89 days: 364 [19.9%]; ≥90 days: 364 [19.9%]). Participants who were unvaccinated prior to infection (risk ratio [RR], 1.39; 95% CI, 1.04-1.85), reported moderate (RR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.47-2.22) or severe (RR, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.80-2.81) initial illnesses, had more hospitalized days (RR per each day of hospitalization, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.00-1.03), and had a Charlson Comorbidity Index score of 5 or greater (RR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.01-2.37) were more likely to report 28 or more days of symptoms. Among unvaccinated participants, postinfection vaccination was associated with a 41% lower risk of reporting symptoms at 6 months (RR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.40-0.89). Participants had higher risk of pulmonary (RR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.40-2.84), diabetes (RR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.00-2.13), neurological (RR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.02-1.64), and mental health-related medical encounters (RR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.01-1.62) at 6 months after symptom onset than at baseline (before SARS-CoV-2 infection).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, more severe acute illness, a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score, and being unvaccinated were associated with a higher risk of reporting COVID-19 symptoms lasting 28 days or more. Participants with COVID-19 were more likely to seek medical care for diabetes, pulmonary, neurological, and mental health-related illness for at least 6 months after onset compared with their pre-COVID baseline health care use patterns. These findings may inform the risk-benefit ratio of COVID-19 vaccination policy.

80. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with decreased reported physical fitness in a US military longitudinal cohort

Background

COVID-19 may have deleterious effects on the fitness of active duty US military service members. We seek to understand the long-term functional consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection in this critical population, and in other military healthcare beneficiaries.

Methods

The Epidemiology, Immunology, and Clinical Characteristics of Emerging Infectious Diseases with Pandemic Potential (EPICC) study is a longitudinal cohort study to describe the outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in US Military Health System beneficiaries. Subjects provided information about difficulties experienced with daily activities, exercise, and physical fitness performance via electronic surveys. Subjects completed surveys at enrollment and at 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months.

Results

5,910 subjects completed survey fitness questions, 3,244 (55%) of whom tested SARS-CoV-2 positive at least once during the period of observation. Over 75% of subjects were young adults and over half were male (Table 1). 1,093 (34.3%) of SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects reported new or increased difficulty exercising compared to 393 (14.8%) SARS-CoV-2 negative subjects (p < 0.01) (Table 2). The most commonly reported symptoms related to problems with exercise and activities were dyspnea and fatigue. Among the active-duty members who answered the question about their service-mandated physical fitness test scores, 43.2% of SARS-CoV-2-positive participants reported that their scores had worsened in the study period, compared with 24.3% of SARS-CoV-2 negative participants. Among SARS-CoV-2-positive subjects, reports of difficulty exercising and performing daily activities were highest within one month of the first positive test, decreasing in prevalence among the cohort only slightly to 24% and 18%, respectively, at 12 months (Figure 1).

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of military service-members in this cohort have reported impairment of their service-mandated physical fitness scores after COVID-19; this proportion is significantly higher than those who are SARS-CoV-2 negative and persists to 12 months in many; similar complaints were reported among non-active duty. Further objective evaluation of post-COVID fitness impairment in this population is warranted.

Disclosures

Ryan C. Maves, MD, AiCuris: Grant/Research Support|Sound Pharmaceuticals: Grant/Research Support|Trauma Insights, LLC: Advisor/Consultant Julia S. Rozman, n/a, Astra Zeneca: The HJF, in support of the USU IDCRP, was funded to conduct or augment unrelated Phase III Mab and vaccine trials as part of US Govt. COVID19 response David R. Tribble, DrPH, AstraZeneca: The HJF, in support of the USU IDCRP, was funded to conduct or augment unrelated Phase III Mab and vaccine trials as part of US Govt. COVID19 response Simon Pollett, MBBS, Astra Zeneca: The HJF, in support of the USU IDCRP, was funded to conduct or augment unrelated Phase III Mab and vaccine trials as part of US Govt. COVID19 response Mark P. Simons, PhD, AstraZeneca: The HJF, in support of the USU IDCRP, was funded to conduct or augment unrelated Phase III Mab and vaccine trials as part of US Govt. COVID19 response Timothy Burgess, MD, MPH, AstraZeneca: The HJF, in support of the USU IDCRP, was funded to conduct or augment unrelated Phase III Mab and vaccine trials as part of US Govt. COVID19 response.

1056. Correlates of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 viral load: diagnostic and clinical implications

Background

Omicron SARS-CoV-2 infections are associated with less frequent olfactory sensory loss and a predominance of pharyngitis symptoms compared to prior variants, with proposed diagnostic implications. We examined whether such symptomology predicts a higher RNA abundance in the oropharynx. We further investigated how age, symptom-day, vaccination history and clinical severity correlate with viral load to inform clinical prognostication and transmission modeling.

Methods

The EPICC study is a longitudinal cohort of COVID-19 cases enrolled through U.S military medical treatment facilities. Demographic and clinical characteristics were measured with interviews and surveys. Nasopharyngeal (NP), oropharyngeal (OP) and nasal swabs (NS) were collected for SARS-CoV-2 qPCR and sequence genotyping. Multivariable linear regression models were fit to estimate the effect of anatomical site on SARS-CoV-2 RNA abundance (a proxy for viral load), adjusting for sampling time, vaccine history and host age.

Results

We analyzed 77 sequence-confirmed Omicron cases; no BA.2 cases were detected. The median age was 38.8 years. 81.8% were vaccinated and 15.6% cases were hospitalized. 80.0%, 21.8%, and 65.5% reported nasal congestion, loss of smell or taste, and sore throat, respectively. The median RNA abundance was lowest in OP swabs (p < 0.001) (Fig 1). Linear regression confirmed that OP sampling was associated with lower viral load (p < 0.001). We further noted that greater age and symptom-day were independent correlates of viral load (Table 1). By bivariate analysis there was a trend toward lower RNA abundance in vaccinated subjects (p = 0.35). RNA abundance (at any site) was substantially higher in hospitalized (10634 N2 genome equivalents [GE]/reaction) versus outpatient cases (1419 N1 GE/reaction) but this was not statistically significant (p = 0.26). Fig 1.

1102. The Host Response to SARS-CoV-2 Infection Differs by Age

Background

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 and the resulting host immune response has been primarily characterized in middle and older aged populations due to a higher incidence of symptoms in these age groups. Due to reduced severity of disease, children were poorly studied and assumed to be less frequently infected compared to older age groups. We measured the viral load and adaptive immune response across the age-spectrum to define the age-dependent viral and host responses.

Methods

From March 2020-March 2022, we enrolled individuals across the age spectrum who presented to U.S. military medical treatment facilities with COVID-19-like symptoms. In this longitudinal cohort study, demographic and clinical data were collected in addition to nasopharyngeal swabs and peripheral blood. Magnitude of viral RNA was measured by quantitative PCR (qPCR) from nasopharyngeal samples and SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG antibodies were measured from blood with multiplex microsphere immunoassays.

Results

4,768 SARS-CoV-2 positive participants were enrolled, among whom 42, 64, 89, 380, 948 and 245 individuals were in age brackets 0-4y, 5-11y, 12-17y, 18-44, 45-64y, and &gt;65y, respectively. Viral load as measured by qPCR was determined to be similar across age groups within the first week post symptom onset. The magnitude of the IgG antibody response against the spike protein was also compared across age groups at early and convalescent time points and was higher in those over the age of 65 years.

Conclusion

Early viral load during acute infection did not correlate with age in individuals who experienced COVID-19. These findings diverge from other respiratory viruses, such as respiratory syncytial virus and influenza where children tend to have higher viral loads. In contrast, the magnitude of the antibody response against the spike protein correlated with older age at acute and convalescent time points. Together our data suggest that the host response against SAR-CoV-2 differs with age and is not associated with the acute viral load. Defining age-dependent immunity against SARS-CoV-2 has the potential to identify key immunologic responses that can be used to optimize treatment and vaccine strategies.

Disclosures

Julia S. Rozman, n/a, Astra Zeneca: The HJF, in support of the USU IDCRP, was funded to conduct or augment unrelated Phase III Mab and vaccine trials as part of US Govt. COVID19 response Ryan C. Maves, MD, AiCuris: Grant/Research Support|Sound Pharmaceuticals: Grant/Research Support|Trauma Insights, LLC: Advisor/Consultant Mark P. Simons, PhD, AstraZeneca: The HJF, in support of the USU IDCRP, was funded to conduct or augment unrelated Phase III Mab and vaccine trials as part of US Govt. COVID19 response David Tribble, MD, DrPH, Astra Zeneca: The HJF, in support of the USU IDCRP, was funded to conduct or augment unrelated Phase III Mab and vaccine trials as part of US Govt. COVID19 response Timothy Burgess, MD, MPH, AstraZeneca: The HJF, in support of the USU IDCRP, was funded to conduct or augment unrelated Phase III Mab and vaccine trials as part of US Govt. COVID19 response Simon Pollett, MBBS, Astra Zeneca: The HJF, in support of the USU IDCRP, was funded to conduct or augment unrelated Phase III Mab and vaccine trials as part of US Govt. COVID19 response.

Antigenic cartography of well-characterized human sera shows SARS-CoV-2 neutralization differences based on infection and vaccination history

The rapid emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants challenges vaccination strategies. Here, we collected 201 serum samples from persons with a single infection or multiple vaccine exposures, or both. We measured their neutralization titers against 15 natural variants and 7 variants with engineered spike mutations and analyzed antigenic diversity. Antigenic maps of primary infection sera showed that Omicron sublineages BA.2, BA.4/BA.5, and BA.2.12.1 are distinct from BA.1 and more similar to Beta/Gamma/Mu variants. Three mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations increased neutralization of BA.1 more than BA.4/BA.5 or BA.2.12.1. BA.1 post-vaccination infection elicited higher neutralization titers to all variants than three vaccinations alone, although with less neutralization to BA.2.12.1 and BA.4/BA.5. Those with BA.1 infection after two or three vaccinations had similar neutralization titer magnitude and antigenic recognition. Accounting for antigenic differences among variants when interpreting neutralization titers can aid the understanding of complex patterns in humoral immunity that informs the selection of future COVID-19 vaccine strains.

Baricitinib versus dexamethasone for adults hospitalised with COVID-19 (ACTT-4): a randomised, double-blind, double placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Baricitinib and dexamethasone have randomised trials supporting their use for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. We assessed the combination of baricitinib plus remdesivir versus dexamethasone plus remdesivir in preventing progression to mechanical ventilation or death in hospitalised patients with COVID-19.

METHODS

In this randomised, double-blind, double placebo-controlled trial, patients were enrolled at 67 trial sites in the USA (60 sites), South Korea (two sites), Mexico (two sites), Singapore (two sites), and Japan (one site). Hospitalised adults (≥18 years) with COVID-19 who required supplemental oxygen administered by low-flow (≤15 L/min), high-flow (>15 L/min), or non-invasive mechanical ventilation modalities who met the study eligibility criteria (male or non-pregnant female adults ≥18 years old with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection) were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either baricitinib, remdesivir, and placebo, or dexamethasone, remdesivir, and placebo using a permuted block design. Randomisation was stratified by study site and baseline ordinal score at enrolment. All patients received remdesivir (≤10 days) and either baricitinib (or matching oral placebo) for a maximum of 14 days or dexamethasone (or matching intravenous placebo) for a maximum of 10 days. The primary outcome was the difference in mechanical ventilation-free survival by day 29 between the two treatment groups in the modified intention-to-treat population. Safety analyses were done in the as-treated population, comprising all participants who received one dose of the study drug. The trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04640168.

FINDINGS

Between Dec 1, 2020, and April 13, 2021, 1047 patients were assessed for eligibility. 1010 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned, 516 (51%) to baricitinib plus remdesivir plus placebo and 494 (49%) to dexamethasone plus remdesivir plus placebo. The mean age of the patients was 58·3 years (SD 14·0) and 590 (58%) of 1010 patients were male. 588 (58%) of 1010 patients were White, 188 (19%) were Black, 70 (7%) were Asian, and 18 (2%) were American Indian or Alaska Native. 347 (34%) of 1010 patients were Hispanic or Latino. Mechanical ventilation-free survival by day 29 was similar between the study groups (Kaplan-Meier estimates of 87·0% [95% CI 83·7 to 89·6] in the baricitinib plus remdesivir plus placebo group and 87·6% [84·2 to 90·3] in the dexamethasone plus remdesivir plus placebo group; risk difference 0·6 [95% CI -3·6 to 4·8]; p=0·91). The odds ratio for improved status in the dexamethasone plus remdesivir plus placebo group compared with the baricitinib plus remdesivir plus placebo group was 1·01 (95% CI 0·80 to 1·27). At least one adverse event occurred in 149 (30%) of 503 patients in the baricitinib plus remdesivir plus placebo group and 179 (37%) of 482 patients in the dexamethasone plus remdesivir plus placebo group (risk difference 7·5% [1·6 to 13·3]; p=0·014). 21 (4%) of 503 patients in the baricitinib plus remdesivir plus placebo group had at least one treatment-related adverse event versus 49 (10%) of 482 patients in the dexamethasone plus remdesivir plus placebo group (risk difference 6·0% [2·8 to 9·3]; p=0·00041). Severe or life-threatening grade 3 or 4 adverse events occurred in 143 (28%) of 503 patients in the baricitinib plus remdesivir plus placebo group and 174 (36%) of 482 patients in the dexamethasone plus remdesivir plus placebo group (risk difference 7·7% [1·8 to 13·4]; p=0·012).

INTERPRETATION

In hospitalised patients with COVID-19 requiring supplemental oxygen by low-flow, high-flow, or non-invasive ventilation, baricitinib plus remdesivir and dexamethasone plus remdesivir resulted in similar mechanical ventilation-free survival by day 29, but dexamethasone was associated with significantly more adverse events, treatment-related adverse events, and severe or life-threatening adverse events. A more individually tailored choice of immunomodulation now appears possible, where side-effect profile, ease of administration, cost, and patient comorbidities can all be considered.

FUNDING

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.

Unraveling the Treatment Effect of Baricitinib on Clinical Progression and Resource Utilization in Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: Secondary Analysis of the Adaptive COVID-19 Treatment Randomized Trial-2

Background

The Adaptive COVID Treatment Trial-2 (ACTT-2) found that baricitinib in combination with remdesivir therapy (BCT) sped recovery in hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients vs remdesivir monotherapy (RMT). We examined how BCT affected progression throughout hospitalization and utilization of intensive respiratory therapies.

Methods

We characterized the clinical trajectories of 891 ACTT-2 participants requiring supplemental oxygen or higher levels of respiratory support at enrollment. We estimated the effect of BCT on cumulative incidence of clinical improvement and deterioration using competing risks models. We developed multistate models to estimate the effect of BCT on clinical improvement and deterioration and on utilization of respiratory therapies.

Results

BCT resulted in more linear improvement and lower incidence of clinical deterioration compared with RMT (hazard ratio [HR], 0.74; 95% CI, 0.58 to 0.95). The benefit was pronounced among participants enrolled on high-flow oxygen or noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation. In this group, BCT sped clinical improvement (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.99 to 1.51) while slowing clinical deterioration (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.48 to 1.02), which reduced the expected days in ordinal score (OS) 6 per 100 patients by 74 days (95% CI, -8 to 154 days) and the expected days in OS 7 per 100 patients by 161 days (95% CI, 46 to 291 days) compared with RMT. BCT did not benefit participants who were mechanically ventilated at enrollment.

Conclusions

Compared with RMT, BCT reduces the clinical burden and utilization of intensive respiratory therapies for patients requiring low-flow oxygen or noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation compared with RMT and may thereby improve care for this patient population.

COVID-19 patient reported symptoms using FLU-PRO Plus in a cohort study: associations with infecting genotype, vaccine history, and return-to-health

Background

Patient reported outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection are an important measure of the full burden of COVID. Here, we examine how 1) infecting genotype and COVID-19 vaccination correlate with FLU-PRO Plus score, including by symptom domains, and 2) FLU-PRO Plus scores predict return to usual activities and health.

Methods

The EPICC study was implemented to describe the short- and long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a longitudinal, observational cohort. Multivariable linear regression models were run with FLU-PRO Plus scores as the outcome variable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models evaluated effects of FLU-PRO Plus scores on return to usual health or activities.

Results

Among the 764 participants included in this analysis, 63% were 18-44 years old, 40% were female, and 51% were white. Being fully vaccinated was associated with lower total scores (β=-0.39 (95% confidence interval (CI) -0.57, -0.21)). The Delta variant was associated with higher total scores (β=0.25 (95% CI 0.05, 0.45)). Participants with higher FLU-PRO Plus scores were less likely to report returning to usual health and activities (Health: hazard ratio (HR) 0.46 (95% CI 0.37, 0.57); Activities: HR 0.56 (95% CI 0.47, 0.67)). Fully vaccinated participants were more likely to report returning to usual activities (HR 1.24 (95% CI 1.04, 1.48)).

Conclusions

Full SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is associated with decreased severity of patient-reported symptoms across multiple domains, which in turn is likely to be associated with earlier return to usual activities. In addition, infection with the Delta variant was associated with higher FLU-PRO Plus scores than previous variants, even after controlling for vaccination status.

Understanding "Hybrid Immunity": Comparison and Predictors of Humoral Immune Responses to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infection (SARS-CoV-2) and Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccines

BACKGROUND

Comparison of humoral responses in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccinees, those with SARS-CoV-2 infection, or combinations of vaccine/ infection ("hybrid immunity") may clarify predictors of vaccine immunogenicity.

METHODS

We studied 2660 US Military Health System beneficiaries with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection-alone (n = 705), vaccination-alone (n = 932), vaccine-after-infection (n = 869), and vaccine-breakthrough-infection (n = 154). Peak anti-spike-immunoglobulin G (IgG) responses through 183 days were compared, with adjustment for vaccine product, demography, and comorbidities. We excluded those with evidence of clinical or subclinical SARS-CoV-2 reinfection from all groups.

RESULTS

Multivariable regression results indicated that vaccine-after-infection anti-spike-IgG responses were higher than infection-alone (P < .01), regardless of prior infection severity. An increased time between infection and vaccination was associated with greater post-vaccination IgG response (P < .01). Vaccination-alone elicited a greater IgG response but more rapid waning of IgG (P < .01) compared with infection-alone (P < .01). BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccine-receipt was associated with greater IgG responses compared with JNJ-78436735 vaccine-receipt (P < .01), regardless of infection history. Those with vaccine-after-infection or vaccine-breakthrough-infection had a more durable anti-spike-IgG response compared to infection-alone (P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Vaccine-receipt elicited higher anti-spike-IgG responses than infection-alone, although IgG levels waned faster in those vaccinated (compared to infection-alone). Vaccine-after-infection elicits a greater humoral response compared with vaccine or infection alone; and the timing, but not disease severity, of prior infection predicted these post-vaccination IgG responses. While differences between groups were small in magnitude, these results offer insights into vaccine immunogenicity variations that may help inform vaccination timing strategies.

COVID-19 Outcomes Among US Military Health System Beneficiaries Include Complications Across Multiple Organ Systems and Substantial Functional Impairment

Background

We evaluated clinical outcomes, functional burden, and complications 1 month after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection in a prospective US Military Health System (MHS) cohort of active duty, retiree, and dependent populations using serial patient-reported outcome surveys and electronic medical record (EMR) review.

Methods

MHS beneficiaries presenting at 9 sites across the United States with a positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) test, a COVID-19-like illness, or a high-risk SARS-CoV-2 exposure were eligible for enrollment. Medical history and clinical outcomes were collected through structured interviews and International Classification of Diseases-based EMR review. Risk factors associated with hospitalization were determined by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

A total of 1202 participants were enrolled. There were 1070 laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases and 132 SARS-CoV-2-negative participants. In the first month post-symptom onset among the SARS-CoV-2-positive cases, there were 212 hospitalizations, 80% requiring oxygen, 20 ICU admissions, and 10 deaths. Risk factors for COVID-19-associated hospitalization included race (increased for Asian, Black, and Hispanic compared with non-Hispanic White), age (age 45-64 and 65+ compared with <45), and obesity (BMI≥30 compared with BMI<30). Over 2% of survey respondents reported the need for supplemental oxygen, and 31% had not returned to normal daily activities at 1 month post-symptom onset.

Conclusions

Older age, reporting Asian, Black, or Hispanic race/ethnicity, and obesity are associated with SARS-CoV-2 hospitalization. A proportion of acute SARS-CoV-2 infections require long-term oxygen therapy; the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on short-term functional status was substantial. A significant number of MHS beneficiaries had not yet returned to normal activities by 1 month.

Durability of SARS-CoV-2-Specific T-Cell Responses at 12 Months Postinfection

BACKGROUND

Characterizing the longevity and quality of cellular immune responses to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enhances understanding of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) immunity that influences clinical outcomes. Prior studies suggest SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells are present in peripheral blood 10 months after infection. Analysis of the function, durability, and diversity of cellular response long after natural infection, over a range of ages and disease phenotypes, is needed to identify preventative and therapeutic interventions.

METHODS

We identified participants in our multisite longitudinal, prospective cohort study 12 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection representing a range of disease severity. We investigated function, phenotypes, and frequency of T cells specific for SARS-CoV-2 using intracellular cytokine staining and spectral flow cytometry, and compared magnitude of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies.

RESULTS

SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies and T cells were detected 12 months postinfection. Severe acute illness was associated with higher frequencies of SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4 T cells and antibodies at 12 months. In contrast, polyfunctional and cytotoxic T cells responsive to SARS-CoV-2 were identified in participants over a wide spectrum of disease severity.

CONCLUSIONS

SARS-CoV-2 infection induces polyfunctional memory T cells detectable at 12 months postinfection, with higher frequency noted in those who experienced severe disease.

Performance of the inFLUenza Patient-Reported Outcome Plus (FLU-PRO Plus) Instrument in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019

Background

The inFLUenza Patient-Reported Outcome Plus (FLU-PRO Plus) is a patient-reported outcome data collection instrument assessing symptoms of viral respiratory tract infections across 8 body systems. This study evaluated the measurement properties of FLU-PRO Plus in a study enrolling individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

Data from a prospective cohort study (EPICC) in US Military Health System beneficiaries evaluated for COVID-19 was utilized. Adults with symptomatic severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection with FLU-PRO Plus survey information within 1 week of symptom onset were included. Reliability of FLU-PRO Plus was estimated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC; 2 days' reproducibility). Known-groups validity was assessed using patient global assessment (PGA) of disease severity. Patient report of return to usual health was used to assess responsiveness (day 1-6/7).

Results

Two hundred twenty-six SARS-CoV-2-positive participants were included in the analysis. Reliability among those who reported no change in their symptoms from one day to the next was high for most domains (ICC range, 0.68-0.94 for day 1 to day 2). Construct validity was demonstrated by moderate to high correlation between the PGA rating of disease severity and domain and total scores (eg, total scores correlation: 0.69 [influenza-like illness severity], 0.69 [interference in daily activities], and -0.58 [physical health]). In addition, FLU-PRO Plus demonstrated good known-groups validity, with increasing domain and total scores observed with increasing severity ratings.

Conclusions

FLU-PRO Plus performs well in measuring signs and symptoms in SARS-CoV-2 infection with excellent construct validity, known-groups validity, and responsiveness to change. Standardized data collection instruments facilitate meta-analyses, vaccine effectiveness studies, and other COVID-19 research activities.

Anatomical site, viral RNA abundance, and time of sampling correlate with molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 during infection

Background

Nasopharyngeal (NP) swabs are the standard for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis. If less invasive alternatives to NP swabs (eg, oropharyngeal [OP] or nasal swabs [NS]) are comparably sensitive, the use of these techniques may be preferable in terms of comfort, convenience, and safety.

Methods

This study compared the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in swab samples collected on the same day among participants with at least one positive PCR test.

Results

Overall, 755 participants had at least one set of paired swabs. Concordance between NP and other swab types was 75% (NS), 72% (OP), 54% (rectal swabs [RS]), and 78% (NS/OP combined). Kappa values were moderate for the NS, OP, and NS/OP comparisons (0.50, 0.45, and 0.54, respectively). Highest sensitivity relative to NP (0.87) was observed with a combination of NS/OP tests (positive if either NS or OP was positive). Sensitivity of the non-NP swab types was highest in the first week postsymptom onset and decreased thereafter. Similarly, virus RNA quantity was highest in the NP swabs as compared with NS, OP, and RS within two weeks postsymptom onset. OP and NS performance decreased as virus RNA quantity decreased. No differences were noted between NS specimens collected at home or in clinic.

Conclusions

NP swabs detected more SARS-CoV-2 cases than non-NP swabs, and the sensitivity of the non-NP swabs decreased with time postsymptom onset. While other swabs may be simpler to collect, NP swabs present the best chance of detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA, which is essential for clinical care as well as genomic surveillance.

337. SARS-CoV-2 Viral Load Does Not Predict Incident Venous Thromboembolism in COVID-19

Background

The risk factors of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in COVID-19 warrant further study. We leveraged a cohort in the Military Health System (MHS) to identify clinical and virological predictors of incident deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), and other VTE within 90-days after COVID-19 onset.

Methods

PCR or serologically-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infected MHS beneficiaries were enrolled via nine military treatment facilities (MTF) through April 2021. Case characteristics were derived from interview and review of the electronic medical record (EMR) through one-year follow-up in outpatients and inpatients. qPCR was performed on upper respiratory swab specimens collected post-enrollment to estimate SARS-CoV-2 viral load. The frequency of incident DVT, PE, or other VTE by 90-days post-COVID-19 onset were ascertained by ICD-10 code. Correlates of 90-day VTE were determined through multivariate logistic regression, including age and sampling-time-adjusted log10-SARS-CoV-2 GE/reaction as a priori predictors in addition to other demographic and clinical covariates which were selected through stepwise regression.

Results

1473 participants with SARS-CoV-2 infection were enrolled through April 2021. 21% of study participants were inpatients; the mean age was 41 years (SD = 17.0 years). The median Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 0 (IQR = 0 - 1, range = 0 - 13). 27 (1.8%) had a prior history of VTE. Mean maximum viral load observed was 1.65 x 10⁷ genome equivalents/reaction. 36 (2.4%) of all SARS-CoV-2 cases (including inpatients and outpatients), 29 (9.5%) of COVID-19 inpatients, and 7 (0.6%) of outpatients received an ICD-10 diagnosis of any VTE within 90 days after COVID-19 onset. Logistic regression identified hospitalization (aOR = 11.1, p = 0.003) and prior VTE (aOR = 6.2 , p = 0.009) as independent predictors of VTE within 90 days of symptom onset. Neither age (aOR = 1.0, p = 0.50), other demographic covariates, other comorbidities, nor SARS-CoV-2 viral load (aOR = 1.1, p = 0.60) were associated with 90-day VTE.

Conclusion

VTE was relatively frequent in this MHS cohort. SARS-CoV-2 viral load did not increase the odds of 90-day VTE. Rather, being hospitalized for SARS-CoV-2 and prior VTE history remained the strongest predictors of this complication.

Disclosures

Simon Pollett, MBBS, Astra Zeneca (Other Financial or Material Support, HJF, in support of USU IDCRP, funded under a CRADA to augment the conduct of an unrelated Phase III COVID-19 vaccine trial sponsored by AstraZeneca as part of USG response (unrelated work)) Ryan C. Maves, MD, EMD Serono (Advisor or Review Panel member)Heron Therapeutics (Advisor or Review Panel member) David A. Lindholm, MD, American Board of Internal Medicine (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Member of Auxiliary R&D Infectious Disease Item-Writer Task Force. No financial support received. No exam questions will be disclosed ., Other Financial or Material Support David Tribble, M.D., DrPH, Astra Zeneca (Other Financial or Material Support, HJF, in support of USU IDCRP, funded under a CRADA to augment the conduct of an unrelated Phase III COVID-19 vaccine trial sponsored by AstraZeneca as part of USG response (unrelated work))

458. A Machine Learning Approach Identifies Distinct Early-Symptom Cluster Phenotypes Which Correlate with Severe SARS-CoV-2 Outcomes

Background

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic remains a global challenge. Accurate COVID-19 prognosis remains an important aspect of clinical management. While many prognostic systems have been proposed, most are derived from analyses of individual symptoms or biomarkers. Here, we take a machine learning approach to first identify discrete clusters of early stage-symptoms which may delineate groups with distinct symptom phenotypes. We then sought to identify whether these groups correlate with subsequent disease severity.

Methods

The Epidemiology, Immunology, and Clinical Characteristics of Emerging Infectious Diseases with Pandemic Potential (EPICC) study is a longitudinal cohort study with data and biospecimens collected from nine military treatment facilities over 1 year of follow-up. Demographic and clinical characteristics were measured with interviews and electronic medical record review. Early symptoms by organ-domain were measured by FLU-PRO-plus surveys collected for 14 days post-enrollment, with surveys completed a median 14.5 (Interquartile Range, IQR = 13) days post-symptom onset. Using these FLU-PRO-plus responses, we applied principal component analysis followed by unsupervised machine learning algorithm k-means to identify groups with distinct clusters of symptoms. We then fit multivariate logistic regression models to determine how these early-symptom clusters correlated with hospitalization risk after controlling for age, sex, race, and obesity.

Results

Using SARS-CoV-2 positive participants (n = 1137) from the EPICC cohort (Figure 1), we transformed reported symptoms into domains and identified three groups of participants with distinct clusters of symptoms. Logistic regression demonstrated that cluster-2 was associated with an approximately three-fold increased odds [3.01 (95% CI: 2-4.52); P &lt; 0.001] of hospitalization which remained significant after controlling for other factors [2.97 (95% CI: 1.88-4.69); P &lt; 0.001].

Conclusion

Our findings have identified three distinct groups with early-symptom phenotypes. With further validation of the clusters’ significance, this tool could be used to improve COVID-19 prognosis in a precision medicine framework and may assist in patient triaging and clinical decision-making.

Disclaimer

Disclosures

David A. Lindholm, MD, American Board of Internal Medicine (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Member of Auxiliary R&D Infectious Disease Item-Writer Task Force. No financial support received. No exam questions will be disclosed ., Other Financial or Material Support Ryan C. Maves, MD, EMD Serono (Advisor or Review Panel member)Heron Therapeutics (Advisor or Review Panel member) Simon Pollett, MBBS, Astra Zeneca (Other Financial or Material Support, HJF, in support of USU IDCRP, funded under a CRADA to augment the conduct of an unrelated Phase III COVID-19 vaccine trial sponsored by AstraZeneca as part of USG response (unrelated work))

34. Long-term clinical outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection include persistent symptoms and cardiovascular disease beyond 3 months post-infection

Background

The long-term health effects after SARS-CoV-2 infection remain poorly understood. We evaluated health and healthcare usage after SARS-CoV-2 infection via surveys and longitudinal electronic medical record (EMR) review within the Military Health System (MHS).

Methods

We studied MHS beneficiaries enrolled in the Epidemiology, Immunology, and Clinical Characteristics of Emerging Infectious Diseases with Pandemic Potential (EPICC) cohort from March to December 2020. COVID-19 illness symptom severity and duration were derived from surveys initiated in late 2020. In addition, multi-year healthcare encounter history before and after onset of COVID-19 symptoms was collected from the MHS EMR. Odds of organ-system clinical diagnoses within the 3 months pre- and post-symptom onset were calculated using generalized linear models, controlling for age, sex, and race, and including participant as a random effect.

Results

1,015 participants were included who were SARS-CoV-2 positive, symptomatic, and had 3-month follow-up data available in the EMR (Table 1). 625 of these participants had survey data collected more than 28 days post-symptom onset, among whom 17% and 6% reported persistent symptoms at 28-84 days, and 85+ days, respectively. 9.6% had not resumed normal activities by one month. The most frequently reported symptoms persisting beyond 28 days were dyspnea, loss of smell and/or taste, fatigue, and exercise intolerance (Figure 1A). When compared with the period 61 to 90 days prior to symptom onset, the first month post-symptom onset period was associated with increases of pulmonary (aOR = 57, 95% CI 28-112), renal (aOR = 29, 95% CI 10-84), cardiovascular (aOR = 7, 95% CI 5-11), and neurological diagnoses (aOR = 3, 95% CI 2-4) (Figures 1B and 1C). Cardiovascular disease diagnoses remained elevated through 3 months (aOR = 2, 95% CI 1-3).

Table 1. Characteristics of SARS-CoV-2+ EPICC participants, and illness duration among those with 28+ days post-symptom onset survey data collection.

Figure 1

Fig1A. Symptoms reported by EPICC participants with illnesses longer than 28 days; 1B. Percent of participants with organ system specific diagnoses on each day, 90 days pre- and post-symptom onset; 1C. Odds of organ system specific diagnoses within each month, +/- 3 months of symptom onset, were calculated using generalized linear models, controlling for age, sex, and race and included participants as a random effect. Odds shown are relative to the earliest period included in the model, 61-90 days before onset.

Conclusion

In this MHS cohort, a significant proportion of participants had persistent symptoms and cardiovascular disease diagnoses 3 months after COVID-19 illness onset. These findings emphasize the long-term morbidity of COVID-19 and the importance of mitigating SARS-CoV-2 infections. Further analyses will evaluate demographic, clinical, and biomarker predictors of medium-to-long term organ-specific post-acute sequelae.

Disclosures

Simon Pollett, MBBS, Astra Zeneca (Other Financial or Material Support, HJF, in support of USU IDCRP, funded under a CRADA to augment the conduct of an unrelated Phase III COVID-19 vaccine trial sponsored by AstraZeneca as part of USG response (unrelated work)) Ryan C. Maves, MD, EMD Serono (Advisor or Review Panel member)Heron Therapeutics (Advisor or Review Panel member) David A. Lindholm, MD, American Board of Internal Medicine (Individual(s) Involved: Self): Member of Auxiliary R&D Infectious Disease Item-Writer Task Force. No financial support received. No exam questions will be disclosed ., Other Financial or Material Support

Clinical, immunological and virological SARS-CoV-2 phenotypes in obese and non-obese military health system beneficiaries

Background

The mechanisms underlying the association between obesity and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity remain unclear. After verifying that obesity was a correlate of severe COVID-19 in US Military Health System (MHS) beneficiaries, we compared immunological and virological phenotypes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in both obese and nonobese participants.

Methods

COVID-19–infected MHS beneficiaries were enrolled, and anthropometric, clinical, and demographic data were collected. We compared the SARS-CoV-2 peak IgG humoral response and reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction viral load in obese and nonobese patients, stratified by hospitalization, utilizing logistic regression models.

Results

Data from 511 COVID-19 patients were analyzed, among whom 24% were obese and 14% severely obese. Obesity was independently associated with hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.91; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15–3.18) and need for oxygen therapy (aOR, 3.39; 95% CI, 1.61–7.11). In outpatients, severely obese had a log₁₀ (1.89) higher nucleocapsid (N1) genome equivalents (GE)/reaction and log₁₀ (2.62) higher N2 GE/reaction than nonobese (P = 0.03 and P < .001, respectively). We noted a correlation between body mass index and peak anti-spike protein IgG in inpatients and outpatients (coefficient = 5.48, P < .001).

Conclusions

Obesity is a strong correlate of COVID-19 severity in MHS beneficiaries. These findings offer new pathophysiological insights into the relationship between obesity and COVID-19 severity.

508. Biomarker elevation during COVID-19: Differences between ambulatory and hospitalized individuals

Background

While the majority of illness due to COVID-19 does not require hospitalization, little has been described about the host inflammatory response in the ambulatory setting. Differences in the levels of inflammatory signaling proteins between outpatient and hospitalized populations could identify key maladaptive immune responses during COVID-19.

Methods

Samples were collected from 76 participants (41% female, mean 46.8 years of age) enrolled at five military treatment facilities between March 20, 2020 and June 17, 2020 in an ongoing prospective COVID-19 cohort. This analysis was restricted to those with positive SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus 2) RT-PCR testing and included hospitalized (N=29; 10 requiring an ICU stay) and non-hospitalized (N=43) participants. Severity markers (IL6, D-dimer, procalcitonin, ferritin, ICAM-1, IL5, lipocalin, RAGE, TNFR, VEGFA, IFNγ, IL1β) were measured in plasma (mg/dL) using the Ella immunoassay and natural log transformed. Univariate negative binomial regression was performed to determine relative risk of hospitalization. Using the full marker panel, we performed a Principal Component Analysis (PCA) to determine directions of maximal variance in the data. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was determined between analytes and each axis.

Results

Participants requiring ambulatory-, hospital-, and ICU-level care had samples collected at 44.0 (IQR: 35.0–51.0), 40.0 (13.0–51.0), and 47.5 (21.0–54.0) days, respectively. Higher unadjusted levels of IL6, D-dimer, procalcitonin, or ferritin were each associated with hospitalization (Table 1). The PCA showed a separation along axes between level of care and duration of symptoms (Fig 1). While significant correlations were noted with a number of biomarkers, PC1 most correlated with TNFR1 (r=0.88) and PC2 most correlated with IL6Ra (r=0.95). PC1 axis variation accounted for 36.5% of variance and the PC2 axis accounted for 20.0% of variance.

Figure 1. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of biomarkers by level of care and symptom duration.

Conclusion

TNFR1 and IL6Ra levels correlated with differences in the proinflammatory states between hospitalized and non-hospitalized individuals including time points late in the course of illness. Further analysis of these preliminary findings is needed to evaluate for differences by stages of illness.

Disclosures

All Authors: No reported disclosures

Secondary Spontaneous Pneumothorax Mimicking Lung Herniation

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are at an increased risk for numerous pulmonary complications, including secondary spontaneous pneumothorax (SSP) and lung herniation. We describe the case of a 66-year-old female patient with severe COPD and previous lingula-sparing left upper lobectomy from adenocarcinoma who presented to the emergency department with a painful anterior chest wall mass that varied in size with respiration. This finding, in a patient with a prior history of an invasive thoracic procedure, is suggestive of lung herniation. Further investigation revealed an SSP mimicking the classic physical exam finding of a lung herniation. The patient was deemed a poor surgical candidate; therefore, talc pleurodesis was administered with resolution of the pneumothorax.

Agranulocytosis with deferiprone treatment of superficial siderosis

Superficial siderosis of the central nervous system is a rare neurological disorder caused by deposits of haemosiderin on subplial brain matter. Characterised by a thin dark layer surrounding the brain stem, cerebellum and cortical fissures on the T2-weighted MRI, symptoms include sensorineural hearing loss and progressive gait ataxia. A specific aetiology for the blood in the subarachnoid space is identified in less than 50% of cases. While identification of a specific vascular defect allows for vascular repair, treatment options are limited for idiopathic superficial siderosis. Recently, a pilot safety study demonstrated promising results using an iron chelator, deferiprone. While this approach is promising, we present a potential serious complication of this therapy-the first report of agranulocytosis in the treatment of superficial siderosis following deferiprone therapy.