401. Risk of Post-COVID Conditions Correlates with IL-6 Plasma Levels and Is Reduced by Early Antibody Therapy
Authors: Fukuta Yuriko , Gebo Kelly , Heath Sonya L , Zhu Xianming , Baksh Sheriza , Abraham Alison G , Habtehyimer Feben , Shade David , Ruff Jessica E , Ram Malathi , Laeyendecker Oliver , Fernandez Reinaldo , Patel Eshan U , Baker Owen R , Shoham Shmuel , Cachay Edward R , Currier Judith S , Gerber Jonathan , Meisenberg Barry , Hammitt Laura , Forthal Donald , Huaman Moises A , Levine Adam C , Mosnaim Giselle , Patel Bela , Paxton James , Raval Jay S , Sutcliffe Catherine , Anjan Shweta , Gniadek Thomas , Kassaye Seble , Blair Janis E , Lane Karen , McBee Nichol , Gawad Amy , Das Piyali , Klein Sabra L , Pekosz Andrew , Bloch Evan , Hanley Daniel , Casadevall Arturo , Tobian Aaron , Sullivan David 
Published: November 2023

Background

Post-COVID conditions (PCC) are common, and risk factors include older age and female sex. While high interleukin (IL)-6 and C-reactive protein are associated with more severe disease, it is unclear whether other cytokines are associated with PCC. This study was performed to identify factors associated with PCC development.

Methods

The Convalescent Plasma to Limit SARS-CoV-2 Associated Complications (CSSC-004) trial was a double-blind, multi-center, randomized, controlled trial comparing the use of COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) to control plasma for the prevention of hospitalization among COVID-19 outpatients. Among 882 individuals participating in the trial with available biospecimens and symptom data, the association between early COVID-19 treatment, cytokine levels and PCC was evaluated. Cytokine and chemokine levels were assessed at baseline, day 14 and day 90 using a multiplexed sandwich immuosassay. Presence of any PCC symptom was assessed at day 90. Associations between COVID-19 treatment, cytokine levels and PCC were examined using multivariate logistic regression models.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar by trial treatment group (Figure 1). At day 90, 292 (33.1%) participants had PCC. The most common symptoms were fatigue (14.5%), anosmia (14.5%), and ageusia (10.0%). Levels of most cytokines decreased over time (Figure 2). Six pro-inflammatory cytokines especially IL-6 were elevated at baseline among those with PCC (Figure 3). In multivariable analysis, female sex (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=2.70[1.93-3.81]), age 50 or greater (AOR=1.32[1.17-1.50]), and elevated baseline IL-6 (AOR=1.59[1.02-2.47]) were associated with development of PCC, whereas race, obesity, vaccine status and diabetes were not. Those who received early CCP treatment (&lt;5 days after symptom onset) compared to late CCP treatment had statistically significant lower odds of PCC (AOR=0.60 [0.38-0.95]).

Conclusion

This study showed high prevalence of PCC symptoms at day 90, particularly among those with higher baseline levels of IL-6 or who did not receive early CCP treatment. The potential utility of IL-6 modulation as a therapeutic intervention among individuals as higher risk for PCC should be studied.

Disclosures

Kelly Gebo, MD, MPH, Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant|Spark HealthCare: Advisor/Consultant Sonya L. Heath, MD, Pfizer: Data Monitoring Committee/DSMB Shmuel Shoham, MD, adagio: Advisor/Consultant|Adamis: Advisor/Consultant|ansun: Grant/Research Support|Avir Pharma: Honoraria|cidara: Grant/Research Support|F2G: Grant/Research Support|Immunome: Advisor/Consultant|Karius: Honoraria|Scynexis: Advisor/Consultant|zeteo: Grant/Research Support Judith S. Currier, M.D., MSc, Merck and Company: Advisor/Consultant|Merck and Company: Honoraria Moises A. Huaman, MD, MSc, AN2 Therapeutics Inc: Grant/Research Support|Gilead Sciences Inc: Grant/Research Support|Insmed Inc: Grant/Research Support Jay S. Raval, MD, Sanofi Genzyme: Advisor/Consultant Arturo Casadevall, MD, PhD, Ortho Diagnostics: Speakers Bureau|Sabtherapeutics: Advisor/Consultant