LEVELS OF IMMUNOGLOBULIN G AND MARKERS OF VASCULAR INFLAMMATORY RESPONSE AS PREDICTORS OF POSSIBLE VASCULAR COMPLICATIONS IN PATIENTS WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AFTER SARS-COV-2

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the level and relationship of specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 with laboratory parameters of vascular inflammatory response (VIR) during follow-up of patients with arterial hypertension (AH) in 3 months after disease onset. Design and method: Retrospective, single-center observational study included 76 confirmed cases of COVID-19 associated with pneumonia (April-May 2020). Gr.1 consisted of 32 patients without AH; Gr.2 involved 44 AH patients, including 18 patients with metabolic disorders (abdominal obesity and impaired carbohydrate metabolism). Complete blood count, biochemical and hemostatic parameters were determined on the day of admission. Comprehensive analysis of clinical instrumental and laboratory parameters, including blood pressure, heart rate, IgG (positivity rate), cytokines, NT-pro BNP, endothelial dysfunction markers, cystatin C, glucose and others was performed in 3 months after discharge. Results: In Gr.1, IgG was negatively associated with hemoglobin, red blood cell volume, neutrophils, creatine phosphokinase, homocysteine, those were supplemented by NT-pro BNP, interleukin-6, lactate dehydrogenase, creatinine (p < 0.0001–0.034) in Gr.2 and additionally, D-dimer level, transforming growth factor and P-selectin (p < 0.001–0.036) in metabolic disorders subgroup. Therewith, in patients aged over 40 years, positive association of IgG with levels of SBP and DBP (p < 0.011 and 0.034), MDRD (p < 0.01) was registered. Correlation and regression analysis revealed greater association of IgG level < 12.9 with vascular inflammatory markers, and IgG level > 12.9 with thrombogenic parameters. Conclusions: IgG might be a sensitive indicator of VIR and can play a role in predicting possible unwanted vascular complications in AH patients after suffering from SARS-CoV-2.