The kynurenine pathway relates to post‐acute COVID‐19 objective cognitive impairment and PASC

Abstract

Abstract Objective To determine the prevalence and natural history of post‐acute COVID‐19 objective cognitive impairment and function, and their relationship to demographic, clinical factors, post‐acute sequelae of COVID‐19 (PASC), and biomarkers. Methods A total of 128 post‐acute COVID‐19 patients (age = 46 ± 15; 42% women, acute disease severity: not hospitalized: 38.6% mild: 0–1 symptoms, 52% 2+ symptoms; 9.4% hospitalized) completed standard cognition, olfaction, and mental health examinations 2‐, 4‐, and 12‐month post diagnosis. Over the same time frame, WHO‐defined PASC was determined. Blood cytokines, peripheral neurobiomarkers, and kynurenine pathway (KP) metabolites were measured. Objective cognitive function was demographically/practice corrected, and impairment prevalence was determined using the evidence‐based Global Deficit Score method to detect at least mild cognitive impairment (GDS > 0.5). Linear mixed effect regression models with time effect (month post diagnosis) evaluated the relationships to cognition. Results Across the 12‐month study period, mild to moderate cognitive impairment ranged from 16% to 26%, and 46.5% were impaired at least once. Impairment associated with poorer work capacity (p < 0.05), and 2‐month objectively tested anosmia (p < 0.05). PASC with (p = 0.01) and without disability (p < 0.03) associated with acute COVID‐19 severity. KP measures showed prolonged activation (2 to 8 months) (p < 0.0001) linked to IFN‐beta in those with PASC. Of the blood analytes, only the KP metabolites (elevated quinolinic acid, 3‐hydroxyanthranilic acid, kynurenine, the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio) associated (p < 0.001) with poorer cognitive performance and greater likelihood of impairment. PASC, independent of disability associated with abnormal kynurenine/tryptophan (p < 0.03). Interpretation The kynurenine pathway relates to post‐acute COVID‐19 objective cognitive impairment and PASC, thereby enabling biomarker and therapeutic possibilities.