TNFR-1, TNFR-2, and KIM-1 Plasma Concentrations After COVID-19 and Association With Kidney Function

ABSTRACT

Background: Biomarkers TNFR1, TNFR2, and KIM1 are associated with progression of kidney disease. These biomarkers have not been evaluated in patients who have recovered from COVID-19. Method(s) Patients who had COVID-19 and recovered were followed longitudinally at an outpatient clinic with labs and surveys as part of the Mount Sinai Post-COVID clinic. Blood was sent for creatinine at baseline and 6 month follow up visit. We measured plasma TNFR1, TNFR2, and KIM-1 from the first post-COVID visit via Renalytix' proprietary multiplex assay. eGFR was calculated using the 2021 CKD-EPI formula. Result(s) 450 COVID survivors had serum creatinine values measured at baseline (222+/-89 days post-COVID) and 6 month (419+/-97 days post-COVID) follow up. The average age of patients was 50+/-14 years, 62% were female, 60% were white, and 17% were Black. 23% were hospitalized, 4% required ICU admission, and 2% of patients reported AKI. eGFR at the baseline visit was 94+/-21 and at 6-months was 96+/-22 ml/ min/1.73m2. At the baseline visit, KIM-1, TNFR-1, and TNFR-2 levels were highest in patients who were hospitalized and had AKI (Figure 1a) and concentrations of all three were associated with lower eGFR 6 months later (Figure 1b). Conclusion(s) Severity of illness during COVID is associated with higher levels of plasma TNFR1, TNFR2, and KIM1 several months after recovery. The degree of biomarker elevation post-COVID was associated with lower kidney function more than 1 year post-COVID.