Electrolyte deficiency after the novel coronavirus infection and post-COVID asthenia

Abstract

Asthenia is a non-specific syndrome common in general practice and occurs in patients with acute and chronic somatic disorders, including infectious ones. The novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is one of the leading causes of severe and persistent asthenia. The hypothalamicpituitary- adrenal axis is essential for the development of asthenia since its dysfunction provoked by various factors (including infections) results in electrolyte metabolism impairment with hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia. This paper describes a hypothetical pathogenic mechanism of asthenia after the COVID-19, which implies over-activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system that, in particular, leads to hypokalemia. The role of pharmacotherapy prescribed for the COVID-19 is highlighted. Study results demonstrate a high rate of hypokalemia in patients with the COVID-19 and suggest a direct correlation between the severity of hypokalemia and the activity of viral infection. Furthermore, the detection of electrolyte abnormalities is essential in both acute infection and convalescence. Finally, the authors consider ways of relieving this pathological condition. KEYWORDS: novel coronavirus infection, COVID-19, post-infectious asthenia, angiotensin-converting enzyme, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia. FOR CITATION: Ebzeeva E.Yu., Ostroumova O.D., Krotkova I.F. et al. Electrolyte deficiency after the novel coronavirus infection and post- COVID asthenia. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2021;5(5):245–251 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2021-5-5-245-251.