Variation of Serum PSA Levels in COVID-19 Infected Male Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): A Prospective Cohort Studys

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of SARS CoV-2 on serum total PSA levels in men with BPH diagnosed with COVID-19. Methods The PSA (Kit: Immunoassay Program- Cycle 18, Siemens Atellica IM Analyzer) levels in patients who had had a PSA check at least 3 months, but no more than 6 months, prior to diagnosis of acute COVID-19 infection, were examined retrospectively. PSA levels were measured and recorded from these patients on the first day of diagnosis of COVID-19. These patients were called back for urology outpatient follow-up at the 3rd month after the end of the COVID-19 treatment. PSA levels measured in the pre-COVID-19 period, during the period of active infection with COVID-19 and in the post-COVID-19 period were compared. Results In total, 91 patients had a serum PSA level of 1.58±1.09 ng/ml in the pre-COVID-19 period, a serum PSA level of 4.34±3.78 ng/ml measured in the COVID-19 period and 2.09±2.70 ng/ml in the post-COVID-19 period. It was determined that the serum PSA level measured during active COVID-19 infection was statistically significantly higher than the PSA levels measured according to the pre-COVID-19 period and the post-COVID-19 period (p<0.001, p<0.001; respectively). Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 infection in men diagnosed with BPH causes significant increases in PSA levels during the active period of the disease. Measurement of PSA values used in the diagnosis, differential diagnosis, and follow-up of prostate diseases in the acute period of infection and in the early period after infection treatment may cause false evaluations that may affect the diagnosis and treatment steps of prostate diseases in these patients.

The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Patients With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS)

“…The focus of the investigation was the assessment of blood PSA levels in male patients diagnosed with COVID-19, with measurements taken both before the onset of COVID-19 and during the active infection period. Notably, the outcomes demonstrated a concurrence with previous research, revealing similarities across 91 cases in the context of PSA levels [ 25 ]. Overall, it could be observed that the same inflammatory route may contribute to the worsening of BPH-related LUTS and associated consequences both during and after infection with SARS-CoV-2 [ 26 ].…”

An immunoPET probe to SARS-CoV-2 reveals early infection of the male genital tract in rhesus macaques

“…Multiple studies have explored this space and it does not appear that SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an increase in prostate cancer 54 . In contrast, another study suggests that infection with SARS-CoV-2 may be associated with an increase in prostate specific antigen (PSA) detection in plasma 55 .…”

“…Multiple studies have explored this space and it does not appear that SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with an increase in prostate cancer 54 . In contrast, another study suggests that infection with SARS-CoV-2 may be associated with an increase in prostate specific antigen (PSA) detection in plasma 55 . Future studies are needed to confirm whether the robust signal of the SARS-CoV-2 PET/CT probe reflects a high-level infection of the human prostate and its subsequent impact on male sexual health and fertility 56, 57 .…”

Does SARS-CoV-2 Affect the Prostate? A Molecular Analysis from a Case Series of COVID-19 Patients

“…Another topic still being debated is PSA in COVID-19 patients. Cinislioglu et al [ 8 ] found that SARS-CoV-2 infection in men diagnosed with BPH caused significant increases in PSA levels during the active period of the disease. The authors provided as an explanation that SARS-COV-2 induces tissue damage in the prostate and down-regulation of ACE2.…”