51
|
Pirker-Kees A, Platho-Elwischger K, Hafner S, Redlich K, Baumgartner C. Hyposmia Is Associated with Reduced Cognitive Function in COVID-19: First Preliminary Results. Dement Geriatr Cogn Disord 2021; 50:68-73. [PMID: 33853062 PMCID: PMC8089429 DOI: 10.1159/000515575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyposmia is frequently reported as an initial symptom in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). OBJECTIVE As hyposmia accompanies cognitive impairment in several neurological disorders, we aimed to study whether hyposmia represents a clinical biomarker for both neurological involvement and cognitive impairment in mild CO-VID-19. We aimed to study whether olfactory dysfunction (OD) represents a clinical biomarker for both neurological involvement and cognitive impairment in mild COVID-19. METHODS Formal olfactory testing using the Sniffin'Sticks® Screening test, neuropsychological assessment using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and detailed neurological examination were performed in 7 COVID-19 patients with mild disease course and no history of olfactory or cognitive impairment, and 7 controls matched for age, sex, and education. Controls were initially admitted to a dedicated COVID-19 screening ward but tested negative by real-time PCR. RESULTS The number of correctly identified odors was significantly lower in COVID-19 than in controls (6 ± 3, vs. 10 ± 1 p = 0.028, r = 0.58). Total MoCA score was significantly lower in COVID-19 patients than in controls (20 ± 5 vs. 26 ± 3, p = 0.042, r = 0.54). Cognitive performance indicated by MoCA was associated with number of correctly identified odors in COVID-19 patients and controls (COVID-19: p = 0.018, 95% CI = 9-19; controls: p = 0.18, r = 0.63, 95% CI = 13-18.5 r = 0.64). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION OD is associated with cognitive impairment in controls and mild COVID-19. OD may represent a potentially useful clinical biomarker for subtle and even subclinical neurological involvement in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome coronavirus-2 infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Pirker-Kees
- Department of Neurology, Clinic Hietzing, Vienna, Austria,Karl Landsteiner Institute for Clinical Epilepsy Research and Cognitive Neurology, Vienna, Austria,* Agnes Pirker-Kees,
| | | | | | - Kurt Redlich
- Department of Rheumatology, Klinik Hietzing, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christoph Baumgartner
- Department of Neurology, Clinic Hietzing, Vienna, Austria,Karl Landsteiner Institute for Clinical Epilepsy Research and Cognitive Neurology, Vienna, Austria,Medical Faculty, Sigmund Freud University, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
52
|
Alonso-Bellido IM, Bachiller S, Vázquez G, Cruz-Hernández L, Martínez E, Ruiz-Mateos E, Deierborg T, Venero JL, Real LM, Ruiz R. The Other Side of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Neurological Sequelae in Patients. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:632673. [PMID: 33889082 PMCID: PMC8055831 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.632673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread around the globe causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Because it affects the respiratory system, common symptoms are cough and breathing difficulties with fever and fatigue. Also, some cases progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The acute phase of COVID-19 has been also related to nervous system symptoms, including loss of taste and smell as well as encephalitis and cerebrovascular disorders. However, it remains unclear if neurological complications are due to the direct viral infection of the nervous system, or they appear as a consequence of the immune reaction against the virus in patients who presented pre-existing deficits or had a certain detrimental immune response. Importantly, the medium and long-term consequences of the infection by SARS-CoV-2 in the nervous system remain at present unknown. This review article aims to give an overview of the current neurological symptoms associated with COVID-19, as well as attempting to provide an insight beyond the acute affectation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel M Alonso-Bellido
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.,Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital, Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Sara Bachiller
- Experimental Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Biomedical Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Unidad Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Microbiología y Medicina Preventiva, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Guillermo Vázquez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.,Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital, Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Luis Cruz-Hernández
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.,Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital, Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Emilio Martínez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.,Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital, Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Ezequiel Ruiz-Mateos
- Unidad Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Microbiología y Medicina Preventiva, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Tomas Deierborg
- Experimental Neuroinflammation Laboratory, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Biomedical Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - José L Venero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.,Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital, Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Luis M Real
- Unidad Clínica de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología, Hospital Universitario de Valme, Sevilla, Spain.,Departamento de Especialidades Quirúrgicas, Bioquímicas e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Rocío Ruiz
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain.,Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla-Hospital, Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
53
|
Ramanathan RS, Wachsman A. Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) Related Acute Stroke Causing Transient Global Amnesia. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2021; 30:105738. [PMID: 33730598 PMCID: PMC7934665 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2021.105738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ramnath Santosh Ramanathan
- Attending Neurohospitalist, Vascular Neurology, Aultman Hospital, NEOMED, 2600 6th St SW, Canton, OH 44710, United States.
| | | |
Collapse
|
54
|
Pan Y, Gao F, Zhao S, Han J, Chen F. Role of the SphK-S1P-S1PRs pathway in invasion of the nervous system by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2021; 48:637-650. [PMID: 33565127 PMCID: PMC8014301 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Global spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is still ongoing. Before an effective vaccine is available, the development of potential treatments for resultant coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is crucial. One of the disease hallmarks is hyper‐inflammatory responses, which usually leads to a severe lung disease. Patients with COVID‐19 also frequently suffer from neurological symptoms such as acute diffuse encephalomyelitis, brain injury and psychiatric complications. The metabolic pathway of sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) is a dynamic regulator of various cell types and disease processes, including the nervous system. It has been demonstrated that S1P and its metabolic enzymes, regulating neuroinflammation and neurogenesis, exhibit important functions during viral infection. S1P receptor 1 (S1PR1) analogues including AAL‐R and RP‐002 inhibit pathophysiological responses at the early stage of H1N1 virus infection and then play a protective role. Fingolimod (FTY720) is an S1P receptor modulator and is being tested for treating COVID‐19. Our review provides an overview of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and critical role of the SphK‐S1P‐SIPR pathway in invasion of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, particularly in the central nervous system (CNS). This may help design therapeutic strategies based on the S1P‐mediated signal transduction, and the adjuvant therapeutic effects of S1P analogues to limit or prevent the interaction between the host and SARS‐CoV‐2, block the spread of the SARS‐CoV‐2, and consequently treat related complications in the CNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuehai Pan
- Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Shangdong, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Hand and Foot Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Shangdong, China
| | - Shuai Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Bonn University, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jinming Han
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Shangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
55
|
Espiridion ED, Mani V, Oladunjoye AO. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome After Re-introduction of Atypical Antipsychotics in a COVID-19 Patient. Cureus 2021; 13:e13428. [PMID: 33763319 PMCID: PMC7980951 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.13428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a case of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) in a 46-year-old white female from a state psychiatric hospital who also tested positive for coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2) infection after re-introduction of her home antipsychotics medication. She presented with confusion and altered mental status likely secondary to delirium from COVID-19 infection. Clozapine and risperidone were initially held on admission and restarted after continuing agitation on day two. She began to have increased restlessness with rising creatinine kinase (CK) levels, peaking on day seven with sudden fever, hypertension, and tachycardia. The diagnosis of NMS was confirmed, antipsychotic medication was held, and appropriate treatment was administered. The mechanism explaining the occurrence of NMS in COVID-19 patients is still unclear, but COVID-19 infection may be a risk factor for this presentation. The mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 as a risk factor for NMS is still uncertain and needs to be investigated further. However, if their infection status is known, patients should be given neuroleptics with caution and carefully considered for the development of this rare condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo D Espiridion
- Psychiatry, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
- Psychiatry, West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, Lewisburg, USA
- Psychiatry, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Martinsburg, USA
- Psychiatry, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
- Psychiatry, Reading Hospital Tower Health, West Reading, USA
| | - Valli Mani
- Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Adeolu O Oladunjoye
- Medical Critical Care, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, USA
- Psychiatry, Reading Hospital Tower Health, West Reading, USA
| |
Collapse
|
56
|
Abstract
Purpose of Review The present review discusses the peripheral nervous system (PNS) manifestations associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Recent Findings Nerve pain and skeletal muscle injury, Guillain-Barré syndrome, cranial polyneuritis, neuromuscular junction disorders, neuro-ophthalmological disorders, neurosensory hearing loss, and dysautonomia have been reported as PNS manifestations in patients with COVID-19. Summary Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes COVID-19. COVID-19 has shown syndromic complexity. Not only does SARS-CoV-2 affect the central nervous system but also it involves the PNS. The PNS involvement may be due to dysregulation of the immune system attributable to COVID-19. Here we review the broad spectrum of PNS involvement of COVID-19.
Collapse
|
57
|
Palominos MF, Whitlock KE. The Olfactory Organ Is Populated by Neutrophils and Macrophages During Early Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:604030. [PMID: 33537298 PMCID: PMC7848073 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.604030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system of vertebrates is characterized by innate and adaptive immunity that function together to form the natural defense system of the organism. During development innate immunity is the first to become functional and is mediated primarily by phagocytic cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells. In the olfactory sensory system, the same sensory neurons in contact with the external environment have their first synapse within the central nervous system. This unique architecture presents a potential gateway for the entry of damaging or infectious agents to the nervous system. Here we used zebrafish as a model system to examine the development of the olfactory organ and to determine whether it shares immune characteristics of a host defense niche described in other tissues. During early development, both neutrophils and macrophages appear coincident with the generation of the primitive immune cells. The appearance of neutrophils and macrophages in the olfactory organs occurs as the blood and lymphatic vascular system is forming in the same region. Making use of the neurogenic properties of the olfactory organ we show that damage to the olfactory sensory neurons in larval zebrafish triggers a rapid immune response by local and non-local neutrophils. In contrast, macrophages, although present in greater numbers, mount a slower response to damage. We anticipate our findings will open new avenues of research into the role of the olfactory-immune response during normal neurogenesis and damage-induced regeneration and contribute to our understanding of the formation of a potential host defense immune niche in the peripheral nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Fernanda Palominos
- Programa Doctorado en Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencia, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso (CINV), Instituto de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Kathleen E Whitlock
- Programa Doctorado en Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencia, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso (CINV), Instituto de Neurociencia, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| |
Collapse
|
58
|
Valsamis H, Sheikin N, Law S, Abdul Baki S. Process Changes for Stroke Care and Electroencephalography on a Neurology Service in a Hospital at the Epicenter of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Neurol 2021; 11:605315. [PMID: 33584504 PMCID: PMC7874214 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.605315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Helen Valsamis
- Kings County Hospital Center, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - Noa Sheikin
- Kings County Hospital Center, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | - Susan Law
- Kings County Hospital Center, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
59
|
Scheiner NS, Smith AK, Wohlleber M, Malone C, Schwartz AC. COVID-19 and Catatonia: A Case Series and Systematic Review of Existing Literature. J Acad Consult Liaison Psychiatry 2021; 62:645-656. [PMID: 33992595 PMCID: PMC8057689 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaclp.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan S Scheiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Ashley K Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Margaret Wohlleber
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Challyn Malone
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Ann C Schwartz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| |
Collapse
|
60
|
Inaba H, Aizawa T. Coronavirus Disease 2019 and the Thyroid - Progress and Perspectives. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:708333. [PMID: 34276567 PMCID: PMC8279745 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.708333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) is currently a tremendous global health problem. COVID-19 causes considerable damage to a wide range of vital organs most prominently the respiratory system. Recently, clinical evidence for thyroidal insults during and after COVID-19 has been accumulated. As of today, almost all non-neoplastic thyroid diseases, i.e., Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, subacute, painless and postpartum thyroiditis, have been reported as a complication of COVID-19, and causality by the virus has been strongly implicated in all of them. Similar thyroid problems have been reported in the past with the SARS-CoV outbreak in 2002. In this review, we briefly look back at the reported evidence of alteration in thyroid functionality and thyroid diseases associated with SARS-CoV and then proceed to examine the issue with COVID-19 in detail, which is then followed by an in-depth discussion regarding a pathogenetic link between Coronavirus infection and thyroid disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hidefumi Inaba
- The First Department of Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Japanese Red Cross Wakayama Medical Center, Wakayama, Japan
- *Correspondence: Hidefumi Inaba,
| | - Toru Aizawa
- Diabetes Center, Aizawa Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
61
|
Cappato S, Gamberale R, Bocciardi R, Brunelli S. Genetic and Acquired Heterotopic Ossification: A Translational Tale of Mice and Men. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8120611. [PMID: 33327623 PMCID: PMC7765130 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8120611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterotopic ossification is defined as an aberrant formation of bone in extraskeletal soft tissue, for which both genetic and acquired conditions are known. This pathologic process may occur in many different sites such as the skin, subcutaneous tissue, skeletal muscle and fibrous tissue adjacent to joints, ligaments, walls of blood vessels, mesentery and other. The clinical spectrum of this disorder is wide: lesions may range from small foci of ossification to massive deposits of bone throughout the body, typical of the progressive genetically determined conditions such as fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva, to mention one of the most severe and disabling forms. The ectopic bone formation may be regarded as a failed tissue repair process in response to a variety of triggers and evolving towards bone formation through a multistage differentiation program, with several steps common to different clinical presentations and distinctive features. In this review, we aim at providing a comprehensive view of the genetic and acquired heterotopic ossification disorders by detailing the clinical and molecular features underlying the different human conditions in comparison with the corresponding, currently available mouse models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Serena Cappato
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Riccardo Gamberale
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Milano, Italy; (R.G.); (S.B.)
| | - Renata Bocciardi
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy;
- UOC Genetica Medica, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Silvia Brunelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Milano, Italy; (R.G.); (S.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
62
|
Valenzano A, Scarinci A, Monda V, Sessa F, Messina A, Monda M, Precenzano F, Mollica MP, Carotenuto M, Messina G, Cibelli G. The Social Brain and Emotional Contagion: COVID-19 Effects. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2020; 56:E640. [PMID: 33255569 PMCID: PMC7760735 DOI: 10.3390/medicina56120640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly contagious infectious disease, responsible for a global pandemic that began in January 2020. Human/COVID-19 interactions cause different outcomes ranging from minor health consequences to death. Since social interaction is the default mode by which individuals communicate with their surroundings, different modes of contagion can play a role in determining the long-term consequences for mental health and emotional well-being. We examined some basic aspects of human social interaction, emphasizing some particular features of the emotional contagion. Moreover, we analyzed the main report that described brain damage related to the COVID-19 infection. Indeed, the goal of this review is to suggest a possible explanation for the relationships among emotionally impaired people, brain damage, and COVID-19 infection. RESULTS COVID-19 can cause several significant neurological disorders and the pandemic has been linked to a rise in people reporting mental health problems, such as depression and anxiety. Neurocognitive symptoms associated with COVID-19 include delirium, both acute and chronic attention and memory impairment related to hippocampal and cortical damage, as well as learning deficits in both adults and children. CONCLUSIONS Although our knowledge on the biology and long-term clinical outcomes of the COVID-19 infection is largely limited, approaching the pandemic based on lessons learnt from previous outbreaks of infectious diseases and the biology of other coronaviruses will provide a suitable pathway for developing public mental health strategies, which could be positively translated into therapeutic approaches, attempting to improve stress coping responses, thus contributing to alleviate the burden driven by the pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Valenzano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.V.); (F.S.); (G.C.)
| | - Alessia Scarinci
- Department of Education Sciences, Psychology, and Communication, University of Bari, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Vincenzo Monda
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Physiology and Unit of Dietetics and Sports Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80100 Naples, Italy; (V.M.); (A.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Francesco Sessa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.V.); (F.S.); (G.C.)
| | - Antonietta Messina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Physiology and Unit of Dietetics and Sports Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80100 Naples, Italy; (V.M.); (A.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Marcellino Monda
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Human Physiology and Unit of Dietetics and Sports Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80100 Naples, Italy; (V.M.); (A.M.); (M.M.)
| | - Francesco Precenzano
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80100 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Maria Pina Mollica
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Naples, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Marco Carotenuto
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80100 Naples, Italy; (F.P.); (M.C.)
| | - Giovanni Messina
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.V.); (F.S.); (G.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Cibelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy; (A.V.); (F.S.); (G.C.)
| |
Collapse
|