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De Lorenzo R, Di Filippo L, Scelfo S, Merolla A, Giustina A, Conte C, Rovere-Querini P. Longitudinal Changes in Physical Function and Their Impact on Health Outcomes in COVID-19 Patients. Nutrients 2023; 15:4474. [PMID: 37892549 PMCID: PMC10610243 DOI: 10.3390/nu15204474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is correlated with a variety of long-term sequelae that affect different aspects of health, including physical function. This study investigated the longitudinal changes in handgrip strength (HGS) over six months post-hospital discharge in COVID-19 patients and explores the associations between HGS, health-related quality of life, dyspnoea, exercise capacity, and body mass index (BMI). METHODS Adult COVID-19 patients were followed up at one, three, and six months after hospital discharge. HGS, BMI, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life were assessed. Data from patients with HGS measurements at all three time points were analysed. RESULTS Low HGS was prevalent one month post-discharge (35%). Participants with low HGS exhibited more severe disease (30.5% vs. 5.9% were admitted to the intensive care unit, p < 0.01), longer hospital stays (median [IQR] 21 [10.0; 40.5] vs. 12.0 [8.0; 20.0] days, p < 0.01), greater weight loss (-5.7 [-9.1; -0.6] vs. -3.2 [-5.7; -0.0] kg, p = 0.004), and reduced exercise capacity (6 min walking test [6 MWT], 95.7 [84.0; 102.0] vs. 100.0 [92.9; 105.0]% predicted, p = 0.007). Those with persistently low HGS (40% of the initial low HGS group) had worse exercise capacity (6-MWT 93.3 [78.3; 101.0] vs. 101.0 [95.0; 107.0]% predicted, p < 0.001), more dyspnoea (29.0% vs. 2.0% of participants, p < 0.001), poorer quality of life (visual analogue scale score, 75 [50; 75] vs. 85 [75; 95], p < 0.001), and higher rates of problems in various health dimensions. HGS at 1 month was the only significant predictor of HGS improvement from 1 month to 6 months (odds ratio [95% CI] 1.11 [1.03; 1.20], p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the prevalence of reduced physical function among COVID-19 survivors and emphasises the importance of early identification and intervention to optimise their long-term health. Monitoring HGS, a simple and reliable tool, can provide valuable insights into patients' overall physical function, aiding in tailored care and improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca De Lorenzo
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (R.D.L.); (L.D.F.); (A.M.); (A.G.); (P.R.-Q.)
| | - Luigi Di Filippo
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (R.D.L.); (L.D.F.); (A.M.); (A.G.); (P.R.-Q.)
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCCS Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Scelfo
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Aurora Merolla
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (R.D.L.); (L.D.F.); (A.M.); (A.G.); (P.R.-Q.)
| | - Andrea Giustina
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (R.D.L.); (L.D.F.); (A.M.); (A.G.); (P.R.-Q.)
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, IRCCS Hospital, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Conte
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy
- Department of Endocrinology, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS MultiMedica, 20099 Milan, Italy
| | - Patrizia Rovere-Querini
- School of Medicine and Surgery, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy; (R.D.L.); (L.D.F.); (A.M.); (A.G.); (P.R.-Q.)
- Innate Immunity and Tissue Remodeling Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
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Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Palacios-Ceña D. Special Issue "Post-COVID-19 Symptoms in Long-Haulers: Definition, Identification, Mechanisms, and Management". J Clin Med 2023; 12:6458. [PMID: 37892596 PMCID: PMC10607769 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The worldwide spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a condition caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pathogen, led to the most unprecedented disease outbreak of this century, provoking around 770 million confirmed cases and nearly 7 million deaths globally [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- César Fernández-de-las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28922 Alcorcón, Spain;
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Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Nijs J, Giordano R, Arendt-Nielsen L. Precision management of post-COVID pain: An evidence and clinical-based approach. Eur J Pain 2023; 27:1107-1125. [PMID: 36852606 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Pain after a SARS-CoV-2 acute infection (post-COVID pain) is becoming a new healthcare emergency but remains underestimated and most likely undertreated due to a lack of recognition of the phenomenon and knowledge of the underlying pain mechanisms. Evidence supporting any particular treatment approach for the management of post-COVID pain is lacking. Large variability in the patient response to any standard pain treatments is clinically observed, which has led to calls for a personalized, tailored approach to treating patients with chronic post-COVID pain (i.e. 'precision pain medicine'). Applying the global concerted action towards precision medicine to post-COVID pain could help guide clinical decision-making and aid in more effective treatments. Methods The current position paper discusses factors to be considered by clinicians for managing post-COVID pain ranging from identification of the pain phenotype to genetic consideration. Results The ability of clinicians to phenotype post-COVID pain into nociceptive, neuropathic, nociplastic or mixed type is suggested as the first step to better planification of a treatment programme. Further, the consideration of other factors, such as gender, comorbidities, treatments received at the acute phase of infection for onset-associated COVID-19 symptoms, factors during hospitalization or the presence of emotional disturbances should be implemented into a treatment programme. Conclusions Accordingly, considering these factors, management of post-COVID pain should include multimodal pharmacological and non-pharmacological modalities targeting emotional/cognitive aspects (i.e. psychological and/or coping strategies), central sensitization-associated mechanisms (i.e. pain neuroscience education), exercise programmes as well as lifestyle interventions (e.g. nutritional support and sleep management). SIGNIFICANCE: This position paper presents an evidence-based clinical reasoning approach for precision management of post-COVID pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Fernández-de-Las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Madrid, Spain
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jo Nijs
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
- Chronic pain rehabilitation, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Brussels, Sweden
| | - Rocco Giordano
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Mech-Sense, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
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Visca D, Centis R, Pontali E, Zampogna E, Russell AM, Migliori GB, Andrejak C, Aro M, Bayram H, Berkani K, Bruchfeld J, Chakaya JM, Chorostowska-Wynimko J, Crestani B, Dalcolmo MP, D'Ambrosio L, Dinh-Xuan AT, Duong-Quy S, Fernandes C, García-García JM, de Melo Kawassaki A, Carrozzi L, Martinez-Garcia MA, Martins PC, Mirsaeidi M, Mohammad Y, Naidoo RN, Neuparth N, Sese L, Silva DR, Solovic I, Sooronbaev TM, Spanevello A, Sverzellati N, Tanno L, Tiberi S, Vasankari T, Vasarmidi E, Vitacca M, Annesi-Maesano I. Clinical standards for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of post-COVID-19 lung disease. Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2023; 27:729-741. [PMID: 37749839 PMCID: PMC10519381 DOI: 10.5588/ijtld.23.0248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The aim of these clinical standards is to provide guidance on 'best practice' care for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of post-COVID-19 lung disease.METHODS: A panel of international experts representing scientific societies, associations and groups active in post-COVID-19 lung disease was identified; 45 completed a Delphi process. A 5-point Likert scale indicated level of agreement with the draft standards. The final version was approved by consensus (with 100% agreement).RESULTS: Four clinical standards were agreed for patients with a previous history of COVID-19: Standard 1, Patients with sequelae not explained by an alternative diagnosis should be evaluated for possible post-COVID-19 lung disease; Standard 2, Patients with lung function impairment, reduced exercise tolerance, reduced quality of life (QoL) or other relevant signs or ongoing symptoms ≥4 weeks after the onset of first symptoms should be evaluated for treatment and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR); Standard 3, The PR programme should be based on feasibility, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness criteria, organised according to local health services and tailored to an individual patient's needs; and Standard 4, Each patient undergoing and completing PR should be evaluated to determine its effectiveness and have access to a counselling/health education session.CONCLUSION: This is the first consensus-based set of clinical standards for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of post-COVID-19 lung disease. Our aim is to improve patient care and QoL by guiding clinicians, programme managers and public health officers in planning and implementing a PR programme to manage post-COVID-19 lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Visca
- Division of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Istituti Clinici Scientifici (ICS) Maugeri, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Tradate, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Respiratory Diseases, University of Insubria, Varese
| | - R Centis
- Respiratory Diseases Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Tradate
| | - E Pontali
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Galliera Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - E Zampogna
- Division of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Istituti Clinici Scientifici (ICS) Maugeri, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Tradate
| | - A-M Russell
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Royal Devon University Hospitals NHS Trust, Exeter, North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol, UK
| | - G B Migliori
- Respiratory Diseases Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, IRCCS, Tradate
| | - C Andrejak
- Respiratory Department, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Amiens Picardie, Amiens, Unité de Recherche 4294, Agents Infectieux, Résistance et Chimiothérapie, Picardie Jules Verne University, Amiens, GREPI (Group pour la Recherche et enseignement en pneumo-infectiologie) Work group of French society of respiratory diseases, Paris, France
| | - M Aro
- Finnish Lung Health Association (FILHA), Helsinki, Finland
| | - H Bayram
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Koc University Research Center for Translational Medicine, Koc University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - K Berkani
- Pierre de Soleil Clinic, Respiratory Rehabilitation, Vetraz Monthoux, France
| | - J Bruchfeld
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J M Chakaya
- Department of Medicine, Therapeutics and Dermatology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya, Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, UK
| | - J Chorostowska-Wynimko
- Department of Genetics and Clinical Immunology, National Institute of Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases, Warsaw, Poland
| | - B Crestani
- Université Paris Cité, Physiopathologie et épidémiologie des maladies respiratoires, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM), Paris, Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Hôpital Bichat, Service de Pneumologie A, FHU APOLLO, Paris, France
| | - M P Dalcolmo
- Hélio Fraga Reference Center, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (Fiocruz), Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - L D'Ambrosio
- Public Health Consulting Group, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - A-T Dinh-Xuan
- Service de Physiologie-Explorations Fonctionnelles, APHP, Hôpital Cochin, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - S Duong-Quy
- Respiratory Department, Lam Dong Medical College, Dalat, Vietnam
| | - C Fernandes
- Heart Institute, Cardio-pulmonology Department, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - J-M García-García
- Tuberculosis Research Programme (PII-TB), Sociedad Española de Neumología y Cirugía Torácica, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A de Melo Kawassaki
- Serviço de Pneumologia, Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo (ICESP) e do ambulatÓrio de Doenças Pulmonares Intersticiais, Hospital das Clínicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - L Carrozzi
- Department of Surgical, Medical, and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Pulmonary Unit, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Department, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M A Martinez-Garcia
- Respiratory Department, University and Polytechnic La Fe Hospital, Valencia, Centro de InvestigaciÓn Biomédica en Red, Respiratory Disorders, Madrid, Spain
| | - P Carreiro Martins
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department, Dona Estefânia Hospital, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, NOVA Medical School-Comprehensive Health Research Center, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - M Mirsaeidi
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care, University of Florida, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Y Mohammad
- Al Sham private University, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Damascus and Latakia, Centre for Research on Chronic Respiratory Diseases, Tishreen University, Lattakia, Syria
| | - R N Naidoo
- Discipline of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - N Neuparth
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Department, Dona Estefânia Hospital, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Lisboa Central, Lisbon, NOVA Medical School-Comprehensive Health Research Center, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - L Sese
- Department of Physiology and Functional Explorations, Hôpital Avicenne, INSERM, Unité mixte de recherche 1272 Hypoxia and the Lung, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, Department of Pneumology, Centre Constitutif de référence des maladies pulmonaires rares, Hôpital Avicenne, Bobigny, France
| | - D R Silva
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - I Solovic
- National Institute for TB, Lund Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, Vysne Hagy, Catholic University, Ruzomberok, Slovakia
| | - T M Sooronbaev
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, National Center for Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
| | - A Spanevello
- Division of Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Istituti Clinici Scientifici (ICS) Maugeri, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Tradate, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Respiratory Diseases, University of Insubria, Varese
| | - N Sverzellati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - L Tanno
- Institut Desbrest of Epidemiology and Santé Publique, INSERM & Montpellier University, Montpellier and Department of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
| | - S Tiberi
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - T Vasankari
- FILHA, Helsinki, University of Turku, Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Clinical Allergology, Turku, Finland
| | - E Vasarmidi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pneumonology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - M Vitacca
- ICS Maugeri IRCCS, Respiratory Rehabilitation of the Institute of Lumezzane, Brescia, Italy
| | - I Annesi-Maesano
- Institut Desbrest of Epidemiology and Santé Publique, INSERM & Montpellier University, Montpellier and Department of Allergic and Respiratory Diseases, Montpellier University Hospital, Montpellier, France
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di Filippo L, Frara S, Nannipieri F, Cotellessa A, Locatelli M, Rovere Querini P, Giustina A. Low Vitamin D Levels Are Associated With Long COVID Syndrome in COVID-19 Survivors. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:e1106-e1116. [PMID: 37051747 PMCID: PMC10505553 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Long COVID is an emerging syndrome affecting 50% to 70% of COVID-19 survivors that still lacks predicting factors. OBJECTIVE Due to the extraskeletal effects of vitamin D, we retrospectively assessed the association between 25(OH) vitamin D levels and long COVID in COVID-19 survivors 6 months after hospitalization. METHODS Long COVID was defined according to NICE guidelines. Fifty long COVID and 50 non-long-COVID subjects matched on a 1:1 basis were enrolled from an outpatient clinic post-COVID cohort seen from August to November 2020. Therapies/comorbidities affecting calcium/vitamin D/bone metabolism, and/or admission to the intensive care unit during hospitalization were exclusion criteria. 25(OH) Vitamin D was measured at hospital admission and 6 months after discharge. RESULTS We observed lower 25(OH) vitamin D levels, evaluated at follow-up, in subjects with long COVID than those without (20.1 vs 23.2 ng/mL, P = .03). Regarding the affected health areas evaluated in the entire cohort, we observed lower 25(OH) vitamin D levels in those with neurocognitive symptoms at follow-up (n = 7) than those without (n = 93) (14.6 vs 20.6 ng/mL, P = .042). In patients presenting vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL), both at admission and at follow-up (n = 42), those affected by long COVID (n = 22) presented lower 25(OH) vitamin D levels at follow-up than those not affected (n = 20) (12.7 vs 15.2 ng/mL, P = .041). In multiple regression analyses, lower 25(OH) vitamin D levels at follow-up were the only variable significantly associated with long COVID in our cohort (P = .008, OR 1.09, CI 1.01-1.16). CONCLUSION COVID-19 survivors with long COVID have lower 25(OH) vitamin D levels than matched patients without long COVID. Our data suggest that vitamin D levels should be evaluated in COVID-19 patients after hospital discharge. The role of vitamin D supplementation as a preventive strategy of COVID-19 sequelae should be tested in randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luigi di Filippo
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Stefano Frara
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan 20132, Italy
| | | | - Alice Cotellessa
- Laboratory Medicine Service, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Massimo Locatelli
- Laboratory Medicine Service, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Patrizia Rovere Querini
- Division of Immunology, Transplantation & Infectious Diseases, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan 20132, Italy
| | - Andrea Giustina
- Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Sciences, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan 20132, Italy
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Gambichler T, Schuleit N, Susok L, Becker JC, Scheel CH, Torres-Reyes C, Overheu O, Reinacher-Schick A, Schmidt W. Prognostic Performance of Inflammatory Biomarkers Based on Complete Blood Counts in COVID-19 Patients. Viruses 2023; 15:1920. [PMID: 37766326 PMCID: PMC10536301 DOI: 10.3390/v15091920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
With the end of the pandemic, COVID-19 has entered an endemic phase with expected seasonal spikes. Consequently, the implementation of easily accessible prognostic biomarkers for patients with COVID-19 remains an important area of research. In this monocentric study at a German tertiary care hospital, we determined the prognostic performance of different clinical and blood-based parameters in 412 COVID-19 patients. We evaluated the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV), and absolute eosinopenia (AEP, 0/µL) of COVID-19 patients (n = 412). The Siddiqui and Mehra staging proposal, the WHO clinical progression scale, and COVID-19-associated death were used as COVID-19 outcome measures. With respect to Siddiqi and Mehra staging, patient age of older than 75 years, high C-reactive protein (CRP), absolute eosinopenia (AEP), cardiovascular comorbidities, and high ferritin were significant independent predictors for severe COVID-19. When outcome was determined according to the WHO clinical progression scale, patient age of older than 75 years, high CRP, high LDH, AEP, high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and the presence of pulmonal comorbidities were significant independent predictors for severe COVID-19. Finally, COVID-19-associated death was predicted independently by patient age of older than 75 years, high LDH, high NLR, and AEP. Eosinopenia (< 40/µL) was observed in 74.5% of patients, and AEP in almost 45%. In conclusion, the present real-world data indicate that the NLR is superior to more complex systemic immune-inflammation biomarkers (e.g., SII and PIV) in COVID-19 prognostication. A decreased eosinophil count emerged as a potential hallmark of COVID-19 infection, whereas AEP turned out to be an accessible independent biomarker for COVID-19 severity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Gambichler
- Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University, 44791 Bochum, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Christian Hospital Unna, 59423 Unna, Germany
| | - Nadine Schuleit
- Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University, 44791 Bochum, Germany
| | - Laura Susok
- Department of Dermatology, Ruhr-University, 44791 Bochum, Germany
- Department of Dermatology, Klinikum Dortmund gGmbH, 44137 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jürgen C Becker
- Translational Skin Cancer Research, DKTK Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, West German Cancer Center, Dermatology, University Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Oliver Overheu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
- Department of Hematology and Oncology with Palliative Care, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
| | - Anke Reinacher-Schick
- Department of Hematology and Oncology with Palliative Care, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schmidt
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, 44791 Bochum, Germany
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Calvache-Mateo A, Heredia-Ciuró A, Martín-Núñez J, Hernández-Hernández S, Reychler G, López-López L, Valenza MC. Efficacy and Safety of Respiratory Telerehabilitation in Patients with Long COVID-19: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2519. [PMID: 37761716 PMCID: PMC10530340 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11182519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review was to identify, map, and synthesize the extent and nature of research activity on the use of telerehabilitation to support Long COVID-19 rehabilitation and examine the efficacy and safety of respiratory telerehabilitation in patients with Long COVID-19. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials were performed. We included controlled trials that tested the effect of respiratory telerehabilitation interventions in patients with Long COVID-19 versus no intervention, usual care, placebo, or face-to-face intervention. The data were pooled, and a meta-analysis was completed for quality of life, dyspnea, lung function, anxiety and depression, respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, and lower limb strength. Finally, 10 studies were included. The meta-analysis results show significant differences in favor of respiratory telerehabilitation in quality of life (p = 0.02), dyspnea (p < 0.00001), respiratory muscle strength (p < 0.001), functional capacity (p < 0.0001), and lower limb strength (p = 0.01) but not in lung function (p = 0.28) and anxiety and depression (p = 0.55). In addition, there were no statistically significant differences in adverse effects (p = 0.06) between the telerehabilitation and comparator groups. The results suggest that these interventions can improve quality of life, reduce dyspnea, and increase respiratory and lower extremity muscle strength as well as functional capacity in patients with Long COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Calvache-Mateo
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Av. De la Ilustración, 60, 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.C.-M.); (A.H.-C.); (J.M.-N.); (S.H.-H.); (M.C.V.)
| | - Alejandro Heredia-Ciuró
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Av. De la Ilustración, 60, 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.C.-M.); (A.H.-C.); (J.M.-N.); (S.H.-H.); (M.C.V.)
| | - Javier Martín-Núñez
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Av. De la Ilustración, 60, 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.C.-M.); (A.H.-C.); (J.M.-N.); (S.H.-H.); (M.C.V.)
| | - Sofía Hernández-Hernández
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Av. De la Ilustración, 60, 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.C.-M.); (A.H.-C.); (J.M.-N.); (S.H.-H.); (M.C.V.)
| | - Gregory Reychler
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Pôle de Pneumologie, ORL & Dermatologie, Université Catholique de Louvain, 1200 Bruxelles, Belgium;
- Service de Médecine Physique et Réadaptation, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Bruxelles, Belgium
- Service de Pneumologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Laura López-López
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Av. De la Ilustración, 60, 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.C.-M.); (A.H.-C.); (J.M.-N.); (S.H.-H.); (M.C.V.)
| | - Marie Carmen Valenza
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Av. De la Ilustración, 60, 18016 Granada, Spain; (A.C.-M.); (A.H.-C.); (J.M.-N.); (S.H.-H.); (M.C.V.)
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58
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Rivera-Cavazos A, Luviano-García JA, Garza-Silva A, Morales-Rodríguez DP, Kuri-Ayache M, Sanz-Sánchez MÁ, Santos-Macías JE, Romero-Ibarguengoitia ME, González-Cantú A. Analyzing the Interplay between COVID-19 Viral Load, Inflammatory Markers, and Lymphocyte Subpopulations on the Development of Long COVID. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2241. [PMID: 37764085 PMCID: PMC10536598 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The global impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infection has been substantial, affecting millions of people. Long COVID, characterized by persistent or recurrent symptoms after acute infection, has been reported in over 40% of patients. Risk factors include age and female gender, and various mechanisms, including chronic inflammation and viral persistence, have been implicated in long COVID's pathogenesis. However, there are scarce studies in which multiple inflammatory markers and viral load are analyzed simultaneously in acute infection to determine how they predict for long COVID at long-term follow-up. This study explores the association between long COVID and inflammatory markers, viral load, and lymphocyte subpopulation during acute infection in hospitalized patients to better understand the risk factors of this disease. This longitudinal retrospective study was conducted in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in northern Mexico. Inflammatory parameters, viral load, and lymphocyte subpopulation during the acute infection phase were analyzed, and long COVID symptoms were followed up depending on severity and persistence (weekly or monthly) and assessed 1.5 years after the acute infection. This study analyzed 79 patients, among them, 41.8% presented long COVID symptoms, with fatigue being the most common (45.5%). Patients with long COVID had higher lymphocyte levels during hospitalization, and NK cell subpopulation levels were also associated with long COVID. ICU admission during acute COVID-19 was also linked to the development of long COVID symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Rivera-Cavazos
- Vicerrectoría de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza García 66238, Nuevo León, Mexico; (A.R.-C.)
- Research Department, Hospital Clínica Nova de Monterrey, San Nicolás de los Garza 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico;
| | - José Antonio Luviano-García
- Vicerrectoría de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza García 66238, Nuevo León, Mexico; (A.R.-C.)
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Clínica Nova de Monterrey, San Nicolás de los Garza 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Arnulfo Garza-Silva
- Vicerrectoría de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza García 66238, Nuevo León, Mexico; (A.R.-C.)
- Research Department, Hospital Clínica Nova de Monterrey, San Nicolás de los Garza 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico;
| | - Devany Paola Morales-Rodríguez
- Vicerrectoría de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza García 66238, Nuevo León, Mexico; (A.R.-C.)
- Research Department, Hospital Clínica Nova de Monterrey, San Nicolás de los Garza 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico;
| | - Mauricio Kuri-Ayache
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Clínica Nova de Monterrey, San Nicolás de los Garza 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Miguel Ángel Sanz-Sánchez
- Vicerrectoría de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza García 66238, Nuevo León, Mexico; (A.R.-C.)
- Research Department, Hospital Clínica Nova de Monterrey, San Nicolás de los Garza 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico;
| | - Juan Enrique Santos-Macías
- Vicerrectoría de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza García 66238, Nuevo León, Mexico; (A.R.-C.)
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Clínica Nova de Monterrey, San Nicolás de los Garza 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Maria Elena Romero-Ibarguengoitia
- Vicerrectoría de Ciencias de la Salud, Escuela de Medicina, Universidad de Monterrey, San Pedro Garza García 66238, Nuevo León, Mexico; (A.R.-C.)
- Research Department, Hospital Clínica Nova de Monterrey, San Nicolás de los Garza 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico;
| | - Arnulfo González-Cantú
- Research Department, Hospital Clínica Nova de Monterrey, San Nicolás de los Garza 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico;
- Internal Medicine Department, Hospital Clínica Nova de Monterrey, San Nicolás de los Garza 66450, Nuevo León, Mexico
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59
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Bassanello M, Geppini R, Bonsembiante E, Coli U, Farencena A, D’Aquino M, Gambaro A, Buja A, Baldovin T. Risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in the close contacts in a small rural area in the Veneto Region (NE-Italy): past evidence for future scenarios. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1223109. [PMID: 37732097 PMCID: PMC10507707 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1223109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background During the first pandemic phase of COVID-19, an epidemiological study, named First survey, was conducted on the population of a small rural area in northern Italy. In spring 2020, the results showed how a prolonged lockdown slowed down the spread of the virus. Methods After contacting positive First Survey subjects and their families, those who decided to join voluntarily underwent a blood test to assess the presence of qualitative lgG about 2 months after the previous one. This was to determine if IgG persisted in individuals who tested positive in the First Survey as well as to assess the antibody status of their close family members, to determine if they were unintentionally infected. Results Based on serological analysis, 35.1% of the samples contained blood IgG. In subjects who tested positive during the First Survey, 62.5% remained IgG positive more than 2 months later. Among family members who were exposed to a positive relative, 23.7% were infected. Linear regression analysis showed that the presence of an infected person within a household resulted in the infection spreading to the others, but not excessively. Induced isolation extinguished the infection regardless of the extent of the contagion (intra-family or extra-family). Micro-outbreaks of SARS-Cov-2 infection which arose in the same household from extra-familial infections played a decisive role on the statistical significance of IgG-positive subjects (p < 0.001). Discussion The study reveal 52.6% of the IgG-positive subjects in the Second Survey came from the First Survey and 47.4% were family members previously in contact with positive subjects. Data suggest that there have been undiagnosed patients feeding the spread of the virus since the beginning of the pandemic. In conclusion, for future pandemics, it will be necessary: i) to ensure the rapid isolation of symptomatic patients and the early identification of their close contacts, ii) to carry out the maximum number of tests in the shortest possible time, both on symptomatic and asymptomatic subjects, and iii) to implement information campaigns to make people aware of their risks, and implement clear, non-conflicting communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bassanello
- Emergency and Health Department, Monastier di Treviso Hospital, Treviso, Italy
- Hygiene and Public Health Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Ruggero Geppini
- Hygiene and Public Health Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Ugo Coli
- Health Department, Monastier di Treviso Hospital, Treviso, Italy
| | - Aldo Farencena
- Laboratory and Microbiology Monastier di Treviso Hospital, Treviso, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Gambaro
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics (DAIS), Ca’ Foscari University of Venice, Venice, Italy
| | - Alessandra Buja
- Hygiene and Public Health Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Tatjana Baldovin
- Hygiene and Public Health Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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60
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Veronese-Araújo A, de Lucena DD, Aguiar-Brito I, Cristelli MP, Tedesco-Silva H, Medina-Pestana JO, Rangel ÉB. Sex Differences among Overweight/Obese Kidney Transplant Recipients Requiring Oxygen Support Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1555. [PMID: 37763674 PMCID: PMC10535294 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Overweight/obesity puts individuals at greater risk for COVID-19 progression and mortality. We aimed to evaluate the impact of overweight/obesity on oxygen (O2) requirement outcomes of male and female kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a cohort of KTRs diagnosed with COVID-19. Participants were stratified based on BMI categories, and data on the need for O2 therapy outcome were collected and analyzed separately for male and female KTRs. Results: In total, 284 KTRs (97 males and 187 females) were included in the study. Overweight/obesity was observed in 60.6% of male KTRs and 71% of female KTRs. Strikingly, overweight/obese women had a significantly higher requirement for supplemental O2 (63.3% vs. 41.7%, OR = 2.45, p = 0.03), particularly among older individuals (OR = 1.05, p = 0.04), smokers (OR = 4.55, p = 0.03), those with elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (OR = 1.01, p = 0.006), and those with lower admission and basal estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) levels. Within this cohort, the necessity for O2 supplementation was correlated with more unfavorable outcomes. These included heightened mortality rates, transfers to the intensive care unit, employment of invasive mechanical ventilation, and the emergence of acute kidney injury requiring hemodialysis. On the other hand, although overweight/obese male KTRs had a higher prevalence of hypertension and higher fasting blood glucose levels, no significant association was found with COVID-19-related outcomes when compared to lean male KTRs. Conclusions: Overweight/obesity is highly prevalent in KTRs, and overweight/obese women demonstrated a higher need for supplemental O2. Therefore, the early identification of factors that predict a worse outcome in overweight/obese female KTRs affected by COVID-19 contributes to risk stratification and guides therapeutic decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Veronese-Araújo
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04038-031, SP, Brazil; (A.V.-A.); (D.D.d.L.); (I.A.-B.); (H.T.-S.); (J.O.M.-P.)
| | - Débora D. de Lucena
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04038-031, SP, Brazil; (A.V.-A.); (D.D.d.L.); (I.A.-B.); (H.T.-S.); (J.O.M.-P.)
- Hospital do Rim, São Paulo 04038-002, SP, Brazil;
| | - Isabella Aguiar-Brito
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04038-031, SP, Brazil; (A.V.-A.); (D.D.d.L.); (I.A.-B.); (H.T.-S.); (J.O.M.-P.)
| | | | - Hélio Tedesco-Silva
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04038-031, SP, Brazil; (A.V.-A.); (D.D.d.L.); (I.A.-B.); (H.T.-S.); (J.O.M.-P.)
- Hospital do Rim, São Paulo 04038-002, SP, Brazil;
| | - José O. Medina-Pestana
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04038-031, SP, Brazil; (A.V.-A.); (D.D.d.L.); (I.A.-B.); (H.T.-S.); (J.O.M.-P.)
- Hospital do Rim, São Paulo 04038-002, SP, Brazil;
| | - Érika B. Rangel
- Nephrology Division, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo 04038-031, SP, Brazil; (A.V.-A.); (D.D.d.L.); (I.A.-B.); (H.T.-S.); (J.O.M.-P.)
- Hospital do Rim, São Paulo 04038-002, SP, Brazil;
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, SP, Brazil
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61
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Đogaš T, Novak I, Babić M, Vučković M, Tandara L, Radić J. Associations of Serum Calprotectin, Arterial Stiffness and Long COVID Symptoms in Dalmatian Kidney Transplant Recipients. Viruses 2023; 15:1776. [PMID: 37632118 PMCID: PMC10458603 DOI: 10.3390/v15081776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to explore long COVID symptoms, serum calprotectin levels, and the parameters of arterial stiffness in Dalmatian kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) and their possible associations. A cross-sectional, single-center case-control study on 98 KTRs who had recovered from COVID-19 was performed. Long COVID symptoms were explored via standardized questionnaires assessing quality of life, and serum calprotectin was also measured. Out of 98 KTRs with a mean age of 62 years, 63 (64.3%) were men. Medical history, clinical and laboratory parameters, and arterial stiffness measurements were obtained for each study participant. Difficulties with mobility were present in 44.3% of the KTRs, while difficulties with self-care were present in 6.2%, difficulties with usual activities were demonstrated by 35.1%, pain in the extremities was present in 52.5%, and anxiety and depression were present in 26.8%. Our results showed significant differences regarding serum calprotectin levels in clinical manifestations of acute COVID-19 and follow-up laboratory parameters. The most significant positive predictors of the serum calprotectin value in the KTRs were respiratory insufficiency, acute kidney failure, the prescription of antihypertensives, leukocyte and neutrophil counts, the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and lactate dehydrogenase levels. Negative predictors were the time since COVID-19, high-density lipoprotein levels, kidney function parameters, and the lymphocyte count. To conclude, serum calprotectin has emerged as a possible promising biomarker for subclinical allograft rejection; however, further studies are needed to better understand this subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Đogaš
- Internal Medicine Department, Nephrology and Hemodialysis Division, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (T.Đ.); (I.N.); (M.B.); (M.V.)
| | - Ivana Novak
- Internal Medicine Department, Nephrology and Hemodialysis Division, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (T.Đ.); (I.N.); (M.B.); (M.V.)
| | - Marija Babić
- Internal Medicine Department, Nephrology and Hemodialysis Division, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (T.Đ.); (I.N.); (M.B.); (M.V.)
| | - Marijana Vučković
- Internal Medicine Department, Nephrology and Hemodialysis Division, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (T.Đ.); (I.N.); (M.B.); (M.V.)
| | - Leida Tandara
- Department of Medical Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital of Split, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Josipa Radić
- Internal Medicine Department, Nephrology and Hemodialysis Division, University Hospital of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (T.Đ.); (I.N.); (M.B.); (M.V.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia
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62
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Saigal A, Nagoda Niklewicz C, Naidu SB, Bintalib HM, Shah AJ, Seligmann G, Hunter AS, Wey E, Abubakar I, Mahungu T, Miller D, Barnett J, Jain NG, Brill S, Goldring J, Jarvis H, Smith C, Ogbonnaya C, Hurst JR, Lipman MCI, Mandal S. Cross-sectional study evaluating the impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on Long COVID outcomes in UK hospital survivors. BMJ Open Respir Res 2023; 10:e001667. [PMID: 37536948 PMCID: PMC10401240 DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2023-001667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES COVID-19 studies report on hospital admission outcomes across SARS-CoV-2 waves of infection but knowledge of the impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants on the development of Long COVID in hospital survivors is limited. We sought to investigate Long COVID outcomes, aiming to compare outcomes in adult hospitalised survivors with known variants of concern during our first and second UK COVID-19 waves, prior to widespread vaccination. DESIGN Prospective observational cross-sectional study. SETTING Secondary care tertiary hospital in the UK. PARTICIPANTS This study investigated Long COVID in 673 adults with laboratory-positive SARS-CoV-2 infection or clinically suspected COVID-19, 6 weeks after hospital discharge. We compared adults with wave 1 (wildtype variant, admitted from February to April 2020) and wave 2 patients (confirmed Alpha variant on viral sequencing (B.1.1.7), admitted from December 2020 to February 2021). OUTCOME MEASURES Associations of Long COVID presence (one or more of 14 symptoms) and total number of Long COVID symptoms with SARS-CoV-2 variant were analysed using multiple logistic and Poisson regression, respectively. RESULTS 322/400 (wave 1) and 248/273 (wave 2) patients completed follow-up. Predictors of increased total number of Long COVID symptoms included: pre-existing lung disease (adjusted count ratio (aCR)=1.26, 95% CI 1.07, 1.48) and more COVID-19 admission symptoms (aCR=1.07, 95% CI 1.02, 1.12). Weaker associations included increased length of inpatient stay (aCR=1.02, 95% CI 1.00, 1.03) and later review after discharge (aCR=1.00, 95% CI 1.00, 1.01). SARS-CoV-2 variant was not associated with Long COVID presence (OR=0.99, 95% CI 0.24, 4.20) or total number of symptoms (aCR=1.09, 95% CI 0.82, 1.44). CONCLUSIONS Patients with chronic lung disease or greater COVID-19 admission symptoms have higher Long COVID risk. SARS-CoV-2 variant was not predictive of Long COVID though in wave 2 we identified fewer admission symptoms, improved clinical trajectory and outcomes. Addressing modifiable factors such as length of stay and timepoint of clinical review following discharge may enable clinicians to move from Long COVID risk stratification towards improving its outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Saigal
- UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, UK
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - Amar Jitu Shah
- UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, UK
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - George Seligmann
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Alan Stewart Hunter
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Emmanuel Wey
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ibrahim Abubakar
- UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, UK
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tabitha Mahungu
- Department of Virology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Joseph Barnett
- Department of Radiology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Neel Gautam Jain
- Department of Radiology, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Simon Brill
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - James Goldring
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Hannah Jarvis
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Colette Smith
- Institute of Global Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - John R Hurst
- UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, UK
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Marc C I Lipman
- UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, UK
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Swapna Mandal
- UCL Respiratory, University College London, London, UK
- Respiratory Medicine, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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63
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Sen S, Khosla S, Awan O, Cohen S, Gollie JM. Endothelial dysfunction in autoimmune, pulmonary, and kidney systems, and exercise tolerance following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1197061. [PMID: 37575987 PMCID: PMC10413142 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1197061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID is characterized by persistent symptoms beyond 3-months of severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Autonomic, immunologic, endothelial, and hypercoagulation are implicated as possible mechanisms of long COVID symptoms. Despite recognition of the public health challenges posed by long COVID, the current understanding of the pathophysiological underpinnings is still evolving. In this narrative review, we explore the long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on T cell activation such as autoimmune disorders and endothelial cell dysfunction involving vascular impairments within pulmonary and renal architecture. We have described how endothelial dysfunction and vascular abnormalities may underscore findings of exercise intolerance by way of impaired peripheral oxygen extraction in individuals with long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabyasachi Sen
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Shikha Khosla
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Omar Awan
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Disorders Medicine, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Scott Cohen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Jared M. Gollie
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
- Department of Health, Human Function, and Rehabilitation Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
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64
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Szabó E, Modok S, Rónaszéki B, Faragó A, Gémes N, Nagy LI, Hackler L, Farkas K, Neuperger P, Balog JÁ, Balog A, Puskás LG, Szebeni GJ. Comparison of humoral and cellular immune responses in hematologic diseases following completed vaccination protocol with BBIBP-CorV, or AZD1222, or BNT162b2 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1176168. [PMID: 37529238 PMCID: PMC10389666 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1176168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vaccination has proven the potential to control the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. Although recent evidence suggests a poor humoral response against SARS-CoV-2 in vaccinated hematological disease (HD) patients, data on vaccination in these patients is limited with the comparison of mRNA-based, vector-based or inactivated virus-based vaccines. Methods Forty-nine HD patients and 46 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled who received two-doses complete vaccination with BNT162b2, or AZD1222, or BBIBP-CorV, respectively. The antibodies reactive to the receptor binding domain of spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 were assayed by Siemens ADVIA Centaur assay. The reactive cellular immunity was assayed by flow cytometry. The PBMCs were reactivated with SARS-CoV-2 antigens and the production of activation-induced markers (TNF-α, IFN-γ, CD40L) was measured in CD4+ or CD8+ T-cells ex vivo. Results The anti-RBD IgG level was the highest upon BNT162b2 vaccination in HDs (1264 BAU/mL) vs. HCs (1325 BAU/mL) among the studied groups. The BBIBP-CorV vaccination in HDs (339.8 BAU/mL ***p < 0.001) and AZD1222 in HDs (669.9 BAU/mL *p < 0.05) resulted in weaker antibody response vs. BNT162b2 in HCs. The response rate of IgG production of HC vs. HD patients above the diagnostic cut-off value was 100% vs. 72% for the mRNA-based BNT162b2 vaccine; 93% vs. 56% for the vector-based AZD1222, or 69% vs. 33% for the inactivated vaccine BBIBP-CorV, respectively. Cases that underwent the anti-CD20 therapy resulted in significantly weaker (**p < 0.01) anti-RBD IgG level (302 BAU/mL) than without CD20 blocking in the HD group (928 BAU/mL). The response rates of CD4+ TNF-α+, CD4+ IFN-γ+, or CD4+ CD40L+ cases were lower in HDs vs. HCs in all vaccine groups. However, the BBIBP-CorV vaccine resulted the highest CD4+ TNF-α and CD4+ IFN-γ+ T-cell mediated immunity in the HD group. Conclusion We have demonstrated a significant weaker overall response to vaccines in the immunologically impaired HD population vs. HCs regardless of vaccine type. Although, the humoral immune activity against SARS-CoV-2 can be highly evoked by mRNA-based BNT162b2 vaccination compared to vector-based AZD1222 vaccine, or inactivated virus vaccine BBIBP-CorV, whereas the CD4+ T-cell mediated cellular activity was highest in HDs vaccinated with BBIBP-CorV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enikő Szabó
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Modok
- Department of Medicine, Szent-Györgyi Albert Medical School-University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Benedek Rónaszéki
- Department of Medicine, Szent-Györgyi Albert Medical School-University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anna Faragó
- Avidin Ltd., Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School in Biology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Gémes
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School in Biology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | | | | | - Patrícia Neuperger
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- Doctoral School in Biology, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - József Á. Balog
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Balog
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Gyorgyi Health Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László G. Puskás
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- Avidin Ltd., Szeged, Hungary
- Avicor Ltd., Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gabor J. Szebeni
- Laboratory of Functional Genomics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
- CS-Smartlab Devices, Kozarmisleny, Hungary
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65
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Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Arendt-Nielsen L, Díaz-Gil G, Gómez-Esquer F, Gil-Crujera A, Gómez-Sánchez SM, Ambite-Quesada S, Palomar-Gallego MA, Pellicer-Valero OJ, Giordano R. Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) ε4 Genotype (ApoE rs429358-ApoE rs7412 Polymorphisms) Is Not Associated with Long COVID Symptoms in Previously Hospitalized COVID-19 Survivors. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1420. [PMID: 37510324 PMCID: PMC10379077 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of genetics as a predisposing factor related to an increased risk of developing long COVID symptomatology is under debate. The aim of the current secondary analysis was to identify the association between the Apolipoprotein E (ApoE) gene, a gene affecting cholesterol metabolism and previously associated with a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity, and the development of long COVID in a cohort of individuals who had been hospitalized by SARS-CoV-2 infection. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected from 287 previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors. Three genotypes of the ApoE gene (ApoE ε2, ε3, ε4) were obtained based on the combination of ApoE rs429358 and ApoE rs7412 polymorphisms. Participants were asked to self-report the presence of any post-COVID symptom in a face-to-face interview at 17.8 ± 5.2 months after hospital discharge and medical records were obtained. Each participant reported 3.0 (1.9) post-COVID symptoms. Overall, no significant differences in long COVID symptoms were observed depending on the ApoE genotype (ApoE ε2, ApoE ε3, ApoE ε4). The presence of the ApoE ε4 genotype, albeit associated with a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity, did not appear to predispose for the presence of long COVID in our cohort of previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Fernández-de-las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain;
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (L.A.-N.); (R.G.)
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (L.A.-N.); (R.G.)
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Mech-Sense, Aalborg University Hospital, DK-9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Gema Díaz-Gil
- Research Group GAMDES, Department of Basic Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28922 Madrid, Spain; (G.D.-G.); (F.G.-E.); (A.G.-C.); (S.M.G.-S.); (M.A.P.-G.)
| | - Francisco Gómez-Esquer
- Research Group GAMDES, Department of Basic Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28922 Madrid, Spain; (G.D.-G.); (F.G.-E.); (A.G.-C.); (S.M.G.-S.); (M.A.P.-G.)
| | - Antonio Gil-Crujera
- Research Group GAMDES, Department of Basic Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28922 Madrid, Spain; (G.D.-G.); (F.G.-E.); (A.G.-C.); (S.M.G.-S.); (M.A.P.-G.)
| | - Stella M. Gómez-Sánchez
- Research Group GAMDES, Department of Basic Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28922 Madrid, Spain; (G.D.-G.); (F.G.-E.); (A.G.-C.); (S.M.G.-S.); (M.A.P.-G.)
| | - Silvia Ambite-Quesada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain;
| | - María A. Palomar-Gallego
- Research Group GAMDES, Department of Basic Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28922 Madrid, Spain; (G.D.-G.); (F.G.-E.); (A.G.-C.); (S.M.G.-S.); (M.A.P.-G.)
| | - Oscar J. Pellicer-Valero
- Image Processing Laboratory (IPL), Universitat de València, Parc Científic, Paterna, 46100 València, Spain;
| | - Rocco Giordano
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (L.A.-N.); (R.G.)
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66
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Abstract
Convergence of the two pandemics: metabolic syndrome and COVID-19 over last two years has posed unprecedented challenges to individuals as well as healthcare systems. Epidemiological data suggest a close association between metabolic syndrome and COVID-19 while variety of possible pathogenic connections have been proposed while some have been proven. Despite the evidence of high risk for adverse COVID-19 outcomes in people with metabolic syndrome, little is known about the differences in efficacy and safety among people with metabolic syndrome and without. It is important to recognize that among people with metabolic syndrome This review summarizes the current knowledge and epidemiological evidence on the association between metabolic syndrome and adverse COVID-19 outcomes, pathogenic interrelationships, management considerations for acute COVID-19 and post-COVID sequalae and sustaining care of people living with metabolic syndrome with appraisal of evidence and gaps in knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsha Dissanayake
- Diabetes Research Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka; Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka.
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Binetti J, Real M, Renzulli M, Bertran L, Riesco D, Perpiñan C, Mohedano A, Segundo RS, Ortiz M, Porras JA, Pineda DR, Auguet T. Clinical and Biomarker Profile Responses to Rehabilitation Treatment in Patients with Long COVID Characterized by Chronic Fatigue. Viruses 2023; 15:1452. [PMID: 37515140 PMCID: PMC10384083 DOI: 10.3390/v15071452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID (LC) syndrome is a complex multiorgan symptom that persists beyond >12 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The most frequently associated symptom is fatigue. Physical activity and exercise are recommended, although specific studies are lacking. The objectives of the present work are to analyze the impact of a supervised exercise program on the clinical evolution of LC with fatigue patients and to identify whether certain circulating biomarkers could predict the response to rehabilitation. The rehabilitation treatment response was analyzed in 14 women diagnosed with LC and fatigue, based on the changes in the 6 min walk test and Borg/Fatigue Impact scales. Patients who showed improvement in the meters walked were considered "responders" to the therapy. A total of 65% of patients responded to the exercise program, with an improvement in the meters walked and in oxygen saturation, with stability in the percentage of meters walked. Participants with obesity and those double-vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 presented a lower degree of fatigue. LC patients presented a favorable response to a supervised exercise program. Differences in creatinine and protein levels were observed between rehabilitation therapy "responders" and "nonresponders". A good state of protein nutrition was related to a better rehabilitation response. The results are promising regarding possible predictive biomarkers of rehabilitation response, such as creatinine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Binetti
- GEMMAIR Research Group, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pere Virgili Institute for Health Research (IISPV), Rovira i Virgili University (URV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (J.B.); (L.B.); (D.R.); (J.A.P.)
- Internal Medicine Unit, Joan XXIII University Hospital of Tarragona, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (M.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Monica Real
- Internal Medicine Unit, Joan XXIII University Hospital of Tarragona, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (M.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Marcela Renzulli
- Rehabilitation Unit, Joan XXIII University Hospital of Tarragona, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (M.R.); (R.S.S.); (M.O.); (D.R.P.)
| | - Laia Bertran
- GEMMAIR Research Group, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pere Virgili Institute for Health Research (IISPV), Rovira i Virgili University (URV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (J.B.); (L.B.); (D.R.); (J.A.P.)
| | - David Riesco
- GEMMAIR Research Group, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pere Virgili Institute for Health Research (IISPV), Rovira i Virgili University (URV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (J.B.); (L.B.); (D.R.); (J.A.P.)
- Internal Medicine Unit, Joan XXIII University Hospital of Tarragona, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (M.R.); (A.M.)
| | | | - Alba Mohedano
- Internal Medicine Unit, Joan XXIII University Hospital of Tarragona, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (M.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Rosa San Segundo
- Rehabilitation Unit, Joan XXIII University Hospital of Tarragona, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (M.R.); (R.S.S.); (M.O.); (D.R.P.)
- Neurobehavioral and Health Research Group (NEUROLAB), Rovira i Virgili University (URV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Marta Ortiz
- Rehabilitation Unit, Joan XXIII University Hospital of Tarragona, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (M.R.); (R.S.S.); (M.O.); (D.R.P.)
| | - José Antonio Porras
- GEMMAIR Research Group, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pere Virgili Institute for Health Research (IISPV), Rovira i Virgili University (URV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (J.B.); (L.B.); (D.R.); (J.A.P.)
- Internal Medicine Unit, Joan XXIII University Hospital of Tarragona, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (M.R.); (A.M.)
| | - Daniela Rosanna Pineda
- Rehabilitation Unit, Joan XXIII University Hospital of Tarragona, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (M.R.); (R.S.S.); (M.O.); (D.R.P.)
| | - Teresa Auguet
- GEMMAIR Research Group, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Pere Virgili Institute for Health Research (IISPV), Rovira i Virgili University (URV), 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (J.B.); (L.B.); (D.R.); (J.A.P.)
- Internal Medicine Unit, Joan XXIII University Hospital of Tarragona, 43007 Tarragona, Spain; (M.R.); (A.M.)
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68
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Rodríguez-Pérez MP, Sánchez-Herrera-Baeza P, Rodríguez-Ledo P, Huertas-Hoyas E, Fernández-Gómez G, Montes-Montes R, Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres M. Influence of Clinical and Sociodemographic Variables on Health-Related Quality of Life in the Adult Population with Long COVID. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4222. [PMID: 37445257 PMCID: PMC10342773 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, about 10 percent of patients affected by long COVID require appropriate follow-up and intervention. The main objective of this study was to analyze the long-term impact of mild long COVID in the adult population, and to determine the effect of clinical and sociodemographic variables on health-related quality of life in those affected. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study of a sample of Spanish adult patients with persistent COVID-19 symptoms at least three months after diagnosis. Data collection took place between April and July 2021. The health-related quality of life of the sample was low, with worse results in the physical component summary (PCS) 24.66 (SD = 4.45) compared to the mental component summary (MCS) 45.95 (SD = 8.65). The multi-regression analysis showed significant differences by sex in the dimensions of physical functioning (p = 0.040); bodily pain (p = 0.036); and health transition (p = 0.018). Additionally, a longer time since infection had a significant effect on physical functioning (p = 0.039); general health (p = 0.037); vitality (p = 0.034); and general health transition (p = 0.002). The effect of occupational imbalance was significant for all dimensions. Conclusions: people with long COVID have a reduced quality of life. Sex, time since infection, and occupational imbalance are predictors of a worse quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mª Pilar Rodríguez-Pérez
- Group in Evaluation and Assessment of Capacity, Functionality and Disability of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (TO+IDI), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Research, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain; (M.P.R.-P.); (E.H.-H.); (G.F.-G.); (R.M.-M.); (M.P.-d.-H.-T.)
| | - Patricia Sánchez-Herrera-Baeza
- Group in Evaluation and Assessment of Capacity, Functionality and Disability of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (TO+IDI), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Research, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain; (M.P.R.-P.); (E.H.-H.); (G.F.-G.); (R.M.-M.); (M.P.-d.-H.-T.)
| | - Pilar Rodríguez-Ledo
- COVID Persistent Working Group of the Sociedad Española de Medicos de Familia (SEMG), Department of General Medicine, Lugo, a Mariña and Monforte de Lemos Health Area, 27002 Lugo, Spain;
| | - Elisabet Huertas-Hoyas
- Group in Evaluation and Assessment of Capacity, Functionality and Disability of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (TO+IDI), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Research, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain; (M.P.R.-P.); (E.H.-H.); (G.F.-G.); (R.M.-M.); (M.P.-d.-H.-T.)
| | - Gemma Fernández-Gómez
- Group in Evaluation and Assessment of Capacity, Functionality and Disability of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (TO+IDI), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Research, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain; (M.P.R.-P.); (E.H.-H.); (G.F.-G.); (R.M.-M.); (M.P.-d.-H.-T.)
| | - Rebeca Montes-Montes
- Group in Evaluation and Assessment of Capacity, Functionality and Disability of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (TO+IDI), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Research, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain; (M.P.R.-P.); (E.H.-H.); (G.F.-G.); (R.M.-M.); (M.P.-d.-H.-T.)
| | - Marta Pérez-de-Heredia-Torres
- Group in Evaluation and Assessment of Capacity, Functionality and Disability of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (TO+IDI), Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Research, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain; (M.P.R.-P.); (E.H.-H.); (G.F.-G.); (R.M.-M.); (M.P.-d.-H.-T.)
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69
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Jaramillo M, Thyvalikakath TP, Eckert G, Srinivasan M. Characteristics of Chemosensory Perception in Long COVID and COVID Reinfection. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12103598. [PMID: 37240704 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12103598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging data suggest an increasing prevalence of persistent symptoms in individuals affected by coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). The objective of this study was to determine the relative frequency of altered taste and smell in COVID reinfection (multiple COVID positive tests) and long COVID (one COVID positive test). We sent an electronic survey to patients in the Indiana University Health COVID registry with positive COVID test results, querying if they were experiencing symptoms consistent with long COVID including altered chemosensory perceptions. Among the 225 respondents, a greater long COVID burden and COVID reinfection was observed in women. Joint pain was reported as the most common symptom experienced by 18% of individuals in the long COVID cohort. In the COVID reinfection cohort >20% of individuals reported headache, joint pain, and cough. Taste perception worse than pre-COVID was reported by 29% and 42% of individuals in the long COVID and COVID reinfection cohorts, respectively. Smell perception worse than pre-COVID was reported by 37% and 46% of individuals in long COVID and COVID reinfection cohorts, respectively. Further, Chi-square test suggested significant association between pre-COVID severity of taste/smell perception and headache in both cohorts. Our findings highlight the prevalence of persistent chemosensory dysfunction for two years and longer in long COVID and COVID reinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikki Jaramillo
- Department of Oral Pathology, Medicine and Radiology, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Thankam P Thyvalikakath
- Department of Dental Public Health and Dental Informatics, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - George Eckert
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Mythily Srinivasan
- Department of Oral Pathology, Medicine and Radiology, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indiana University Purdue University at Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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70
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Mazzaglia G. Long COVID Syndrome: Lesson Learned and Future Implications. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12103450. [PMID: 37240555 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12103450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has caused severe illness and mortality on a global scale, with an impact not witnessed since the 1918-19 Spanish influenza pandemic [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Giampiero Mazzaglia
- Center for Public Health Research (CESP), Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, I-20900 Monza, Italy
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71
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Abstract
The current epidemic of corona virus disease (COVID-19) has resulted in an immense health burden that became the third leading cause of death and potentially contributed to a decline in life expectancy in the United States. The severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 binds to the surface-bound peptidase angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2, EC 3.4.17.23) leading to tissue infection and viral replication. ACE2 is an important enzymatic component of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) expressed in the lung and other organs. The peptidase regulates the levels of the peptide hormones Ang II and Ang-(1-7), which have distinct and opposing actions to one another, as well as other cardiovascular peptides. A potential consequence of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 infection is reduced ACE2 activity by internalization of the viral-ACE2 complex and subsequent activation of the RAS (higher ratio of Ang II:Ang-[1-7]) that may exacerbate the acute inflammatory events in COVID-19 patients and possibly contribute to the effects of long COVID-19. Moreover, COVID-19 patients present with an array of autoantibodies to various components of the RAS including the peptide Ang II, the enzyme ACE2, and the AT1 AT2 and Mas receptors. Greater disease severity is also evident in male COVID-19 patients, which may reflect underlying sex differences in the regulation of the 2 distinct functional arms of the RAS. The current review provides a critical evaluation of the evidence for an activated RAS in COVID-19 subjects and whether this system contributes to the greater severity of severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus-2 infection in males as compared with females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark C. Chappell
- Hypertension and Vascular Research Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC
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72
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Perumal R, Shunmugam L, Naidoo K, Abdool Karim SS, Wilkins D, Garzino-Demo A, Brechot C, Parthasarathy S, Vahlne A, Nikolich JŽ. Long COVID: a review and proposed visualization of the complexity of long COVID. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1117464. [PMID: 37153597 PMCID: PMC10157068 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1117464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-Acute Sequelae of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus - 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, or Long COVID, is a prevailing second pandemic with nearly 100 million affected individuals globally and counting. We propose a visual description of the complexity of Long COVID and its pathogenesis that can be used by researchers, clinicians, and public health officials to guide the global effort toward an improved understanding of Long COVID and the eventual mechanism-based provision of care to afflicted patients. The proposed visualization or framework for Long COVID should be an evidence-based, dynamic, modular, and systems-level approach to the condition. Furthermore, with further research such a framework could establish the strength of the relationships between pre-existing conditions (or risk factors), biological mechanisms, and resulting clinical phenotypes and outcomes of Long COVID. Notwithstanding the significant contribution that disparities in access to care and social determinants of health have on outcomes and disease course of long COVID, our model focuses primarily on biological mechanisms. Accordingly, the proposed visualization sets out to guide scientific, clinical, and public health efforts to better understand and abrogate the health burden imposed by long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubeshan Perumal
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) - CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care, Division of Internal Medicine, School Clinical Medicine, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Long COVID Taskforce, The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Letitia Shunmugam
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) - CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kogieleum Naidoo
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) - CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Salim S. Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) - CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Dave Wilkins
- Long COVID Taskforce, The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alfredo Garzino-Demo
- Long COVID Taskforce, The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Christian Brechot
- Long COVID Taskforce, The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sairam Parthasarathy
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Anders Vahlne
- Long COVID Taskforce, The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Janko Ž. Nikolich
- Long COVID Taskforce, The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Immunobiology and the University of Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, United States
- The Aegis Consortium for Pandemic-Free Future, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, United States
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73
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Puntoni M, Esposito S, Patrizi L, Palo CM, Deolmi M, Autore G, Fainardi V, Caminiti C. Impact of Age and Sex Interaction on Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19: An Italian Cohort Study on Adults and Children. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12082924. [PMID: 37109260 PMCID: PMC10144783 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12082924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying factors predisposing individuals to post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) would allow for the timely treatment of those vulnerable. Attention on the role of sex and age is growing, but published studies have shown mixed results. Our objective was to estimate the effect modification of age on sex as a risk factor for PASC. We analyzed data from two longitudinal prospective cohort studies on adult and pediatric subjects positive to SARS-CoV-2 infection that were enrolled between May 2021 and September 2022. Age classes (≤5, 6-11, 12-50, >50 years) were based on the potential role of sex hormones on inflammatory/immune and autoimmune processes. A total of 452 adults and 925 children were analyzed: 46% were female and 42% were adults. After a median follow-up of 7.8 months (IQR: 5.0 to 9.0), 62% of children and 85% of adults reported at least one symptom. Sex and age alone were not significantly associated to PASC, but their interaction was statistically significant (p-value = 0.024): the risk was higher for males aged 0-5 (females vs. males HR: 0.64, 95% CI: 0.45-0.91, p = 0.012) and for females aged 12-50 (HR: 1.39, 95% CI: 1.04-1.86, p = 0.025), especially those in the cardiovascular, neurological, gastrointestinal and sleep categories. Further research on PASC with regard to sex and age is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Puntoni
- Clinical & Epidemiological Research Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Susanna Esposito
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, University Hospital of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Patrizi
- Clinical & Epidemiological Research Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Chiara Maria Palo
- Clinical & Epidemiological Research Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Michela Deolmi
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, University Hospital of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Autore
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, University Hospital of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Valentina Fainardi
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, University Hospital of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
| | - Caterina Caminiti
- Clinical & Epidemiological Research Unit, University Hospital of Parma, 43125 Parma, Italy
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74
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Galluzzo V, Zazzara MB, Ciciarello F, Tosato M, Martone AM, Pais C, Savera G, Calvani R, Picca A, Marzetti E, Landi F. Inadequate Physical Activity Is Associated with Worse Physical Function in a Sample of COVID-19 Survivors with Post-Acute Symptoms. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12072517. [PMID: 37048602 PMCID: PMC10095156 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12072517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background—Patients affected by Long COVID often report shorter times spent doing physical activity (PA) after COVID-19. The aim of the present study was to evaluate potential associations between PA levels and parameters of physical function in a cohort of COVID-19 survivors with post-acute symptoms, with a particular focus on individuals aged 65 and older. Materials and methods—PA levels before and after COVID-19 were assessed in a sample of patients that had recovered from COVID-19 and were admitted to a post-acute outpatient service at the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS (Rome, Italy). Participation in PA was operationalized as the engagement in leisure-time PA for at least 150 min per week in the last 3 months. Self-rated health and measures of physical performance and muscle strength were assessed. Results—Mean age of 1846 participants was 55.2 ± 14.4 years and 47% were women. Before COVID-19, inactivity was detected in 47% of the whole study population; only 28% maintained pre-COVID-19 PA engagement. Inactivity was more frequent in women. The stopping of physical activity was associated with increased BMI and CRP levels, lower vitamin D levels and a higher prevalence of post-COVID-19 fatigue, dyspnea, arthralgia, and myalgia. Active participants had higher handgrip strength and performed better on both the six-minute walking test (6MWT) and at the one-minute sit-to-stand test (1MSTST). In particular, at the 6MWT, participants 65 and older that were still active after COVID-19 walked 32 m more than sedentary peers. Moreover, the distance covered was 28 m more than those who were active only before COVID-19 (p = 0.05). Formerly active subjects performed similarly at the 6MWT to inactive participants. PA was associated with better self-rated health. Conclusions—Our findings reveal that inactivity is frequent in the post-acute COVID-19 phase. Stopping physical activity after COVID-19 results in measures of performance that are comparable to those who were never active. Relevant differences in the distance covered at the 6MWT were found between older active subjects and their sedentary peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Galluzzo
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Francesca Ciciarello
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Tosato
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Martone
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Pais
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Savera
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calvani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Picca
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Marzetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Landi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario “Agostino Gemelli” IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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Petracek LS, Broussard CA, Swope RL, Rowe PC. A Case Study of Successful Application of the Principles of ME/CFS Care to an Individual with Long COVID. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11060865. [PMID: 36981522 PMCID: PMC10048325 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of post-COVID conditions, also termed long COVID. At the extreme end of the severity spectrum, some individuals with long COVID also meet the criteria for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), raising the possibility that symptom management approaches for ME/CFS may benefit some long COVID patients. We describe the long-term outcomes of a 19-year-old male who developed profound impairment consistent with ME/CFS after a SARS-CoV-2 infection early in the pandemic. We evaluated and treated him using our clinic’s approach to ME/CFS. This included a history and physical examination that ascertained joint hypermobility, pathological reflexes, physical therapy maneuvers to look for a range of motion restrictions in the limbs and spine, orthostatic testing, and screening laboratory studies. He was found to have profound postural tachycardia syndrome, several ranges of motion restrictions, and mast cell activation syndrome. He was treated according to our clinic’s guidelines for managing ME/CFS, which included manual physical therapy maneuvers and both non-pharmacologic measures and medications directed at postural tachycardia syndrome and mast cell activation. He experienced significant improvement in his symptoms over 30 months. His case emphasizes how the application of the principles of treating ME/CFS has the potential to provide a direction for treating long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Peter C. Rowe
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-410-955-9229; Fax: +1-410-614-1178
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76
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Protective effect of COVID-19 vaccination against long COVID syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Vaccine 2023; 41:1783-1790. [PMID: 36774332 PMCID: PMC9905096 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 89.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and long COVID has not been firmly established. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between COVID-19 vaccination and long COVID. METHODS PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched on September 2022 without language restrictions (CRD42022360399) to identify prospective trials and observational studies comparing patients with and without vaccination before severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We also included studies reporting symptomatic changes of ongoing long COVID following vaccination among those with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Odds ratios (ORs) for each outcome were synthesized using a random-effects model. Symptomatic changes after vaccination were synthesized by a one-group meta-analysis. RESULTS Six observational studies involving 536,291 unvaccinated and 84,603 vaccinated (before SARS-CoV-2 infection) patients (mean age, 41.2-66.6; female, 9.0-67.3%) and six observational studies involving 8,199 long COVID patients (mean age, 40.0 to 53.5; female, 22.2-85.9%) who received vaccination after SARS-CoV-2 infection were included. Two-dose vaccination was associated with a lower risk of long COVID compared to no vaccination (OR, 0.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-0.92) and one-dose vaccination (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.43-0.83). Two-dose vaccination compared to no vaccination was associated with a lower risk of persistent fatigue (OR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.41-0.93) and pulmonary disorder (OR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.47-0.52). Among those with ongoing long COVID symptoms, 54.4% (95% CI, 34.3-73.1%) did not report symptomatic changes following vaccination, while 20.3% (95% CI, 8.1-42.4%) experienced symptomatic improvement after two weeks to six months of COVID-19 vaccination. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 vaccination before SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with a lower risk of long COVID, while most of those with ongoing long COVID did not experience symptomatic changes following vaccination.
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77
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Lulli LG, Baldassarre A, Chiarelli A, Mariniello A, Paolini D, Grazzini M, Mucci N, Arcangeli G. Physical Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Population of Italian Healthcare Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4506. [PMID: 36901516 PMCID: PMC10002388 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection often causes symptoms and illness that can last for months after the acute phase, i.e., so-called "Long COVID" or Post-acute COVID-19. Due to the high prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among Healthcare Workers (HCWs), post-COVID-19 symptoms can be common and threaten workers' occupational health and healthcare systems' functioning. The aim of this cross-sectional, observational study was to present data related to post-COVID-19 outcomes in a population of HCWs infected by COVID-19 from October 2020 to April 2021, and to identify possible factors associated with the persistence of illness, such as gender, age, previous medical conditions, and features of acute illness. A total of 318 HCWs who had become infected by COVID-19 were examined and interviewed approximately two months after their recovery from the infection. The clinical examinations were performed by Occupational Physicians in accordance with a specific protocol at the Occupational Medicine Unit of a tertiary hospital in Italy. The mean age of the participants was 45 years old, and 66.7% of the workers were women while 33.3% were men; the sample mainly consisted of nurses (44.7%). During the medical examination, more than half of the workers mentioned that they had experienced multiple residual bouts of illness after the acute phase of infection. Men and women were similarly affected. The most reported symptom was fatigue (32.1%), followed by musculoskeletal pain (13.6%) and dyspnea (13.2%). In the multivariate analysis, dyspnea (p < 0.001) and fatigue (p < 0.001) during the acute stage of illness and the presence of any limitation in working activities, in the context of fitness for a work evaluation performed while the occupational medicine surveillance program was being conducted (p = 0.025), were independently associated with any post-COVID-19 symptoms, which were considered final outcomes. The main post-COVID-19 symptoms-dyspnea, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain-showed significant associations with dyspnea, fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain experienced during the acute stage of infection, with the presence of limitations in working activities, and pre-existing pneumological diseases. A normal weight according to body mass index was a protective factor. The identification of vulnerable workers as those with limitations in working activities, pneumological diseases, a high BMI, and of an older age and the implementation of preventive measures are key factors for preserving Occupational Health. Fitness-to-work evaluations performed by Occupational Physicians can be considered a complex index of overall health and functionality that can identify workers who may suffer from relevant post-COVID-19 symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucrezia Ginevra Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Antonio Baldassarre
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Annarita Chiarelli
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | | | - Diana Paolini
- Health Direction, Careggi University Hospital, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Mucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Giulio Arcangeli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy
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78
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Zavori L, Molnar T, Varnai R, Kanizsai A, Nagy L, Vadkerti B, Szirmay B, Schwarcz A, Csecsei P. Cystatin-c May Indicate Subclinical Renal Involvement, While Orosomucoid Is Associated with Fatigue in Patients with Long-COVID Syndrome. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13020371. [PMID: 36836605 PMCID: PMC9958557 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13020371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-COVID syndrome is associated with high healthcare costs, but its pathophysiology is not yet fully understood. Inflammation, renal impairment or disturbance of the NO system emerge as potential pathogenetic factors. We aimed to investigate the relationship between symptoms of long-COVID syndrome and serum levels of cystatin-c (CYSC), orosomucoid (ORM), l-arginine, symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA). A total of 114 patients suffering from long-COVID syndrome were included in this observational cohort study. We found that serum CYSC was independently associated with the anti-spike immunoglobulin (S-Ig) serum level (OR: 5.377, 95% CI: 1.822-12.361; p = 0.02), while serum ORM (OR: 9.670 (95% CI: 1.34-9.93; p = 0.025) independently predicted fatigue in patients with long-COVID syndrome, both measured at baseline visit. Additionally, the serum CYSC concentrations measured at the baseline visit showed a positive correlation with the serum SDMA levels. The severity of abdominal and muscle pain indicated by patients at the baseline visit showed a negative correlation with the serum level of L-arginine. In summary, serum CYSC may indicate subclinical renal impairment, while serum ORM is associated with fatigue in long-COVID syndrome. The potential role of l-arginine in alleviating pain requires further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laszlo Zavori
- Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust, Salisbury SP2 8BJ, UK
| | - Tihamer Molnar
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Reka Varnai
- Department of Primary Health Care, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Andrea Kanizsai
- Department of Dentistry, Medical School, Pecs, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Lajos Nagy
- Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Bence Vadkerti
- Department of Applied Chemistry, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Balazs Szirmay
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-72535900
| | - Attila Schwarcz
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Peter Csecsei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical School, University of Pecs, 7624 Pecs, Hungary
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79
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Long-COVID in Patients with Cancer Previously Treated with Early Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Therapies in an Out-of-Hospital Setting: A Single-Center Experience. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041269. [PMID: 36831611 PMCID: PMC9953958 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of long COVID in a cohort of patients with cancer with or without previous treatment with early therapies anti-SARS-CoV-2 in an out-of-hospital setting have to be elucidated. We prospectively enrolled all patients treated for a solid tumor at the department of Medical Oncology of the Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo with a positive SARS-CoV-2 antigen or polymerase chain reaction test from January to September 2022 (Omicron surge). Ninety-seven patients answered the survey questions by telephone at least 12 weeks after COVID-19 diagnosis in order to evaluate the incidence of long COVID symptoms. Only twelve patients (12.4%) reported long COVID. No significant difference between early therapies anti-SARS-CoV-2 31 and long COVID (p = 0.443) was seen. The female sex (p = 0.024) and diabetes mellitus (p = 0.014) are significantly associated with long COVID. No statistically significant difference between the two groups (Long COVID vs. No Long COVID) according to the time to nasal swab viral clearance (p = 0.078). The overlap between the symptoms related to the oncological disease/oncological treatment and the symptoms of long COVID is one of the main future challenges that oncologists will have to manage.
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80
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Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Cuadrado ML, Gómez-Mayordomo V, García-Azorín D, Arendt-Nielsen L. Headache as a COVID-19 onset symptom or Post-COVID symptom according to the SARS-CoV-2 Variant. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:179-186. [PMID: 36857191 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2185138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID19 associated headaches are highly common and there is currently an unmet need to better understand their association with SARSCoV2 variants. Headaches are a prevalent symptom in the acute phase of COVID19 and are associated with a better prognosis and better immune response. They are also a relevant post-COVID symptom. AREAS COVERED This article analyses the differences in the prevalence of headache as an onset symptom and in post-COVID headache among the different SARS-CoV-2 variants: the historical strain, Alpha, Delta and Omicron. The different pathophysiological mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause headache are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION The presence of headache at the acute phase is a risk factor for post-COVID headache, whereas a history of primary headache does not appear to be associated with post-COVID headache. The prevalence of headache as an onset symptom appears to be variable for the different SARS-CoV-2 variants, but current data are inconclusive. However, the current evidence also suggests that headache represents a prevalent symptom in the acute and post-infection COVID-19 phase, regardless of SARS-CoV-2 variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Fernández-de-Las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Madrid. Spain
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Maria L Cuadrado
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Victor Gómez-Mayordomo
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurosciences, Vithas Madrid La Milagrosa University Hospital. Madrid, Spain
| | - David García-Azorín
- Headache Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Institute for Biomedical Research of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, AMech-Sense, alborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
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Trends in Long COVID Symptoms in Japanese Teenage Patients. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59020261. [PMID: 36837463 PMCID: PMC9964697 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59020261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Background: Since the start of the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), not only adults but also many children have suffered from it. However, the clinical characteristics of long COVID in children remain unclear. Methods: In this retrospective observational study conducted in a single facility, we reviewed the medical records of all long COVID patients who visited Okayama University Hospital from February 2021 to October 2022, and we compared the clinical characteristics of long COVID in teenagers (11 to 18 years of age) with those in adults. Results: Data for 452 long COVID patients including 54 teenagers (11.9%) were analyzed. Fatigue was the most frequent symptom in teenagers (55.6% of the patients) and also in adults. On the other hand, the percentage of teenagers who complained of headache, which was the second most frequent complaint, was significantly higher than the percentage of adults (35.2% vs. 21.9%, p < 0.05). A comparison of the frequencies of symptoms depending on the viral variant showed that fatigue and headache were predominant symptoms in the Omicron variant phase. Of the 50 teenagers who were enrolled in schools, 28 (56.0%) could not attend school due to long COVID symptoms. The most common symptoms as reasons for absence from school were fatigue (85.7% of the patients), headache (42.9%), and insomnia (32.1%). Conclusions: Attention should be paid to the symptoms of fatigue and headache in teenagers with long COVID.
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82
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Angarita-Fonseca A, Torres-Castro R, Benavides-Cordoba V, Chero S, Morales-Satán M, Hernández-López B, Salazar-Pérez R, Larrateguy S, Sanchez-Ramirez DC. Exploring long COVID condition in Latin America: Its impact on patients' activities and associated healthcare use. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1168628. [PMID: 37153089 PMCID: PMC10157152 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1168628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Studies exploring long COVID condition (LCC) in low- and middle-income countries are scarce. Further characterization of LCC patients experiencing activity limitations and their associated healthcare use is needed. This study aimed to describe LCC patients' characteristics, its impact on activities, and associated healthcare use in Latin America (LATAM). Participants Individuals who (cared for someone or) had COVID-19 and could read, write, and comprehend Spanish and lived in a LATAM country were invited to complete a virtual survey. Sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19 and LCC symptoms, activity limitations, and healthcare use. Results Data from 2,466 people from 16 countries in LATAM were analyzed (females = 65.9%; mean age of 39.5 ± 53.3 years). 1,178 (48%) of the respondents had LCC symptoms (≥3 months). These were more likely to have COVID-19 earlier in the pandemic, were older, had no COVID vaccines, had more comorbidities, needed supplementary oxygen, and reported significantly more COVID-19 symptoms during the infectious period. 33% of the respondents visited a primary care provider, 13% went to the emergency department, 5% were hospitalized, 21% visited a specialist, and 32% consulted ≥1 therapist for LCC symptoms mainly extreme fatigue, sleep difficulties, headaches, muscle or joint pain, and shortness of breath with activity. The most consulted therapists were respiratory therapists (15%) and psychologists (14%), followed by physical therapists (13%), occupational therapists (3%), and speech pathologists (1%). One-third of LCC respondents decreased their regular activities (e.g., work, school) and 8% needed help with activities of daily living (ADLs). LCC respondents who reduced their activities reported more difficulty sleeping, chest pain with activity, depression, and problems with concentration, thinking, and memory, while those who needed help with ADLs were more likely to have difficulty walking, and shortness of breath at rest. Approximately 60% of respondents who experienced activity limitations sought a specialist and 50% consulted therapists. Conclusions and relevance Results supported previous findings in terms of the LCC demographics, and provided insight into LCC impact on patients' activities and healthcare services used in LATAM. This information is valuable to inform service planning and resource allocation in alignment with the needs of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Angarita-Fonseca
- Université du Québec en Abitibi Témiscamingue, Rouyn-Noranda, QC, Canada
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Universidad de Santander, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Santiago Larrateguy
- Universidad Adventista del Plata, Libertador San Martín, Argentina
- Centro Privado de Medicina Respiratoria, Paraná, Argentina
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Comorbid Asthma Increased the Risk for COVID-19 Mortality in Asia: A Meta-Analysis. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 11:vaccines11010089. [PMID: 36679934 PMCID: PMC9862735 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We aimed to explore the influence of comorbid asthma on the risk for mortality among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Asia by using a meta-analysis. Electronic databases were systematically searched for eligible studies. The pooled odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated by using a random-effect model. An inconsistency index (I2) was utilized to assess the statistical heterogeneity. A total of 103 eligible studies with 198,078 COVID-19 patients were enrolled in the meta-analysis; our results demonstrated that comorbid asthma was significantly related to an increased risk for COVID-19 mortality in Asia (pooled OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.20−1.68; I2 = 70%, p < 0.01). Subgroup analyses by the proportion of males, setting, and sample sizes generated consistent findings. Meta-regression indicated that male proportion might be the possible sources of heterogeneity. A sensitivity analysis exhibited the reliability and stability of the overall results. Both Begg’s analysis (p = 0.835) and Egger’s analysis (p = 0.847) revealed that publication bias might not exist. In conclusion, COVID-19 patients with comorbid asthma might bear a higher risk for mortality in Asia, at least among non-elderly individuals.
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