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Goldstein DS. Post-COVID dysautonomias: what we know and (mainly) what we don't know. Nat Rev Neurol 2024; 20:99-113. [PMID: 38212633 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00917-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
Following on from the COVID-19 pandemic is another worldwide public health challenge that is referred to variously as long COVID, post-COVID syndrome or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). PASC comes in many forms and affects all body organs. This heterogeneous presentation suggests involvement of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), which has numerous roles in the maintenance of homeostasis and coordination of responses to various stressors. Thus far, studies of ANS dysregulation in people with PASC have been largely observational and descriptive, based on symptom inventories or objective but indirect measures of cardiovascular function, and have paid little attention to the adrenomedullary, hormonal and enteric nervous components of the ANS. Such investigations do not consider the syndromic nature of autonomic dysfunction. This Review provides an update on the literature relating to ANS abnormalities in people with post-COVID syndrome and presents a theoretical perspective on how the ANS might participate in common features of PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S Goldstein
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Elbeltagi R, Al-Beltagi M, Saeed NK, Bediwy AS. COVID-19-induced gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction: A systematic review. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:5246-5266. [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i22.5246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is common for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection to occur in the gastrointestinal tract, which can present itself as an initial symptom. The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is often reflected in the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms. COVID-19 can damage the nerve supply to the digestive system, leading to gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction. There is still much to learn about how COVID-19 affects the autonomic nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract.
AIM To thoroughly explore the epidemiology and clinical aspects of COVID-19-induced gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction, including its manifestations, potential mechanisms, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, impact on quality of life, prognosis, and management and prevention strategies.
METHODS We conducted a thorough systematic search across various databases and performed an extensive literature review. Our review encompassed 113 studies published in English from January 2000 to April 18, 2023.
RESULTS According to most of the literature, gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction can seriously affect a patient's quality of life and ultimate prognosis. Numerous factors can influence gastrointestinal autonomic nervous functions. Studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 has a well-documented affinity for both neural and gastrointestinal tissues, and the virus can produce various gastrointestinal symptoms by reaching neural tissues through different pathways. These symptoms include anorexia, dysgeusia, heartburn, belching, chest pain, regurgitation, vomiting, epigastric burn, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, irregular bowel movements, and constipation. Diarrhea is the most prevalent symptom, followed by anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Although COVID-19 vaccination may rarely induce autonomic dysfunction and gastrointestinal symptoms, COVID-19-induced autonomic effects significantly impact the patient's condition, general health, prognosis, and quality of life. Early diagnosis and proper recognition are crucial for improving outcomes. It is important to consider the differential diagnosis, as these symptoms may be induced by diseases other than COVID-19-induced autonomic dysfunction. Treating this dysfunction can be a challenging task.
CONCLUSION To ensure the best possible outcomes for COVID-19 patients, it is essential to take a multidisciplinary approach involving providing supportive care, treating the underlying infection, managing dysfunction, monitoring for complications, and offering nutritional support. Close monitoring of the patient's condition is crucial, and prompt intervention should be taken if necessary. Furthermore, conducting thorough research on the gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction caused by COVID-19 is vital to manage it effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Elbeltagi
- Department of Medicine, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Medical University of Bahrain, Busiateen 15503, Muharraq, Bahrain
| | - Mohammed Al-Beltagi
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31511, Algharbia, Egypt
- Department of Paediatrics, University Medical Center, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
- Department of Paediatrics, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Nermin Kamal Saeed
- Medical Microbiology Section, Pathology Department, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama 12, Manama, Bahrain
- Microbiology Section, Pathology Department, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen 15503, Muharraq, Bahrain
| | - Adel Salah Bediwy
- Department of Chest Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Algharbia, Egypt
- Department of Pulmonology, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
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Elbeltagi R, Al-Beltagi M, Saeed NK, Bediwy AS. COVID-19-induced gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction: A systematic review. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:5252-5272. [PMID: 37621592 PMCID: PMC10445067 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i22.5252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is common for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection to occur in the gastrointestinal tract, which can present itself as an initial symptom. The severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is often reflected in the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms. COVID-19 can damage the nerve supply to the digestive system, leading to gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction. There is still much to learn about how COVID-19 affects the autonomic nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. AIM To thoroughly explore the epidemiology and clinical aspects of COVID-19-induced gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction, including its manifestations, potential mechanisms, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, impact on quality of life, prognosis, and management and prevention strategies. METHODS We conducted a thorough systematic search across various databases and performed an extensive literature review. Our review encompassed 113 studies published in English from January 2000 to April 18, 2023. RESULTS According to most of the literature, gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction can seriously affect a patient's quality of life and ultimate prognosis. Numerous factors can influence gastrointestinal autonomic nervous functions. Studies have shown that SARS-CoV-2 has a well-documented affinity for both neural and gastrointestinal tissues, and the virus can produce various gastrointestinal symptoms by reaching neural tissues through different pathways. These symptoms include anorexia, dysgeusia, heartburn, belching, chest pain, regurgitation, vomiting, epigastric burn, diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, irregular bowel movements, and constipation. Diarrhea is the most prevalent symptom, followed by anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Although COVID-19 vaccination may rarely induce autonomic dysfunction and gastrointestinal symptoms, COVID-19-induced autonomic effects significantly impact the patient's condition, general health, prognosis, and quality of life. Early diagnosis and proper recognition are crucial for improving outcomes. It is important to consider the differential diagnosis, as these symptoms may be induced by diseases other than COVID-19-induced autonomic dysfunction. Treating this dysfunction can be a challenging task. CONCLUSION To ensure the best possible outcomes for COVID-19 patients, it is essential to take a multidisciplinary approach involving providing supportive care, treating the underlying infection, managing dysfunction, monitoring for complications, and offering nutritional support. Close monitoring of the patient's condition is crucial, and prompt intervention should be taken if necessary. Furthermore, conducting thorough research on the gastrointestinal autonomic dysfunction caused by COVID-19 is vital to manage it effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Elbeltagi
- Department of Medicine, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Medical University of Bahrain, Busiateen 15503, Muharraq, Bahrain
| | - Mohammed Al-Beltagi
- Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31511, Algharbia, Egypt
- Department of Paediatrics, University Medical Center, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
- Department of Paediatrics, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Nermin Kamal Saeed
- Medical Microbiology Section, Pathology Department, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama 12, Manama, Bahrain
- Microbiology Section, Pathology Department, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Medical University of Bahrain, Busaiteen 15503, Muharraq, Bahrain
| | - Adel Salah Bediwy
- Department of Chest Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Algharbia, Egypt
- Department of Pulmonology, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Dr Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group, Manama 26671, Manama, Bahrain
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Daniel M, Charier D, Pereira B, Pachcinski M, Sharshar T, Molliex S. Prognosis value of pupillometry in COVID-19 patients admitted in intensive care unit. Auton Neurosci 2023; 245:103057. [PMID: 36549090 PMCID: PMC9758063 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2022.103057] [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: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION ICU patients with SARS-CoV-2-related pneumonia are at risk to develop a central dysautonomia which can contribute to mortality and respiratory failure. The pupillary size and its reactivity to light are controlled by the autonomic nervous system. Pupillometry parameters (PP) allow to predict outcomes in various acute brain injuries. We aim at assessing the most predictive PP of in-hospital mortality and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IV). MATERIAL AND METHODS We led a prospective, two centers, observational study. We recruited adult patients admitted to ICU for a severe SARS-CoV-2 related pneumonia between April and August 2020. The pupillometry was performed at admission including the measurement of baseline pupillary diameter (PD), PD variations (PDV), pupillary constriction velocity (PCV) and latency (PDL). RESULTS Fifty patients, 90 % males, aged 66 (60-70) years were included. Seven (14 %) patients died in hospital. The baseline PD (4.1 mm [3.5; 4.8] vs 2.6 mm [2.4; 4.0], P = 0.009), PDV (33 % [27; 39] vs 25 % [15; 36], P = 0.03) and PCV (3.5 mm.s-1 [2.8; 4.4] vs 2.0 mm.s-1 [1.9; 3.8], P = 0.02) were significantly lower in patients who will die. A PD value <2.75 mm was the most predictive parameter of in-hospital mortality, with an AUC = 0.81, CI 95 % [0.63; 0.99]. Twenty-four (48 %) patients required IV. PD and PDV were significantly lower in patients who were intubated (3.5 mm [2.8; 4.4] vs 4.2 mm [3.9; 5.2], P = 0.03; 28 % [25; 36 %] vs 35 % [32; 40], P = 0.049, respectively). CONCLUSIONS A reduced baseline PD is associated with bad outcomes in COVID-19 patients admitted in ICU. It is likely to reflect a brainstem autonomic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthieu Daniel
- Medical and Surgical Neurointensive Care Unit, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Paris, France; University of Paris, Paris, France.
| | - David Charier
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Department & Sainbiose INSERM Unité 1059, Université Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, France
| | - Bruno Pereira
- Department of Clinical Research and Innovation, CHU of Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | - Tarek Sharshar
- Medical and Surgical Neurointensive Care Unit, Hôpital Sainte-Anne, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Paris, France,Department of Infection and Epidemiology, Pasteur Institute, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Serge Molliex
- Anesthesia and Intensive Care Department & Sainbiose INSERM Unité 1059, Université Jean Monnet, Saint-Etienne, France
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Jammoul M, Naddour J, Madi A, Reslan MA, Hatoum F, Zeineddine J, Abou-Kheir W, Lawand N. Investigating the possible mechanisms of autonomic dysfunction post-COVID-19. Auton Neurosci 2023; 245:103071. [PMID: 36580747 PMCID: PMC9789535 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2022.103071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Patients with long COVID suffer from many neurological manifestations that persist for 3 months following infection by SARS-CoV-2. Autonomic dysfunction (AD) or dysautonomia is one complication of long COVID that causes patients to experience fatigue, dizziness, syncope, dyspnea, orthostatic intolerance, nausea, vomiting, and heart palpitations. The pathophysiology behind AD onset post-COVID is largely unknown. As such, this review aims to highlight the potential mechanisms by which AD occurs in patients with long COVID. The first proposed mechanism includes the direct invasion of the hypothalamus or the medulla by SARS-CoV-2. Entry to these autonomic centers may occur through the neuronal or hematogenous routes. However, evidence so far indicates that neurological manifestations such as AD are caused indirectly. Another mechanism is autoimmunity whereby autoantibodies against different receptors and glycoproteins expressed on cellular membranes are produced. Additionally, persistent inflammation and hypoxia can work separately or together to promote sympathetic overactivation in a bidirectional interaction. Renin-angiotensin system imbalance can also drive AD in long COVID through the downregulation of relevant receptors and formation of autoantibodies. Understanding the pathophysiology of AD post-COVID-19 may help provide early diagnosis and better therapy for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Jammoul
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Judith Naddour
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Amir Madi
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics (BIND), University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Mohammad Amine Reslan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Firas Hatoum
- Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | | | - Wassim Abou-Kheir
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Nada Lawand
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
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