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Kehl-Floberg K, Pop-Vicas A, Giles G, Edwards D. The Functional Consequences of Long COVID Need to Be Addressed by Occupational Therapists. Am J Occup Ther 2024; 78:7805205190. [PMID: 39087731 DOI: 10.5014/ajot.2024.050707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Long COVID-persistent health complications after recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 infection-is associated with activity limitations in nearly 48 million U.S. adults, affecting work, leisure, family, and community functioning. Occupational therapists are experts in customizing interventions to maximize performance of daily routines, and often treat individuals who experience similar functional impacts to those observed in long COVID. The large number of people experiencing new disability, as well as a lack of medical treatment options, make occupational therapy a crucial component of long-COVID research and multidisciplinary management. In this column, we discuss actionable steps occupational therapists can take to place them at the forefront of maximizing functional and quality-of-life outcomes for people with long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristen Kehl-Floberg
- Kristen Kehl-Floberg, MSOT, OTR/L, BCG, is PhD Student, Graduate Program in Clinical Investigation, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison;
| | - Aurora Pop-Vicas
- Aurora Pop-Vicas, MD, MPH, is Associate Professor in Infectious Disease, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Gordon Giles
- Gordon Giles, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, is Professor, Samuel Merritt University, Oakland, CA, and Director of Neurobehavioral Services, Crestwood Behavioral Health, Inc., Sacramento, CA
| | - Dorothy Edwards
- Dorothy Edwards, PhD, is Professor, Kinesiology and Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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2
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El-Toukhy S, Hegeman P, Zuckerman G, Das AR, Moses N, Troendle J, Powell-Wiley TM. Study of Postacute Sequelae of COVID-19 Using Digital Wearables: Protocol for a Prospective Longitudinal Observational Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e57382. [PMID: 39150750 DOI: 10.2196/57382] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) remain understudied in nonhospitalized patients. Digital wearables allow for a continuous collection of physiological parameters such as respiratory rate and oxygen saturation that have been predictive of disease trajectories in hospitalized patients. OBJECTIVE This protocol outlines the design and procedures of a prospective, longitudinal, observational study of PASC that aims to identify wearables-collected physiological parameters that are associated with PASC in patients with a positive diagnosis. METHODS This is a single-arm, prospective, observational study of a cohort of 550 patients, aged 18 to 65 years, male or female, who own a smartphone or a tablet that meets predetermined Bluetooth version and operating system requirements, speak English, and provide documentation of a positive COVID-19 test issued by a health care professional within 5 days before enrollment. The primary end point is long COVID-19, defined as ≥1 symptom at 3 weeks beyond the first symptom onset or positive diagnosis, whichever comes first. The secondary end point is chronic COVID-19, defined as ≥1 symptom at 12 weeks beyond the first symptom onset or positive diagnosis. Participants must be willing and able to consent to participate in the study and adhere to study procedures for 6 months. RESULTS The first patient was enrolled in October 2021. The estimated year for publishing the study results is 2025. CONCLUSIONS This is a fully decentralized study investigating PASC using wearable devices to collect physiological parameters and patient-reported outcomes. The study will shed light on the duration and symptom manifestation of PASC in nonhospitalized patient subgroups and is an exemplar of the use of wearables as population-level monitoring health tools for communicable diseases. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04927442; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04927442. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/57382.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherine El-Toukhy
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Phillip Hegeman
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Gabrielle Zuckerman
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | | | - Nia Moses
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
| | - James Troendle
- Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Tiffany M Powell-Wiley
- Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, United States
- Division of Intramural Research, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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3
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O'Brien KK, McDuff K, Chattu VK, Churchill K, Colantonio A, Davenport TE, Gross DP, Jaglal S, Kho M, Leighton J, Premnazeer M, Rendely A, Scali O, Skoretz S, Wasilewski M, Cameron JI. A framework of research priorities in COVID rehabilitation from the Rehabilitation Science Research Network for COVID: an international consultation involving qualitative and quantitative research. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-10. [PMID: 39049529 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2382904] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify research priorities related to COVID rehabilitation from the perspectives of persons with lived experiences, clinicians, researchers, community organization and policy representatives. MATERIALS & METHODS We conducted five international consultations to identify key issues and research priorities in COVID rehabilitation using (i) web-based questionnaires, (ii) synchronous discussions, and (iii) content analysis of COVID rehabilitation research conference presentations. We collated responses and notes and then analyzed data using content analytical techniques. RESULTS The Framework of Research Priorities in COVID Rehabilitation includes five priorities that span health and disability across COVID-19 and Long COVID illness trajectories: (1) understanding experiences of episodic disability; (2) assessing episodic disability; (3) identifying and examining safe approaches to rehabilitation; (4) examining the role, implementation, and impact of models of rehabilitation care; and (5) examining access to safe, timely and appropriate rehabilitation and other health care provider services. The Framework identifies target populations, methodological considerations, and highlights the importance of integrated knowledge translation and exchange in advancing scientific evidence, clinical education, practice, and COVID rehabilitation policy. CONCLUSIONS This Framework provides a foundation to advance COVID, disability and rehabilitation research to advance the health and well-being of persons with COVID-19, Long COVID, and their caregivers.Implications for rehabilitationPersons with COVID-19 or Long COVID and their caregivers may experience multi-dimensional forms of disability spanning physical, cognitive, emotional health challenges, difficulties with daily function, and social inclusion, which individually and/or collectively may be unpredictable, episodic and/or chronic in nature.Rehabilitation has a role in preventing or mitigating disability and enhancing health outcomes for persons with COVID-19, Long COVID and their caregivers.The Framework of Research Priorities COVID Rehabilitation includes five overlapping research priorities spanning health and disability across COVID trajectories: (1) understanding experiences of episodic disability; (2) assessing episodic disability; (3) identifying and examining safe approaches to rehabilitation; (4) examining the role, implementation, and impact of models of rehabilitation care; and (5) examining access to safe, timely and appropriate rehabilitation and other health care provider services.The research priorities in the Framework represent a comprehensive approach to examine disability and rehabilitation across COVID illness trajectories and the broad continuums of rehabilitation care to provide a coordinated and collaborative approach to advancing evidence in COVID disability and rehabilitation.This Framework provides a foundation for international and interdisciplinary collaborations, to advance COVID disability and rehabilitation research to enhance health outcomes of persons with COVID-19, Long COVID, and their caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly K O'Brien
- Department of Physical Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kiera McDuff
- Department of Physical Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Vijay Kumar Chattu
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Katie Churchill
- Rehabilitative Care Alliance, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Angela Colantonio
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto Rehab Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Todd E Davenport
- Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, University of the Pacific, Stockton, CA, USA
| | - Douglas P Gross
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Susan Jaglal
- Department of Physical Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Michelle Kho
- School of Rehabilitation Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jaylyn Leighton
- St. John's Rehab Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Meera Premnazeer
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alexandra Rendely
- Toronto Rehab Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Orianna Scali
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stacey Skoretz
- School of Audiology & Speech Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marina Wasilewski
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- St. John's Rehab Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jill I Cameron
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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4
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Khunti K, Banerjee A, Evans RA, Calvert M. Long COVID research in minority ethnic populations may be lost in translation. Nat Med 2024:10.1038/s41591-024-03070-y. [PMID: 38918633 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-024-03070-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Kamlesh Khunti
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
| | - Amitava Banerjee
- Institute of Health Informatics, Faculty of Population Health Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Cardiology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Rachael A Evans
- Department of Cardiology, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Melanie Calvert
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Respiratory Department, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
- Centre for Patient Reported Outcomes Research, Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre and NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands, University Hospital Birmingham and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Health Partners Centre for Regulatory Science and Innovation, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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5
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Zegarra-Valdivia J, Arana-Nombera H, Perez-Fernandez L, Alamo-Medina R, Casimiro MDR, Bustamante-Delgado D, Matallana-Sanchez M, Gallegos-Manayay V, Álvarez-Bravo E, Arteaga-Cancino T, Abanto-Saldaña E, Oliva-Piscoya MDR, Cruz-Ordinola MC, Chavarry P, Chino-Vilca B, Paredes-Manrique C, Chirinos C, Custodio N, Ibañez A. The impact of COVID-19 post-infection on the cognition of adults from Peru. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1325237. [PMID: 38984273 PMCID: PMC11232419 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1325237] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic, with over 83 million confirmed cases and 1.8 million deaths, has raised concerns about long-term cognitive issues, especially in populations facing disparities. Despite a few years since Peru's first COVID-19 wave, the cognitive effects on adults remain unclear. This study is the first in Peru to explore COVID-19's impact on general cognition and executive function. Methods A retrospective cross-sectional study compared individuals with COVID-19 history to controls, assessing general cognition, verbal fluency, attention, and executive function. Among 240 assessed, 154 met the study inclusion criteria, with about 60% female and an average age of 38.89 ± 16.001 years. Groups included controls (n = 42), acute phase (AP, n = 74) (1-14 days of symptoms), and hyperinflammatory phase (HP, n = 38) (>14 days of symptoms). Results Significant cognitive differences were observed. The HP group exhibited lower general cognitive performance (p = 0.02), working memory (p = 0.01), and executive function (planning; p < 0.001; flexibility; p = 0.03) than controls. Those with <14 days of illness (AP vs. HP) had deficits in general cognitive performance (p = 0.02), working memory (p = 0.02), and planning (p < 0.001), mainly during the hyperinflammatory phase, showing differences in working memory (p = 0.003) and planning (p = 0.01). Gender differences emerged, with males in the HP phase having poorer working memory (p = 0.003) and planning (p = 0.01). Discussion This study underscores COVID-19's negative impact on cognitive function, even in mild cases, with potential heightened effects in men during acute or hyperinflammatory phases. The findings provide Peru's first evidence, highlighting the vulnerability of populations facing socioeconomic disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Reyna Alamo-Medina
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Señor de Sipán, Chiclayo, Peru
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Patricia Chavarry
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Señor de Sipán, Chiclayo, Peru
| | - Brenda Chino-Vilca
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Biscay, Spain
- Center of Cognitive and Computational Neuroscience-UCM, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Carlos Chirinos
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Señor de Sipán, Chiclayo, Peru
| | - Nilton Custodio
- Instituto Peruano de Neurociencias, Lima, Peru
- Escuela Profesional de Medicina Humana, Universidad Privada San Juan Bautista, Lima, Peru
| | - Agustín Ibañez
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
- Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Latin American Brain Health Institute (BrainLat), Universidad Adolfo Ibañez, Santiago, Chile
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6
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Russell SJ, Parker K, Lehoczki A, Lieberman D, Partha IS, Scott SJ, Phillips LR, Fain MJ, Nikolich JŽ. Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (Long COVID) in older adults. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01227-8. [PMID: 38874693 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01227-8] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Long COVID, also known as PASC (post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2), is a complex infection-associated chronic condition affecting tens of millions of people worldwide. Many aspects of this condition are incompletely understood. Among them is how this condition may manifest itself in older adults and how it might impact the older population. Here, we briefly review the current understanding of PASC in the adult population and examine what is known on its features with aging. Finally, we outline the major gaps and areas for research most germane to older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Russell
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Banner University Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Karen Parker
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Banner University Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Andrea Lehoczki
- Doctoral College, Health Sciences Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, National Institute for Haematology and Infectious Diseases, South Pest Central Hospital, 1097, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - David Lieberman
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Banner University Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Indu S Partha
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Banner University Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Serena J Scott
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Banner University Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Linda R Phillips
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Mindy J Fain
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Banner University Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | - Janko Ž Nikolich
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- The Aegis Consortium for Pandemic-Free Future, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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7
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Gutman EG, Salvio AL, Fernandes RA, Duarte LA, Raposo-Vedovi JV, Alcaraz HF, Teixeira MA, Passos GF, de Medeiros KQM, Hammerle MB, Pires KL, Vasconcelos CCF, Leon LAA, Figueiredo CP, Alves-Leon SV. Long COVID: plasma levels of neurofilament light chain in mild COVID-19 patients with neurocognitive symptoms. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02554-0. [PMID: 38678084 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02554-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
It is well known the potential of severe acute respiratory coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection to induce post-acute sequelae, a condition called Long COVID. This syndrome includes several symptoms, but the central nervous system (CNS) main one is neurocognitive dysfunction. Recently it has been demonstrated the relevance of plasma levels of neurofilament light chain (pNfL), as a biomarker of early involvement of the CNS in COVID-19. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between pNfL in patients with post-acute neurocognitive symptoms and the potential of NfL as a prognostic biomarker in these cases. A group of 63 long COVID patients ranging from 18 to 59 years-old were evaluated, submitted to a neurocognitive battery assessment, and subdivided in different groups, according to results. Plasma samples were collected during the long COVID assessment and used for measurement of pNfL with the Single molecule array (SIMOA) assays. Levels of pNfL were significantly higher in long COVID patients with neurocognitive symptoms when compared to HC (p = 0.0031). Long COVID patients with cognitive impairment and fatigue symptoms presented higher pNfL levels when compared to long COVID patients without these symptoms, individually and combined (p = 0.0263, p = 0.0480, and 0.0142, respectively). Correlation analysis showed that levels of cognitive lost and exacerbation of fatigue in the neurocognitive evaluation had a significative correlation with higher pNfL levels (p = 0.0219 and 0.0255, respectively). Previous reports suggested that pNfL levels are related with higher risk of severity and predict lethality of COVID-19. Our findings demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 infection seems to have a long-term impact on the brain, even in patients who presented mild acute disease. NfL measurements might be useful to identify CNS involvement in long COVID associated with neurocognitive symptoms and to identify who will need continuous monitoring and treatment support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Gouvea Gutman
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (LabNet), Biomedical Institute, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro/UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, ZIP CODE 20211-040, Brazil
- Clinical Medicine post-graduation program, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andreza Lemos Salvio
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (LabNet), Biomedical Institute, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro/UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, ZIP CODE 20211-040, Brazil
| | - Renan Amphilophio Fernandes
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (LabNet), Biomedical Institute, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro/UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, ZIP CODE 20211-040, Brazil
| | - Larissa Araujo Duarte
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (LabNet), Biomedical Institute, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro/UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, ZIP CODE 20211-040, Brazil
- Clinical Medicine post-graduation program, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Jessica Vasques Raposo-Vedovi
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (LabNet), Biomedical Institute, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro/UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, ZIP CODE 20211-040, Brazil
| | - Helena França Alcaraz
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (LabNet), Biomedical Institute, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro/UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, ZIP CODE 20211-040, Brazil
| | - Milene Ataíde Teixeira
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (LabNet), Biomedical Institute, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro/UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, ZIP CODE 20211-040, Brazil
| | | | | | - Mariana Beiral Hammerle
- Division of Neurology, Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro/UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Karina Lebeis Pires
- Division of Neurology, Gaffrée and Guinle University Hospital, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro/UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Soniza Vieira Alves-Leon
- Translational Neuroscience Laboratory (LabNet), Biomedical Institute, Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro/UNIRIO, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, ZIP CODE 20211-040, Brazil.
- Department of Neurology, Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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8
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Clutterbuck D, Ramasawmy M, Pantelic M, Hayer J, Begum F, Faghy M, Nasir N, Causer B, Heightman M, Allsopp G, Wootton D, Khan MA, Hastie C, Jackson M, Rayner C, Brown D, Parrett E, Jones G, Clarke R, Mcfarland S, Gabbay M, Banerjee A, Alwan NA. Barriers to healthcare access and experiences of stigma: Findings from a coproduced Long Covid case-finding study. Health Expect 2024; 27:e14037. [PMID: 38634418 PMCID: PMC11024953 DOI: 10.1111/hex.14037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Long Covid is often stigmatised, particularly in people who are disadvantaged within society. This may prevent them from seeking help and could lead to widening health inequalities. This coproduced study with a Community Advisory Board (CAB) of people with Long Covid aimed to understand healthcare and wider barriers and stigma experienced by people with probable Long Covid. METHODS An active case finding approach was employed to find adults with probable, but not yet clinically diagnosed, Long Covid in two localities in London (Camden and Merton) and Derbyshire, England. Interviews explored the barriers to care and the stigma faced by participants and were analysed thematically. This study forms part of the STIMULATE-ICP Collaboration. FINDINGS Twenty-three interviews were completed. Participants reported limited awareness of what Long Covid is and the available pathways to management. There was considerable self-doubt among participants, sometimes reinforced by interactions with healthcare professionals (HCPs). Participants questioned their deservedness in seeking healthcare support for their symptoms. Hesitancy to engage with healthcare services was motivated by fear of needing more investigation and concerns regarding judgement about the ability to carry out caregiving responsibilities. It was also motivated by the complexity of the clinical presentation and fear of all symptoms being attributed to poor mental health. Participants also reported trying to avoid overburdening the health system. These difficulties were compounded by experiences of stigma and discrimination. The emerging themes reaffirmed a framework of epistemic injustice in relation to Long Covid, where creating, interpreting and conveying knowledge has varied credibility based on the teller's identity characteristics and/or the level of their interpretive resources. CONCLUSION We have codeveloped recommendations based on the findings. These include early signposting to services, dedicating protected time to listening to people with Long Covid, providing a holistic approach in care pathways, and working to mitigate stigma. Regardless of the diagnosis, people experiencing new symptoms must be encouraged to seek timely medical help. Clear public health messaging is needed among communities already disadvantaged by epistemic injustice to raise awareness of Long Covid, and to share stories that encourage seeking care and to illustrate the adverse effects of stigma. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION This study was coproduced with a CAB made up of 23 members including HCPs, people with lived experience of Long Covid and other stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Clutterbuck
- School of Primary CarePopulation Sciences and Medical EducationUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Mel Ramasawmy
- Institute of Health InformaticsUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Marija Pantelic
- Brighton and Sussex Medical SchoolUniversity of SussexFalmerUK
- Department of Social Policy and InterventionUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Jasmine Hayer
- PPIE Co‐applicant for STIMULATE‐ICPLondonUK
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
| | - Fauzia Begum
- University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation TrustDerbyshireUK
| | - Mark Faghy
- Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Research CentreUniversity of DerbyDerbyUK
| | - Nayab Nasir
- Department of Health and Social CareOffice for Health Improvement and DisparitiesUK
| | | | | | | | - Dan Wootton
- Clinical Infection Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
| | - M. Asad Khan
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
- Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustManchesterUK
| | - Claire Hastie
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
- Long Covid Support CharityLondonUK
| | - Monique Jackson
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
| | - Clare Rayner
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
| | - Darren Brown
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Emily Parrett
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
| | - Geraint Jones
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
| | - Rowan Clarke
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
| | - Sammie Mcfarland
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
- Long Covid Kids CharitySalisburyUK
| | - Mark Gabbay
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North West CoastLiverpoolUK
- Department of Primary Care and Mental HealthUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Amitava Banerjee
- Institute of Health InformaticsUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Nisreen A. Alwan
- School of Primary CarePopulation Sciences and Medical EducationUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation TrustSouthamptonUK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration WessexSouthamptonUK
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9
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MacCallum-Bridges CL, Hirschtick JL, Allgood KL, Ryu S, Orellana RC, Fleischer NL. Cross-sectional population-based estimates of a rural-urban disparity in prevalence of long COVID among Michigan adults with polymerase chain reaction-confirmed COVID-19, 2020-2022. J Rural Health 2024; 40:303-313. [PMID: 37974389 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To (1) assess whether residential rurality/urbanicity was associated with the prevalence of 30- or 90-day long COVID, and (2) evaluate whether differences in long COVID risk factors might explain this potential disparity. METHODS We used data from the Michigan COVID-19 Recovery Surveillance Study, a population-based probability sample of adults with COVID-19 (n = 4,937). We measured residential rurality/urbanicity using dichotomized Rural-Urban Commuting Area codes (metropolitan, nonmetropolitan). We considered outcomes of 30-day long COVID (illness duration ≥30 days) and 90-day long COVID (illness duration ≥90 days). Using Poisson regression, we estimated unadjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) to compare 30- and 90-day long COVID between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan respondents. Then, we adjusted our model to account for differences between groups in long COVID risk factors (age, sex, acute COVID-19 severity, vaccination status, race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, health care access, SARS-CoV-2 variant, and pre-existing conditions). We estimated associations for the full study period (Jan 1, 2020-May 31, 2022), the pre-vaccine era (before April 5, 2021), and the vaccine era (after April 5, 2021). FINDINGS Compared to metropolitan adults, the prevalence of 30-day long COVID was 15% higher (PR = 1.15 [95% CI: 1.03, 1.29]), and the prevalence of 90-day long COVID was 27% higher (PR = 1.27 [95% CI: 1.09, 1.49]) among nonmetropolitan adults. Adjusting for long COVID risk factors did not reduce disparity estimates in the pre-vaccine era but halved estimates in the vaccine era. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide evidence of a rural-urban disparity in long COVID and suggest that the factors contributing to this disparity changed over time as the sociopolitical context of the pandemic evolved and COVID-19 vaccines were introduced.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jana L Hirschtick
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Kristi L Allgood
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Soomin Ryu
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Robert C Orellana
- CDC Foundation, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Nancy L Fleischer
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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10
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Von Nordheim D, Johnson M, Caburnay C, Alleman S, Kreuter M, McQueen A. Describing the Lived Experience and Resource Needs of Individuals With Long COVID. Health Promot Pract 2024:15248399241228823. [PMID: 38361434 DOI: 10.1177/15248399241228823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Individuals with long COVID report diverse symptoms lasting weeks or months after initial infection, causing significant psychosocial distress. Navigating health care interactions are often difficult for these individuals due to the diffuse nature of their symptoms, a lack of effective treatment options, and skepticism from some providers. To better understand these challenges, this study sought to further describe the lived experience of individuals with long COVID. A survey was conducted with individuals evaluated for long COVID at a specialty clinic (n = 200), which included questions about prior conditions, symptoms, use of medical and support services, and information and resource needs. Participants reported a mean of 10.75 persistent symptoms, the most common being fatigue and difficulty concentrating, with broad effects on daily functioning. Participants saw a mean of 5.92 providers for treatment of their symptoms, and 88.5% identified health care providers as a trusted source of information. Interest in research findings (60.5%) and opportunities for participation (47.5%) were moderate and varied by COVID vaccination status. Unvaccinated individuals (n = 27) also reported less trust in government sources of information, less college education, lower household income, and greater likelihood of having public insurance. Our findings suggest that individuals with long COVID experience many ongoing and complex symptoms with diverse effects on daily living; that health care providers are an important source for public health messaging about long COVID; and that unvaccinated individuals are likely to have differing needs and receptiveness to information than vaccinated individuals with long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sarah Alleman
- Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Amy McQueen
- Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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11
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Rayner DG, Wang E, Su C, Patel OD, Aleluya S, Giglia A, Zhu E, Siddique M. Risk factors for long COVID in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Pediatr 2024; 20:133-142. [PMID: 38055113 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-023-00765-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The long-term sequelae of COVID-19 in children and adolescents remain poorly understood and characterized. This systematic review and meta-analysis sought to summarize the risk factors for long COVID in the pediatric population. METHODS We searched six databases from January 2020 to May 2023 for observational studies reporting on risk factors for long COVID or persistent symptoms those were present 12 or more weeks post-infection using multivariable regression analyses. Trial registries, reference lists of included studies, and preprint servers were hand-searched for relevant studies. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to pool odds ratios for each risk factor. Individual study risk of bias was rated using QUIPS, and the GRADE framework was used to assess the certainty of evidence for each unique factor. RESULTS Sixteen observational studies (N = 46,262) were included, and 19 risk factors were amenable to meta-analysis. With moderate certainty in the evidence, age (per 2-year increase), allergic rhinitis, obesity, previous respiratory diseases, hospitalization, severe acute COVID-19, and symptomatic acute COVID-19 are probably associated with an increased risk of long COVID. Female sex, asthma, comorbidity, and heart diseases may be associated with an increased risk of long COVID, and Asian and Black races may be associated with a decreased risk of long COVID. We did not observe any credible subgroup effects for any risk factor. CONCLUSIONS The current body of literature presents several compelling risk factors for the development of long COVID in the pediatric population. Further research is necessary to elucidate the pathophysiology of long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Rayner
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada.
| | - Elaine Wang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Cloris Su
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Om D Patel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Stephanie Aleluya
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Alessandra Giglia
- Faculty of Science, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Evelyn Zhu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Maha Siddique
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
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12
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O’Laughlin KN, Klabbers RE, Ebna Mannan I, Gentile NL, Geyer RE, Zheng Z, Yu H, Li SX, Chan KCG, Spatz ES, Wang RC, L’Hommedieu M, Weinstein RA, Plumb ID, Gottlieb M, Huebinger RM, Hagen M, Elmore JG, Hill MJ, Kelly M, McDonald S, Rising KL, Rodriguez RM, Venkatesh A, Idris AH, Santangelo M, Koo K, Saydah S, Nichol G, Stephens KA. Ethnic and racial differences in self-reported symptoms, health status, activity level, and missed work at 3 and 6 months following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1324636. [PMID: 38352132 PMCID: PMC10861779 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1324636] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Data on ethnic and racial differences in symptoms and health-related impacts following SARS-CoV-2 infection are limited. We aimed to estimate the ethnic and racial differences in symptoms and health-related impacts 3 and 6 months after the first SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods Participants included adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection enrolled in a prospective multicenter US study between 12/11/2020 and 7/4/2022 as the primary cohort of interest, as well as a SARS-CoV-2-negative cohort to account for non-SARS-CoV-2-infection impacts, who completed enrollment and 3-month surveys (N = 3,161; 2,402 SARS-CoV-2-positive, 759 SARS-CoV-2-negative). Marginal odds ratios were estimated using GEE logistic regression for individual symptoms, health status, activity level, and missed work 3 and 6 months after COVID-19 illness, comparing each ethnicity or race to the referent group (non-Hispanic or white), adjusting for demographic factors, social determinants of health, substance use, pre-existing health conditions, SARS-CoV-2 infection status, COVID-19 vaccination status, and survey time point, with interactions between ethnicity or race and time point, ethnicity or race and SARS-CoV-2 infection status, and SARS-CoV-2 infection status and time point. Results Following SARS-CoV-2 infection, the majority of symptoms were similar over time between ethnic and racial groups. At 3 months, Hispanic participants were more likely than non-Hispanic participants to report fair/poor health (OR: 1.94; 95%CI: 1.36-2.78) and reduced activity (somewhat less, OR: 1.47; 95%CI: 1.06-2.02; much less, OR: 2.23; 95%CI: 1.38-3.61). At 6 months, differences by ethnicity were not present. At 3 months, Other/Multiple race participants were more likely than white participants to report fair/poor health (OR: 1.90; 95% CI: 1.25-2.88), reduced activity (somewhat less, OR: 1.72; 95%CI: 1.21-2.46; much less, OR: 2.08; 95%CI: 1.18-3.65). At 6 months, Asian participants were more likely than white participants to report fair/poor health (OR: 1.88; 95%CI: 1.13-3.12); Black participants reported more missed work (OR, 2.83; 95%CI: 1.60-5.00); and Other/Multiple race participants reported more fair/poor health (OR: 1.83; 95%CI: 1.10-3.05), reduced activity (somewhat less, OR: 1.60; 95%CI: 1.02-2.51; much less, OR: 2.49; 95%CI: 1.40-4.44), and more missed work (OR: 2.25; 95%CI: 1.27-3.98). Discussion Awareness of ethnic and racial differences in outcomes following SARS-CoV-2 infection may inform clinical and public health efforts to advance health equity in long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli N. O’Laughlin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Robin E. Klabbers
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Imtiaz Ebna Mannan
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Nicole L. Gentile
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Post-COVID Rehabilitation and Recovery Clinic, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Rachel E. Geyer
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Zihan Zheng
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Huihui Yu
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Shu-Xia Li
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Kwun C. G. Chan
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Department of Health Systems and Population Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Erica S. Spatz
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, United States
- Yale Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Ralph C. Wang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Michelle L’Hommedieu
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Robert A. Weinstein
- Divisions of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Medicine, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ian D. Plumb
- National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Michael Gottlieb
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ryan M. Huebinger
- UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School Department of Emergency Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Melissa Hagen
- National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Joann G. Elmore
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Health Services Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mandy J. Hill
- UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School Department of Emergency Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Morgan Kelly
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Samuel McDonald
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
- Clinical Informatics Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Kristin L. Rising
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Center for Connected Care, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Robert M. Rodriguez
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Arjun Venkatesh
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Ahamed H. Idris
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Michelle Santangelo
- Divisions of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Katherine Koo
- Divisions of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sharon Saydah
- National Center for Immunizations and Respiratory Diseases, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Graham Nichol
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Kari A. Stephens
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
- Biomedical Informatics and Medical Education, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
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13
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El-Toukhy S, Hegeman P, Zuckerman G, Anirban RD, Moses N, Troendle JF, Powell-Wiley TM. A prospective natural history study of post acute sequalae of COVID-19 using digital wearables: Study protocol. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3694818. [PMID: 38105936 PMCID: PMC10723530 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3694818/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) is characterized by having 1 + persistent, recurrent, or emergent symptoms post the infection's acute phase. The duration and symptom manifestation of PASC remain understudied in nonhospitalized patients. Literature on PASC is primarily based on data from hospitalized patients where clinical indicators such as respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation have been predictive of disease trajectories. Digital wearables allow for a continuous collection of such physiological parameters. This protocol outlines the design, aim, and procedures of a natural history study of PASC using digital wearables. Methods This is a single-arm, prospective, natural history study of a cohort of 550 patients, ages 18 to 65 years old, males or females who own a smartphone and/or a tablet that meets pre-determined Bluetooth version and operating system requirements, speak English, and provide documentation of a positive COVID-19 test issued by a healthcare professional or organization within 5 days before enrollment. The study aims to identify wearables collected physiological parameters that are associated with PASC in patients with a positive diagnosis. The primary endpoint is long COVID-19, defined as ≥ 1 symptom at 3 weeks beyond first symptom onset or positive diagnosis, whichever comes first. The secondary endpoint is chronic COVID-19, defined as ≥ 1 symptom at 12 weeks beyond first symptom onset or positive diagnosis. We hypothesize that physiological parameters collected via wearables are associated with self-reported PASC. Participants must be willing and able to consent to participate in the study and adhere to study procedures for six months. Discussion This is a fully decentralized study investigating PASC using wearable devices to collect physiological parameters and patient-reported outcomes. Given evidence on key demographics and risk profiles associated with PASC, the study will shed light on the duration and symptom manifestation of PASC in nonhospitalized patient subgroups and is an exemplar of use of wearables as population-level monitoring health tools for communicable diseases. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04927442.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Phillip Hegeman
- National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
| | | | | | - Nia Moses
- National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities
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14
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Pham KCT, Chiew KS. The impact of air pollution on neurocognitive development: Adverse effects and health disparities. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22440. [PMID: 38010305 PMCID: PMC10683861 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Air pollution is recognized as a major public health concern. The number of deaths related to ambient air pollution has increased in recent years and is projected to continue rising. Additionally, both short- and long-term air pollution exposure has been linked with deleterious effects on neurocognitive function and development. While air pollution poses as a threat to everyone, people of color and individuals of lower socioeconomic status are often exposed to elevated levels of air pollution as a function of systemic racism and classism. Further, given additional disparities in access to healthcare and other compounding stressors, adverse effects of air pollution on neurocognitive health are exacerbated among individuals who hold marginalized identities-making effects both less likely to be detected and treated. This review examines evidence of the effects of air pollution on neurocognitive development across the lifespan and incorporates an environmental justice perspective to highlight disparities in air pollution exposure across race and socioeconomic status. Last, upon the reviewed evidence, limitations of past research and recommendations for policy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim-Chi T Pham
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Kimberly S Chiew
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, Colorado, USA
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15
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Bergersen KV, Pham K, Li J, Ulrich MT, Merrill P, He Y, Alaama S, Qiu X, Harahap-Carrillo IS, Ichii K, Frost S, Kaul M, Godzik A, Heinrich EC, Nair MG. Health disparities in COVID-19: immune and vascular changes are linked to disease severity and persist in a high-risk population in Riverside County, California. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1584. [PMID: 37598150 PMCID: PMC10439554 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16462-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health disparities in underserved communities, such as inadequate healthcare access, impact COVID-19 disease outcomes. These disparities are evident in Hispanic populations nationwide, with disproportionately high infection and mortality rates. Furthermore, infected individuals can develop long COVID with sustained impacts on quality of life. The goal of this study was to identify immune and endothelial factors that are associated with COVID-19 outcomes in Riverside County, a high-risk and predominantly Hispanic community, and investigate the long-term impacts of COVID-19 infection. METHODS 112 participants in Riverside County, California, were recruited according to the following criteria: healthy control (n = 23), outpatients with moderate infection (outpatient, n = 33), ICU patients with severe infection (hospitalized, n = 33), and individuals recovered from moderate infection (n = 23). Differences in outcomes between Hispanic and non-Hispanic individuals and presence/absence of co-morbidities were evaluated. Circulating immune and vascular biomarkers were measured by ELISA, multiplex analyte assays, and flow cytometry. Follow-up assessments for long COVID, lung health, and immune and vascular changes were conducted after recovery (n = 23) including paired analyses of the same participants. RESULTS Compared to uninfected controls, the severe infection group had a higher proportion of Hispanic individuals (n = 23, p = 0.012) than moderate infection (n = 8, p = 0.550). Disease severity was associated with changes in innate monocytes and neutrophils, lymphopenia, disrupted cytokine production (increased IL-8 and IP-10/CXCL10 but reduced IFNλ2/3 and IFNγ), and increased endothelial injury (myoglobin, VCAM-1). In the severe infection group, a machine learning model identified LCN2/NGAL, IL-6, and monocyte activation as parameters associated with fatality while anti-coagulant therapy was associated with survival. Recovery from moderate COVID infection resulted in long-term immune changes including increased monocytes/lymphocytes and decreased neutrophils and endothelial markers. This group had a lower proportion of co-morbidities (n = 8, p = 1.0) but still reported symptoms associated with long COVID despite recovered pulmonary function. CONCLUSION This study indicates increased severity of COVID-19 infection in Hispanic individuals of Riverside County, California. Infection resulted in immunological and vascular changes and long COVID symptoms that were sustained for up to 11 months, however, lung volume and airflow resistance was recovered. Given the immune and behavioral impacts of long COVID, the potential for increased susceptibility to infections and decreased quality of life in high-risk populations warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina V Bergersen
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, U.S
| | - Kathy Pham
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, U.S
| | - Jiang Li
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, U.S
| | - Michael T Ulrich
- Riverside University Health System Medical Center, Riverside, CA, U.S
| | - Patrick Merrill
- Kaiser Permanente Riverside Medical Center, Riverside, CA, U.S
| | - Yuxin He
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, U.S
| | - Sumaya Alaama
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, U.S
| | - Xinru Qiu
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, U.S
| | - Indira S Harahap-Carrillo
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, U.S
| | - Keita Ichii
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, U.S
| | - Shyleen Frost
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, U.S
| | - Marcus Kaul
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, U.S
| | - Adam Godzik
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, U.S
| | - Erica C Heinrich
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, U.S..
| | - Meera G Nair
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, U.S..
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16
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Lechuga GC, Morel CM, De-Simone SG. Hematological alterations associated with long COVID-19. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1203472. [PMID: 37565145 PMCID: PMC10411895 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1203472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID-19 is a condition characterized by persistent symptoms lasting beyond the acute phase of COVID-19. Long COVID-19 produces diverse symptomatology and can impact organs and systems, including the hematological system. Several studies have reported, in COVID-19 patients, hematological abnormalities. Most of these alterations are associated with a higher risk of severe disease and poor outcomes. This literature review identified studies reporting hematological parameters in individuals with Long COVID-19. Findings suggest that Long COVID-19 is associated with a range of sustained hematological alterations, including alterations in red blood cells, anemia, lymphopenia, and elevated levels of inflammatory markers such as ferritin, D-dimer, and IL-6. These alterations may contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of Long COVID-19 and its associated symptoms. However, further research is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and potential treatments for these hematological changes in individuals with Long COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guilherme C. Lechuga
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/ National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics (LESM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Cellular Ultrastructure, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Carlos M. Morel
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/ National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Salvatore Giovanni De-Simone
- Center for Technological Development in Health (CDTS)/ National Institute of Science and Technology for Innovation in Neglected Population Diseases (INCT-IDPN), Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Molecular Systematics (LESM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Post-Graduation Program in Science and Biotechnology, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Biology Institute, Federal Fluminense University, Niterói, Brazil
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