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Charoenporn V, Tungsukruthai P, Teacharushatakit P, Hanvivattanakul S, Sriyakul K, Sukprasert S, Kamalashiran C, Tungsukruthai S, Charernboon T. Effects of an 8-week high-dose vitamin D supplementation on fatigue and neuropsychiatric manifestations in post-COVID syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 39072958 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.13716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
AIM This study evaluated the effectiveness of high-dose vitamin D supplementation in alleviating fatigue and neuropsychiatric symptoms in post-COVID syndrome. METHODS In an 8-week, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 80 patients with post-COVID fatigue or neuropsychiatric symptoms were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 60,000 IU of vitamin D weekly (n = 40) or a placebo (n = 40) for 8 weeks. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the 11-item Chalder Fatigue Scale (CFQ-11); 21-item Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21); Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI); Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination III (ACE); and Trail Making Test A and B (TMT-A and TMT-B). Baseline and 8-week measurements of inflammatory markers, including interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP), were also collected. RESULTS Significant improvements were found in the vitamin D group for CFQ (coefficient -3.5, P = 0.024), DASS-anxiety (-2.0, P = 0.011), and ACE (2.1, P = 0.012). No significant differences were observed in PSQI, DASS-depression, TMT, IL-6, or CRP levels. The incidence of adverse events was comparable between groups, with no serious adverse events reported. CONCLUSION High-dose vitamin D supplementation may benefit patients with post-COVID syndrome by reducing fatigue, alleviating anxiety, and improving cognitive symptoms, with minimal side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veevarin Charoenporn
- Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
- Department of Psychiatry, Thammasat University Hospital, Pathumthani, Thailand
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Parunkul Tungsukruthai
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | | | | | - Kusuma Sriyakul
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Sophida Sukprasert
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Chuntida Kamalashiran
- Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
| | - Sucharat Tungsukruthai
- Division of Health and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Thailand
| | - Thammanard Charernboon
- Faculty of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
- Center of Excellence in Applied Epidemiology, Thammasat University, Pathumthani, Thailand
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Deodato M, Qualizza C, Martini M, Mazzari L, Furlanis G, Buoite Stella A, Manganotti P. Efficacy of dual-task augmented reality rehabilitation in non-hospitalized adults with self-reported long COVID fatigue and cognitive impairment: a pilot study. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:1325-1333. [PMID: 38191766 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-07268-9] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment and chronic fatigue represent common characteristics of the long COVID syndrome. Different non-pharmacological treatments have been proposed, and physiotherapy has been proposed to improve the symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a dual-task augmented reality rehabilitation protocol in people with long COVID fatigue and cognitive impairment. METHODS AND MATERIALS Ten non-hospitalized adults with reported fatigue and "brain fog" symptoms after COVID (7/10 females, 50 years, range 41-58) who participated in 20 sessions of a 1-h "dual-task" training, were compared to 10 long COVID individuals with similar demographics and symptoms (9/10 females, 56 years, range 43-65), who did not participate to any rehabilitation protocol. Cognitive performance was assessed with the Trail Making Test (TMT-A and -B) and Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), and cardiovascular and muscular fatigue were assessed with the fatigue severity scale (FSS), six-minute walking test and handgrip endurance. Finally, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) investigated cortical excitability. RESULTS The mixed-factors analysis of variance found a significant interaction effect only in cognitive performance evaluation, suggesting TMT-B execution time decreased (- 15.9 s, 95% CI 7.6-24.1, P = 0.001) and FAB score improved (1.88, 95% CI 2.93-0.82, P = 0.002) only in the physiotherapy group. For the remaining outcomes, no interaction effect was found, and most parameters similarly improved in the two groups. CONCLUSION The preliminary results from this study suggest that dual-task rehabilitation could be a feasible protocol to support cognitive symptoms recovery after COVID-19 and could be helpful in those individuals suffering from persisting and invalidating symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Deodato
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Pascoli 31, 34100, Trieste, Italy
| | - Caterina Qualizza
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Pascoli 31, 34100, Trieste, Italy
| | - Miriam Martini
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Pascoli 31, 34100, Trieste, Italy
- PhD Program in Personalized Medicine and Innovative Therapies, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada Di Fiume 447, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Laura Mazzari
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Pascoli 31, 34100, Trieste, Italy
| | - Giovanni Furlanis
- Clinical Unit of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada Di Fiume 447, 34149, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alex Buoite Stella
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Pascoli 31, 34100, Trieste, Italy.
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada Di Fiume 447, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
- Clinical Unit of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada Di Fiume 447, 34149, Trieste, Italy.
| | - Paolo Manganotti
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Pascoli 31, 34100, Trieste, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada Di Fiume 447, 34149, Trieste, Italy
- Clinical Unit of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada Di Fiume 447, 34149, Trieste, Italy
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Gomaa AA, Abdel-Wadood YA, Thabet RH, Gomaa GA. Pharmacological evaluation of vitamin D in COVID-19 and long COVID-19: recent studies confirm clinical validation and highlight metformin to improve VDR sensitivity and efficacy. Inflammopharmacology 2024; 32:249-271. [PMID: 37957515 PMCID: PMC10907442 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01383-x] [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: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Nearly four years after its first appearance, and having gone from pandemic to endemic, the SARS-CoV-2 remains out of control globally. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of vitamin D (VD) in COVID-19 and long COVID-19, explain the discrepancy in clinical outcomes and highlight the potential impact of metformin on VD efficacy in recent articles. Articles from January 2022 to August 2023 were selected for this review. The objective of this study was achieved by reviewing, analyzing, and discussing articles demonstrating (1) the mechanism of action of VD (2) observational or randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that support or not the beneficial clinical effects of VD in COVID-19 or long COVID. (3) genetic and non-genetic reasons for the variation in the effects of VD. Articles were collected from electronic databases such as PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Egyptian Knowledge Bank, Science Direct, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Twenty three studies conducted in vitro or in animal models indicated that VD may act in COVID-19 through protecting the respiratory system by antimicrobial peptide cathelicidins, reducing lung inflammation, regulating innate and adaptive immune functions and up regulation of autophagy gene activity. Our review identified 58 clinical studies that met the criteria. The number of publications supporting a beneficial clinical activity of VD in treating COVID-19 was 49 (86%), including 12 meta-analyses. Although the total patients included in all articles was 14,071,273, patients included in publications supporting a beneficial role of VD in COVID-19 were 14,029,411 (99.7%). Collectively, extensive observational studies indicated a decisive relationship between low VD levels and the severity of COVID-19 and mortality outcomes. Importantly, evidence from intervention studies has demonstrated the effectiveness of VD supplements in treating COVID-19. Furthermore, the results of 4 observational studies supported the beneficial role of VD in alleviating symptoms of long COVID-19 disease. However, eight RCTs and one meta-analysis of RCTs may contain low-grade evidence against a beneficial role of VD in COVID-19. Twenty-five articles have addressed the association between VDR and DBP genetic polymorphisms and treatment failure of VD in COVID-19. Impaired VDR signaling may underlie the variability of VD effects as non-genetic mechanisms. Interestingly, in recent studies, metformin has a beneficial therapeutic role in COVID-19 and long COVID-19, possibly by improving AMPK signaling of the VDR and enhancing the efficacy of the VD. In conclusion, evidence has been significantly strengthened over the past 18 months, with several meta-analyses and RCTs reporting conclusive beneficial effects of VD supplementation against COVID-19 and highlighting metformin to improve VDR sensitivity and efficacy in treating COVID-19 and long COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel A Gomaa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | | | - Romany H Thabet
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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Tosato M, Calvani R, Ciciarello F, Galluzzo V, Martone AM, Zazzara MB, Pais C, Savera G, Robles MC, Ramirez M, Landi F. Malnutrition in COVID-19 survivors: prevalence and risk factors. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023; 35:2257-2265. [PMID: 37665556 PMCID: PMC10520154 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02526-4] [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: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutritional status is a critical factor throughout COVID-19 disease course. Malnutrition is associated with poor outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. AIM To assess the prevalence of malnutrition and identify its associated factors in COVID-19 survivors. METHODS Study cohort included 1230 COVID-19 survivors aged 18-86 attending a post-COVID-19 outpatient service. Data on clinical parameters, anthropometry, acute COVID-19 symptoms, lifestyle habits were collected through a comprehensive medical assessment. Malnutrition was assessed according to Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. RESULTS Prevalence of malnutrition was 22% at 4-5 months after acute disease. Participants who were not hospitalized during acute COVID-19 showed a higher frequency of malnutrition compared to those who needed hospitalization (26% versus 19%, p < 0.01). Malnutrition was found in 25% COVID-19 survivors over 65 years of age compared to 21% younger participants (p < 0.01). After multivariable adjustment, the likelihood of being malnourished increased progressively and independently with advancing age (Odds ratio [OR] 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.03) and in male participants (OR 5.56; 95% CI 3.53-8.74). Malnutrition was associated with loss of appetite (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.73-3.62), and dysgeusia (OR 4.05; 95% CI 2.30-7.21) during acute COVID-19. DISCUSSION In the present investigation we showed that malnutrition was highly prevalent in a large cohort of COVID-19 survivors at 4-5 months from acute illness. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the need to implement comprehensive nutritional assessment and therapy as an integral part of care for COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Tosato
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calvani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Ciciarello
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Galluzzo
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Martone
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Beatrice Zazzara
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Pais
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Savera
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Camprubi Robles
- Abbott Nutrition, Research and Development, Camino de Purchil 68, 18004, Granada, Spain
| | - Maria Ramirez
- Abbott Nutrition, Research and Development, Camino de Purchil 68, 18004, Granada, Spain
| | - Francesco Landi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
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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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Chen TB, Chang CM, Yang CC, Tsai IJ, Wei CY, Yang HW, Yang CP. Neuroimmunological Effect of Vitamin D on Neuropsychiatric Long COVID Syndrome: A Review. Nutrients 2023; 15:3802. [PMID: 37686834 PMCID: PMC10490318 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 is now recognized as a multiorgan disease with a broad spectrum of manifestations. A substantial proportion of individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 are experiencing persistent, prolonged, and often incapacitating sequelae, collectively referred to as long COVID. To date, definitive diagnostic criteria for long COVID diagnosis remain elusive. An emerging public health threat is neuropsychiatric long COVID, encompassing a broad range of manifestations, such as sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, brain fog, and fatigue. Although the precise mechanisms underlying the neuropsychiatric complications of long COVID are presently not fully elucidated, neural cytolytic effects, neuroinflammation, cerebral microvascular compromise, breakdown of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), thrombosis, hypoxia, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and provoked neurodegeneration are pathophysiologically linked to long-term neuropsychiatric consequences, in addition to systemic hyperinflammation and maladaptation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Vitamin D, a fat-soluble secosteroid, is a potent immunomodulatory hormone with potential beneficial effects on anti-inflammatory responses, neuroprotection, monoamine neurotransmission, BBB integrity, vasculometabolic functions, gut microbiota, and telomere stability in different phases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, acting through both genomic and nongenomic pathways. Here, we provide an up-to-date review of the potential mechanisms and pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric long COVID syndrome and the plausible neurological contributions of vitamin D in mitigating the effects of long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Bin Chen
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 407219, Taiwan;
| | - Ching-Mao Chang
- Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan;
- Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Chia Yang
- Department of Healthcare Administration, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan;
| | - I-Ju Tsai
- Department of Medical Research, Kuang Tien General Hospital, Taichung 433, Taiwan;
| | - Cheng-Yu Wei
- Department of Exercise and Health Promotion, College of Kinesiology and Health, Chinese Culture University, Taipei 11114, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, Chang Bing Show Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua 50544, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Wen Yang
- Department of Family Medicine, Kuang Tien General Hospital, Taichung 433, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Pai Yang
- Department of Medical Research, Kuang Tien General Hospital, Taichung 433, Taiwan;
- Department of Neurology, Kuang Tien General Hospital, Taichung 433, Taiwan
- Department of Nutrition, HungKuang University, Taichung 433, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 402, Taiwan
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Tsilingiris D, Vallianou NG, Karampela I, Christodoulatos GS, Papavasileiou G, Petropoulou D, Magkos F, Dalamaga M. Laboratory Findings and Biomarkers in Long COVID: What Do We Know So Far? Insights into Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Therapeutic Perspectives and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10458. [PMID: 37445634 PMCID: PMC10341908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID (LC) encompasses a constellation of long-term symptoms experienced by at least 10% of people after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, and so far it has affected about 65 million people. The etiology of LC remains unclear; however, many pathophysiological pathways may be involved, including viral persistence; a chronic, low-grade inflammatory response; immune dysregulation and a defective immune response; the reactivation of latent viruses; autoimmunity; persistent endothelial dysfunction and coagulopathy; gut dysbiosis; hormonal and metabolic dysregulation; mitochondrial dysfunction; and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. There are no specific tests for the diagnosis of LC, and clinical features including laboratory findings and biomarkers may not specifically relate to LC. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to develop and validate biomarkers that can be employed for the prediction, diagnosis and prognosis of LC and its therapeutic response, although this effort may be hampered by challenges pertaining to the non-specific nature of the majority of clinical manifestations in the LC spectrum, small sample sizes of relevant studies and other methodological issues. Promising candidate biomarkers that are found in some patients are markers of systemic inflammation, including acute phase proteins, cytokines and chemokines; biomarkers reflecting SARS-CoV-2 persistence, the reactivation of herpesviruses and immune dysregulation; biomarkers of endotheliopathy, coagulation and fibrinolysis; microbiota alterations; diverse proteins and metabolites; hormonal and metabolic biomarkers; and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. At present, there are only two reviews summarizing relevant biomarkers; however, they do not cover the entire umbrella of current biomarkers, their link to etiopathogenetic mechanisms or the diagnostic work-up in a comprehensive manner. Herein, we aim to appraise and synopsize the available evidence on the typical laboratory manifestations and candidate biomarkers of LC, their classification based on pathogenetic mechanisms and the main LC symptomatology in the frame of the epidemiological and clinical aspects of the syndrome and furthermore assess limitations and challenges as well as potential implications in candidate therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Tsilingiris
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Natalia G. Vallianou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelismos General Hospital, 45-47 Ipsilantou Street, 10676 Athens, Greece;
| | - Irene Karampela
- 2nd Department of Critical Care, Medical School, University of Athens, Attikon General University Hospital, 1 Rimini Street, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Georgios Papavasileiou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Dimitra Petropoulou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Faidon Magkos
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Frederiksberg, Denmark;
| | - Maria Dalamaga
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (D.P.)
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Galluzzo V, Zazzara MB, Ciciarello F, Tosato M, Bizzarro A, Paglionico A, Varriano V, Gremese E, Calvani R, Landi F. Use of First-Line Oral Analgesics during and after COVID-19: Results from a Survey on a Sample of Italian 696 COVID-19 Survivors with Post-Acute Symptoms. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12082992. [PMID: 37109328 PMCID: PMC10142362 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12082992] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background-Analgesics could be used to manage painful symptoms during and after COVID-19. Materials and methods-Persistence of painful symptoms was assessed during and after COVID-19 in a sample of patients admitted to a post-acute COVID-19 outpatient service in Rome, Italy. Data on type and frequency of use of first-line analgesics were collected. Pain severity was evaluated with a numeric rating scale (NRS) from 0 to 10. Results-Mean age of 696 participants was 57.1 ± 20.3 years and 61.7% were women. During COVID-19, the most prevalent symptoms were fever, fatigue, arthralgia, myalgia and headache. Acetaminophen was used by 40% of the sample. Only 6.7% needed to continue analgesic therapy after COVID-19. Frequent causes of analgesics consumption were persistent arthralgia and myalgia. The most common analgesics used amongst those who continued taking analgesics in the post-acute phase of COVID-19 were the following: acetaminophen (31%), ibuprofen (31%) and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) (29.5%); in older subjects the most common analgesic used was acetaminophen (54%). Most of the subjects in this group said there was an improvement in pain perception after taking analgesic therapy (84%). Conclusions-Use of analgesics in the post-acute COVID-19 is common in subjects with persistent arthralgia and myalgia, and common analgesics were acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Further research on the safety and efficacy of those medications in COVID-19 is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Galluzzo
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics and Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Beatrice Zazzara
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics and Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Ciciarello
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics and Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Tosato
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics and Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bizzarro
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics and Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Annamaria Paglionico
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics and Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Varriano
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics and Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Gremese
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics and Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calvani
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics and Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Landi
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics and Rheumatology, 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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9
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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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10
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Calvani R, Gervasoni J, Picca A, Ciciarello F, Galluzzo V, Coelho-Júnior HJ, Di Mario C, Gremese E, Lomuscio S, Paglionico AM, Santucci L, Tolusso B, Urbani A, Marini F, Marzetti E, Landi F, Tosato M. Effects of l-Arginine Plus Vitamin C Supplementation on l-Arginine Metabolism in Adults with Long COVID: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065078. [PMID: 36982151 PMCID: PMC10049539 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered l-arginine metabolism has been described in patients with COVID-19 and has been associated with immune and vascular dysfunction. In the present investigation, we determined the serum concentrations of l-arginine, citrulline, ornithine, monomethyl-l-arginine (MMA), and symmetric and asymmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA, ADMA) in adults with long COVID at baseline and after 28-days of l-arginine plus vitamin C or placebo supplementation enrolled in a randomized clinical trial, compared with a group of adults without previous history of SARS-CoV-2-infection. l-arginine-derived markers of nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability (i.e., l-arginine/ADMA, l-arginine/citrulline+ornithine, and l-arginine/ornithine) were also assayed. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS–DA) models were built to characterize systemic l-arginine metabolism and assess the effects of the supplementation. PLS–DA allowed discrimination of participants with long COVID from healthy controls with 80.2 ± 3.0% accuracy. Lower markers of NO bioavailability were found in participants with long COVID. After 28 days of l-arginine plus vitamin C supplementation, serum l-arginine concentrations and l-arginine/ADMA increased significantly compared with placebo. This supplement may therefore be proposed as a remedy to increase NO bioavailability in people with long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Calvani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-(06)-3015-5559
| | - Jacopo Gervasoni
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Picca
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University, 70010 Casamassima, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Galluzzo
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Hélio José Coelho-Júnior
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Clara Di Mario
- Immunology Core Facility, Gemelli Science Technological Park (GSTeP), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Gremese
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Immunology Core Facility, Gemelli Science Technological Park (GSTeP), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Lomuscio
- Metabolomics Research Core Facility, Gemelli Science and Technology Park (GSTeP), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Lavinia Santucci
- Metabolomics Research Core Facility, Gemelli Science and Technology Park (GSTeP), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Tolusso
- Immunology Core Facility, Gemelli Science Technological Park (GSTeP), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Marini
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Marzetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Landi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Tosato
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
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11
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Tosato M, Calvani R, Picca A, Ciciarello F, Galluzzo V, Coelho-Júnior HJ, Di Giorgio A, Di Mario C, Gervasoni J, Gremese E, Leone PM, Nesci A, Paglionico AM, Santoliquido A, Santoro L, Santucci L, Tolusso B, Urbani A, Marini F, Marzetti E, Landi F. Effects of l-Arginine Plus Vitamin C Supplementation on Physical Performance, Endothelial Function, and Persistent Fatigue in Adults with Long COVID: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2022; 14:4984. [PMID: 36501014 PMCID: PMC9738241 DOI: 10.3390/nu14234984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Long COVID, a condition characterized by symptom and/or sign persistence following an acute COVID-19 episode, is associated with reduced physical performance and endothelial dysfunction. Supplementation of l-arginine may improve endothelial and muscle function by stimulating nitric oxide synthesis. A single-blind randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in adults aged between 20 and 60 years with persistent fatigue attending a post-acute COVID-19 outpatient clinic. Participants were randomized 1:1 to receive twice-daily orally either a combination of 1.66 g l-arginine plus 500 mg liposomal vitamin C or a placebo for 28 days. The primary outcome was the distance walked on the 6 min walk test. Secondary outcomes were handgrip strength, flow-mediated dilation, and fatigue persistence. Fifty participants were randomized to receive either l-arginine plus vitamin C or a placebo. Forty-six participants (median (interquartile range) age 51 (14), 30 [65%] women), 23 per group, received the intervention to which they were allocated and completed the study. At 28 days, l-arginine plus vitamin C increased the 6 min walk distance (+30 (40.5) m; placebo: +0 (75) m, p = 0.001) and induced a greater improvement in handgrip strength (+3.4 (7.5) kg) compared with the placebo (+1 (6.6) kg, p = 0.03). The flow-mediated dilation was greater in the active group than in the placebo (14.3% (7.3) vs. 9.4% (5.8), p = 0.03). At 28 days, fatigue was reported by two participants in the active group (8.7%) and 21 in the placebo group (80.1%; p < 0.0001). l-arginine plus vitamin C supplementation improved walking performance, muscle strength, endothelial function, and fatigue in adults with long COVID. This supplement may, therefore, be considered to restore physical performance and relieve persistent symptoms in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Tosato
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calvani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Picca
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University, 70010 Casamassima, Italy
| | | | - Vincenzo Galluzzo
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Hélio José Coelho-Júnior
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Di Giorgio
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Clara Di Mario
- Immunology Core Facility, Gemelli Science Technological Park (GSTeP), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Jacopo Gervasoni
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Gremese
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Immunology Core Facility, Gemelli Science Technological Park (GSTeP), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Maria Leone
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Nesci
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Santoliquido
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Santoro
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia Santucci
- Metabolomics Research Core Facility, Gemelli Science and Technology Park (GSTeP), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Tolusso
- Immunology Core Facility, Gemelli Science Technological Park (GSTeP), Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Marini
- Department of Chemistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Marzetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Landi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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12
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Galluzzo V, Zazzara MB, Ciciarello F, Savera G, Pais C, Calvani R, Picca A, Marzetti E, Landi F, Tosato M. Fatigue In Covid-19 Survivors: The Potential Impact Of A Nutritional Supplement On Muscle Strength And Function. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2022; 51:215-221. [PMID: 36184207 PMCID: PMC9428328 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.08.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Background Fatigue with reduced tolerance to exercise is a common persistent long-lasting feature amongst COVID-19 survivors. The assessment of muscle function in this category of patients is often neglected. Aim. To evaluate the potential impact of a daily supplementation based on amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and plant extracts (Apportal®) on muscle function, body composition, laboratory parameters and self-rated health in a small group of COVID-19 survivors affected by fatigue. Methods Thirty participants were enrolled among patients affected by physical fatigue during or after acute COVID-19 and admitted to the post-COVID-19 outpatient service at Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli in Rome between 1st March 2021 and 30th April 2021. All participants were evaluated at first visit (t0) and at control visit (t1), after taking a daily sachet of Apportal® for 28 days. Muscle function was analyzed using hand grip strength test, exhaustion strength time and the number of repetitions at one-minute chair stand test. Body composition was assessed with bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Laboratory parameters, including standard blood biochemistry and ferritin levels, were evaluated at the first visit and during the control visit. A quick evaluation of self-rated health, before COVID-19, at t0 and t1, was obtained through a visual analogue scale (VAS). Results Participants aged 60 years and older were 13 (43%). Females represented the 70% of the study sample. Participants hospitalized for COVID-19 with low-flow oxygen supplementation represented the 43.3% of the study sample while 3.3% received noninvasive ventilation (NIV) or invasive ventilation. Hand grip strength improved from 26.3 Kg to 28.9 Kg (p < 0.05) at t1 as compared to t0. The mean time of strength exhaustion increased from 31.7 s (sec) at t0 to 47.5 s at t1 (p < 0.05). Participants performed a higher number of repetitions (28.3 vs. 22.0; p < 0.05) during the one-minute chair stand test at t1 as compared to t0. A trend, although not significant, in reduction of ferritin levels was found after nutritional supplementation (94.4 vs. 84.3, respectively; p = 0.01). The self-rated health status increased by at least 13 points (t0, mean 57.6 ± 5.86; t1, mean 71.4 ± 6.73; p < 0.05). Conclusions After 28 days of nutritional supplementation with Apportal® in COVID-19 survivors affected by fatigue with reduced tolerance to exercise, we found a significant improvement in means of muscle strength and physical performance, associated with enhancement of self-rated health status between t0 and t1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Galluzzo
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | - Giulia Savera
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Pais
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calvani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Picca
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuele Marzetti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Landi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Tosato
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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