[The Long-COVID Syndrome - a New Clinical Picture after COVID-19 Infection]

[Utilization of video consultation in cardiovascular lipid treatment]

BACKGROUND

Video consultation is a possibility for physician-patient communication independent of the location; however, only limited information is available for the possibility of sole use since 2018.

METHODS

After the implementation of video consultation (Viomedi) in lipid consultations at the Medical University Mainz, the patients in the first quarter of 2022 were assessed depending on the possibility, suitability and readiness to participate. Included were patients under lipid management and long COVID patients. After treatment an online survey was carried out on the utilization and appraisal.

RESULTS

Of the 134 patients 29.1% were inclusively treated (3 refusals). All subjects (16 replies) reported having managed (very) well. Advantages were seen in counselling and follow-up. Problems were feared with respect to technology and possible disorders. Data protection aspects played a subordinate role. In comparison to telephone calls, a significant improvement in the physician-patient relationship (p-value = 0.00027), the quality of treatment and information (p-value both = 0.00044), the access to care (p-value = 0.0053) and the communication (p-value = 0.021) was assumed. An improvement in access to care (p-value = 0.021) and the quality of information (p-value = 0.034) was seen in comparison to personal contact. The main problems were a lack of experience, technical requirements, technical problems and unpunctuality of the practitioner. The flexibility, low effort and the pleasant consultation were all praised. All subjects wanted to use the video consultation again.

CONCLUSION

Video consultation can represent a supplement to treatment of patients under lipid management. The correct use requires exact planning and further research.

The Evaluation of Health Care Services for Children and Adolescents With Post-COVID-19 Condition: Protocol for a Prospective Longitudinal Study

BACKGROUND

Some children and adolescents suffer from late effects of a SARS-CoV-2 infection despite a frequently mild course of the disease. Nevertheless, extensive care for post-COVID-19 condition, also known as post-COVID-19 syndrome, in children and young people is not yet available. A comprehensive care network, Post-COVID Kids Bavaria (PoCo), for children and adolescents with post-COVID-19 condition has been set up as a model project in Bavaria, Germany.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to evaluate the health care services provided within this network structure of care for children and adolescents with post-COVID-19 condition in a pre-post study design.

METHODS

We have already recruited 117 children and adolescents aged up to 17 years with post-COVID-19 condition who were diagnosed and treated in 16 participating outpatient clinics. Health care use, treatment satisfaction, patient-reported outcomes related to health-related quality of life (the primary endpoint), fatigue, postexertional malaise, and mental health are being assessed at different time points (at baseline and after 4 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months) using routine data, interviews, and self-report questionnaires.

RESULTS

The study recruitment process ran from April 2022 until December 2022. Interim analyses will be carried out. A full analysis of the data will be conducted after follow-up assessment is completed, and the results will be published.

CONCLUSIONS

The results will contribute to the evaluation of therapeutic services provided for post-COVID-19 condition in children and adolescents, and avenues for optimizing care may be identified.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/41010.

The pattern of cytokines expression and dynamic changes of renal function at 6 months in patients with Omicron COVID-19

To analyze the dynamic changes of renal function longitudinally and investigate the cytokine profiles at 6 months in patients with Omicron COVID-19. Forty-seven patients with a proven diagnosis of Omicron COVID-19 from January to February 2022 attended a 6-month follow-up after discharge at Tianjin First Central Hospital. The demographic parameters, clinical features, and laboratory indexes were collected during hospitalization and 6 months after discharge. The serum cytokine levels at 6 months were also assessed. Patients were grouped according to with or without kidney involvement at admission. The levels of serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were all normal both in the hospital and at follow-up. Whereas, compared with renal function in the hospital, serum creatinine levels at 6 months increased remarkably; meanwhile, eGFR decreased significantly in all patients. The serum levels of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α and IFN-γ significantly decreased and TGF-β remarkably increased in the kidney involvement group. The serum levels of IL-2 and IL-5 were positively correlated with age; contrarily, TGF-β showed a negative correlation with aging. The younger was an independent risk factor of the higher TGF-β levels. Omicron patients showed a decline in renal function at follow-up, reflecting the trend of CKD. Serum cytokine profiles were characterized with the majority of cytokines decreased and TGF-β increased in the kidney involvement group; the latter may be used as a sign of CKD. The tendency of CKD is one of the manifestations of long COVID and deserves attention.