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Wang J, Cheng Y. Mediating role of right superior corona microstructural changes in linking attentional control and trait anxiety among youth with childhood maltreatment. Neuroreport 2024; 35:744-752. [PMID: 38829957 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000002053] [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: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
This study explores the neural correlates between attentional control and trait anxiety among youth with a history of childhood maltreatment. Using diffusion tensor imaging, we investigated the microstructural integrity of brain white matter, particularly focusing on the right superior corona radiata (SCA-R). A total of 173 university students with experiences of childhood maltreatment underwent behavioral assessments using the Attentional Control Scale and trait anxiety measurements via the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Our analysis found significant correlations between fractional anisotropy values in the SCA-R and trait anxiety levels, controlled for age and sex. Notably, SCA-R fractional anisotropy values partially mediated the relationship between attentional control and trait anxiety, suggesting a potential pathway through which attentional control could mitigate trait anxiety. These insights highlight attentional control as a potential mitigating factor against trait anxiety, particularly noting the partial mediation role of the SCA-R. Importantly, this study is descriptive and correlative, highlighting associations rather than causal relationships among the variables studied. These findings enhance our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying anxiety in individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Wang
- School of Teacher Education, Nanjing University of Information Science & Technology, Nanjing
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2
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Hoffmann K, Hainzl A, Stingl M, Kurz K, Biesenbach B, Bammer C, Behrends U, Broxtermann W, Buchmayer F, Cavini AM, Fretz GS, Gole M, Grande B, Grande T, Habermann-Horstmeier L, Hackl V, Hamacher J, Hermisson J, King M, Kohl S, Leiss S, Litzlbauer D, Renz-Polster H, Ries W, Sagelsdorff J, Scheibenbogen C, Schieffer B, Schön L, Schreiner C, Thonhofer K, Strasser M, Weber T, Untersmayr E. [Interdisciplinary, collaborative D-A-CH (Germany, Austria and Switzerland) consensus statement concerning the diagnostic and treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome]. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2024; 136:103-123. [PMID: 38743348 PMCID: PMC11093804 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-024-02372-y] [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] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a severe, chronic multisystemic disease which, depending on its severity, can lead to considerable physical and cognitive impairment, loss of ability to work and the need for nursing care including artificial nutrition and, in very severe cases, even death.The aim of this D-A-CH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) consensus statement is 1) to summarize the current state of knowledge on ME/CFS, 2) to highlight the Canadian Consensus Criteria (CCC) as clinical criteria for diagnostics with a focus on the leading symptom post-exertional malaise (PEM) and 3) to provide an overview of current options and possible future developments, particularly with regard to diagnostics and therapy. The D-A-CH consensus statement is intended to support physicians, therapists and valuer in diagnosing patients with suspected ME/CFS by means of adequate anamnesis and clinical-physical examinations as well as the recommended clinical CCC, using the questionnaires and other examination methods presented. The overview of the two pillars of therapy for ME/CFS, pacing and symptom-relieving therapy options, is intended not only to provide orientation for physicians and therapists, but also to support decision-makers from healthcare policy and insurance companies in determining which therapy options should already be reimbursable by them at this point in time for the indication ME/CFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Hoffmann
- Allgemeinmedizin, Public Health und Versorgungsforschung, Abteilung für Primary Care Medicine, Zentrum für Public Health, Medizinische Universität Wien, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090, Wien, Österreich.
| | - Astrid Hainzl
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für ME/CFS, Wien, Österreich
| | | | - Katharina Kurz
- Innere Medizin, Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin II, MedUni Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Beate Biesenbach
- Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde, kokon - Reha für junge Menschen, Kinder-Reha Rohrbach-Berg GmbH, Rohrbach-Berg, Österreich
| | - Christoph Bammer
- Innere Medizin, Nephrologie & Geriatrie, a. ö. BKH Kufstein, Kufstein, Österreich
| | - Uta Behrends
- MRI Chronische Fatigue Centrum für junge Menschen (MCFC), Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin: eine Kooperation des Klinikums rechts der Isar, Technischen Universität München und der München Klinik gGmbH, München, Deutschland
| | | | - Florian Buchmayer
- Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Abteilung für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brüder, Eisenstadt, Österreich
| | - Anna Maria Cavini
- Fachärztin für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde, Psychotherapeutische Medizin, St.Veit/Glan, Österreich
| | - Gregory Sacha Fretz
- Department Innere Medizin, Medizinische Poliklinik, Kantonsspital Graubünden, Loestraße 170, 7000, Chur, Schweiz
| | - Markus Gole
- Psychologie und Philosophie, Praxis für Psychologie, Philosophie und Berufskunde, Linz, Österreich
| | - Bettina Grande
- Psychotherapie und Psychoanalyse, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Tilman Grande
- Psychotherapie und Psychoanalyse, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | | | - Verena Hackl
- Physiotherapie, AUVA Rehabilitationszentrum Meidling, Wien, Österreich
| | - Jürg Hamacher
- Innere Medizin und Pneumologie, Lindenhofspital, Bern, Schweiz
| | - Joachim Hermisson
- Biomathematik, Fakultät für Mathematik, Universität Wien, Wien, Österreich
- Department of Structural and Computational Biology, Max Perutz Labs, Wien, Österreich
| | - Martina King
- Lehrstuhl für Medical Humanities, Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche und Medizinische Fakultät, Universität Fribourg, Fribourg, Schweiz
| | - Sonja Kohl
- #MillionsMissing Deutschland, Bedburg-Hau, Deutschland
| | - Sandra Leiss
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für ME/CFS, Wien, Österreich
| | | | - Herbert Renz-Polster
- Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde, Zentrum für Präventivmedizin und Digitale Gesundheit, Abteilung Allgemeinmedizin, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Wolfgang Ries
- Nephrologie, Dialyse, DIAKO Krankenhaus gGmbH, Flensburg, Deutschland
| | | | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institut für Med. Immunologie, Sektion Immundefekte und Postinfektiöse Erkrankungen, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Bernhard Schieffer
- Klinik für Innere Medizin-Kardiologie- Angiologie und Internistische Intensivmedizin und Zentrums für Notfallmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Gießen und Marburg GmbH, Standort Marburg, Marburg, Deutschland
| | - Lena Schön
- Physiotherapie, Physio Austria: Fachgruppe für komplexe Multisystemerkrankungen, Wien, Österreich
| | - Claudia Schreiner
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für ME/CFS, Wien, Österreich
- #MillionsMissing Deutschland, Bedburg-Hau, Deutschland
| | | | - Maja Strasser
- Neurologie, Neurologische Praxis Solothurn, Solothurn, Schweiz
| | - Thomas Weber
- Schmerzmedizin, Facharzt für Anästhesie und Intensivmedizin, Graz, Österreich
| | - Eva Untersmayr
- Klinische Immunologie, Institut für Pathophysiologie und Allergieforschung, Zentrum für Pathophysiologie, Infektiologie und Immunologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Österreich
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3
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Khoja O, Silva-Passadouro B, Cristescu E, McEwan K, Doherty D, O’Connell F, Ponchel F, Mulvey M, Astill S, Tan AL, Sivan M. Clinical Characterization of New-Onset Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain in Long COVID: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Pain Res 2024; 17:2531-2550. [PMID: 39100135 PMCID: PMC11298172 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s466294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose New-onset chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain is one of the common persistent symptoms in Long COVID (LC). This study investigated its clinical characteristics, underlying mechanisms, and impact on function, psychological health, and quality of life. Patients and Methods Thirty adults (19 female, 11 male) with LC and new-onset chronic MSK pain underwent clinical examination, Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST), and blood tests for inflammatory markers and completed the following outcome measures: Timed Up and Go test (TUG), handgrip strength test, COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale (C19-YRS), Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ), Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form (IPAQ-sf), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and EuroQol Five Dimensions health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). Results New-onset chronic MSK pain was widespread and continuous in nature, and worse in the joints. When compared to normative values reported in the literature: a) QST revealed mechanical hyperalgesia, heightened temporal summation of pain, and hypoesthesia to vibration stimuli, which is strongly suggestive of central sensitization; b) Plasma cytokine assays indicated distinct pro-inflammatory profiles; c) TUG time indicated reduced balance and mobility; d) handgrip strength revealed general weakness; e) physical activity was lower; and f) there were moderate levels of depression and anxiety with lower self-efficacy scores and lower levels of pain catastrophizing. LC symptoms were of moderate severity (44.8/100), moderate functional disability (22.8/50) and severely compromised overall health (2.6/10) when compared to pre-COVID scores. Conclusion New-onset chronic MSK pain in LC tends to be widespread, constant, and associated with weakness, reduced function, depression, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. There is associated central sensitization and proinflammatory state in the condition. Further research is essential to explore the longitudinal progression and natural evolution of the new-onset chronic MSK pain in LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Khoja
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Elena Cristescu
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Katie McEwan
- COVID Rehabilitation Service, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Derek Doherty
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona O’Connell
- Department of Surgery, Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Frederique Ponchel
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Matthew Mulvey
- Academic Unit of Palliative Care, Leeds Institute of Health Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Sarah Astill
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - Ai Lyn Tan
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
| | - Manoj Sivan
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
- COVID Rehabilitation Service, Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
- NIHR Leeds Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds, UK
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Tanaka H, Rees JR, Zhang Z, Ptak JA, Hannigan PM, Silverman EM, Peacock JL, Buckey JC. Emerging Indications for Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment: A Registry Cohort Study. Interact J Med Res 2024. [PMID: 39078624 DOI: 10.2196/53821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) treatment is used across a range of medical specialties for a variety of applications, particularly where hypoxia and inflammation are important contributors. HBO2 may be useful for new indications not currently approved by the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS) because of its hypoxia-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. Identifying these new applications for HBO2 is difficult because individual centers may only treat a few cases and not track outcomes consistently. The web-based International Multicenter Registry for Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy captures prospective outcomes data for patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy. These data can then be used to identify new potential applications for HBO2, which has relevance for a range of medical specialties. OBJECTIVE Although hyperbaric medicine has established indications, new ones continue to emerge. One objective of this registry study is to identify cases where HBO2 has been used for conditions falling outside of current UHMS-approved indications and present outcomes data for them. METHODS This is a descriptive study based on a web-based, multi-center, international, registry of patients treated with HBO2. Centers agree to collect data on all patients treated using standard outcome measures and send deidentified data from individual centers to the central registry. HBO2 treatment programs in the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia participate. Demographic, outcome, complication, and treatment data, including pre- and post-treatment quality of life questionnaires (EQ-5D-5L) are collected on individuals referred for HBO2 treatment. RESULTS Out of 9726 patient entries, 378 individuals were treated for 45 emerging indications. Post-acute sequelae of COVID (PASC) (149/378 40%), ulcerative colitis (47/378 12.4%), and Crohn's disease (40/378 11%), accounted for 62% of total cases. Calciphylaxis (20/378 5.3%), frostbite (18/378 4.8%), and peripheral-vascular-disease related wounds (12/378 3.2%) accounted for a further 13.2%. PASC patients reported significant improvement on the Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI pre 30.6, NSI post 14.4, p<0.001). Crohn's disease patients reported significantly improved quality of life (EQ-5D pre 53.8, post 68.8) and 5 reported closing a fistula. Ulcerative colitis patients showed strong trends toward improved quality of life and lower reported lower scores on a bowel questionnaire examining frequency, blood, pain, and urgency. A subset of calciphylaxis and arterial ulcer patients also reported improvement. CONCLUSIONS HBO2 is being used for a wide range of possible applications across various medical specialties for its hypoxia-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. Results show statistically significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes for inflammatory bowel disease and PASC. HBO2 is also being used for frostbite, pyoderma gangrenosum, pterygium, hypospadias repair, and facial filler procedures. Other indications show evidence for improvement and the case series for all indications is growing in the registry. CLINICALTRIAL Derr1-10.2196/18857. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT RR2-10.2196/18857.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Judy R Rees
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, US
| | - Ziyin Zhang
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, US
| | | | | | | | - Janet L Peacock
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, US
| | - Jay C Buckey
- Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, 1 Medical Center Drive, Lebanon, US
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5
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Gorenshtein A, Liba T, Leibovitch L, Stern S, Stern Y. Intervention modalities for brain fog caused by long-COVID: systematic review of the literature. Neurol Sci 2024; 45:2951-2968. [PMID: 38695969 PMCID: PMC11176231 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-024-07566-w] [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: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
Individuals suffering from long-COVID can present with "brain fog", which is characterized by a range of cognitive impairments, such as confusion, short-term memory loss, and difficulty concentrating. To date, several potential interventions for brain fog have been considered. Notably, no systematic review has comprehensively discussed the impact of each intervention type on brain fog symptoms. We included studies on adult (aged > 18 years) individuals with proven long- COVID brain-fog symptoms from PubMed, MEDLINE, Central, Scopus, and Embase. A search limit was set for articles published between 01/2020 and 31/12/2023. We excluded studies lacking an objective assessment of brain fog symptoms and patients with preexisting neurological diseases that affected cognition before COVID-19 infection. This review provided relevant information from 17 studies. The rehabilitation studies utilized diverse approaches, leading to a range of outcomes in terms of the effectiveness of the interventions. Six studies described noninvasive brain stimulation, and all showed improvement in cognitive ability. Three studies described hyperbaric oxygen therapy, all of which showed improvements in cognitive assessment tests and brain perfusion. Two studies showed that the use of Palmitoylethanolamide and Luteolin (PEA-LUT) improved cognitive impairment. Noninvasive brain stimulation and hyperbaric oxygen therapy showed promising results in the treatment of brain fog symptoms caused by long-COVID, with improved perfusion and cortical excitability. Furthermore, both rehabilitation strategies and PEA-LUT administration have been associated with improvements in symptoms of brain fog. Future studies should explore combinations of interventions and include longer follow-up periods to assess the long-term effects of these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alon Gorenshtein
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel.
| | - Tom Liba
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | | | - Shai Stern
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Yael Stern
- Maccabi Healthcare Services, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel
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6
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Zhao H, Liang K, Yu Z, Wen Y, Shi J, Zhang T, Yu X, Zu X, Fang Y. Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning rescues prolonged underwater exercise-induced hippocampal dysfunction by regulating microglia activation and polarization. Neurosci Res 2024:S0168-0102(24)00072-5. [PMID: 38848903 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2024.05.004] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Underwater exercise is becoming increasingly prevalent, during which brain function is necessary but is also at risk. However, no study has explored how prolonged exercise affect the brain in underwater environment. Previous studies have indicated that excessive exercise in common environment causes brain dysfunction but have failed to provide appropriate interventions. Numerous evidence has indicated the neuroprotective effect of hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning (HBO-PC). The objective of this study was to investigate the cognitive effect of prolonged underwater exercise (PUE) and to explore the potential neuroprotective effect of HBO-PC in underwater environment. Rats swimming for 3 h in a simulated hyperbaric chamber (2.0 ATA) was used to establish the PUE animal model and HBO-PC (2.5 ATA for 1, 3,5 times respectively) was administrated before PUE. The results demonstrated that PUE triggers anxiety-like behaviors, cognitive impairment accompanied by hippocampal dysfunction, microglia activation and neuroinflammation. Conversely, 3 HBO-PC rescued anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive impairment. Mechanistically, 3 HBO-PC reduced microglia activation and switched the activated microglia from a pro-inflammatory to neuroprotective phenotype. These findings illustrated that PUE induces anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive impairment and HBO-PC of proper frequency may provide an appropriate and less invasive intervention for protecting the brain in underwater exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houyu Zhao
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Kun Liang
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China; School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Zeyuan Yu
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yukun Wen
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Jin Shi
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xuhua Yu
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xianpeng Zu
- School of Pharmacy, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Yiqun Fang
- Department of Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine, Navy Special Medical Center, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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7
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Boussi-Gross R, Catalogna M, Lang E, Shamai Z, Ablin JN, Aloush V, Doenyas-Barak K, Lorberboym M, Lev-Wiesel R, Efrati S. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy vs. pharmacological intervention in adults with fibromyalgia related to childhood sexual abuse: prospective, randomized clinical trial. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11599. [PMID: 38773296 PMCID: PMC11109175 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62161-5] [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: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by disruptions in pain processing within the central nervous system. It exhibits a high prevalence among patients with a history of traumatic experiences, notably childhood sexual abuse (CSA). This study compared the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to the current pharmacological standard of care for individuals suffering from CSA-related FMS. Forty-eight participants diagnosed with FMS and a history of CSA were randomly assigned to either the HBOT group (60 sessions of 100% oxygen at 2 ATA for 90 min, with air breaks every 5 min) or the medication (MED) group (FDA-approved medications, Pregabalin and Duloxetine). The primary endpoint was the Fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ) score, while secondary endpoints encompassed emotional status and daily functioning questionnaires, as well as pain thresholds and conditioned pain modulation tests. Brain activity was evaluated through single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Results revealed a significant group-by-time interaction for the FIQ score favoring HBOT over MED (p < 0.001), with a large effect size (Cohen's d = - 1.27). Similar findings were observed in emotional symptoms and functional measures. SPECT imaging demonstrated an increase in activity in pre-frontal and temporal brain areas, which correlated with symptoms improvement. In conclusion, HBOT exhibited superior benefits over medications in terms of physical, functional, and emotional improvements among FMS patients with a history of CSA. This associated with increased activity in pre-frontal and temporal brain areas, highlighting the neuroplasticity effect of HBOT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahav Boussi-Gross
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Merav Catalogna
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Erez Lang
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Zipora Shamai
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Jacob N Ablin
- School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Valerie Aloush
- School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Keren Doenyas-Barak
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Mordechai Lorberboym
- Nuclear Medicine Institute, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Rachel Lev-Wiesel
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- The Emili Sagol CAT Research Center, Graduate School of Creative Arts Therapies, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Shai Efrati
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.
- School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
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8
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Naik H, Cooke E, Boulter T, Dyer R, Bone JN, Tsai M, Cristobal J, McKay RJ, Song X, Nacul L. Low-dose naltrexone for post-COVID fatigue syndrome: a study protocol for a double-blind, randomised trial in British Columbia. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e085272. [PMID: 38740499 PMCID: PMC11097836 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-085272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A significant proportion of individuals suffering from post COVID-19 condition (PCC, also known as long COVID) can present with persistent, disabling fatigue similar to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and post-viral fatigue syndromes. There remains no clear pharmacological therapy for patients with this subtype of PCC, which can be referred to as post-COVID fatigue syndrome (PCFS). A low dose of the opioid antagonist naltrexone (ie, low-dose naltrexone (LDN)) has emerged as an off-label treatment for treating fatigue and other symptoms in PCC. However, only small, non-controlled studies have assessed LDN in PCC, so randomised trials are urgently required. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A prospective, randomised, double-blind, parallel arm, placebo-controlled phase II trial will be performed to assess the efficacy of LDN for improving fatigue in PCFS. The trial will be decentralised and open to eligible individuals throughout the Canadian province of British Columbia (BC). Participants will be recruited through the province-wide Post-COVID-19 Interdisciplinary Clinical Care Network (PC-ICCN) and research volunteer platform (REACH BC). Eligible participants will be 19-69 years old, have had a confirmed or physician-suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection at least 3 months prior and meet clinical criteria for PCFS adapted from the Institute of Medicine ME/CFS criteria. Individuals who are taking opioid medications, have a history of ME/CFS prior to COVID-19 or history of significant liver disease will be excluded. Participants will be randomised to an LDN intervention arm (n=80) or placebo arm (n=80). Participants in each arm will be prescribed identical capsules starting at 1 mg daily and follow a prespecified schedule for up-titration to 4.5 mg daily or the maximum tolerated dose. The trial will be conducted over 16 weeks, with assessments at baseline, 6, 12 and 16 weeks. The primary outcome will be fatigue severity at 16 weeks evaluated by the Fatigue Severity Scale. Secondary outcomes will include pain Visual Analogue Scale score, overall symptom severity as measured by the Patient Phenotyping Questionnaire Short Form, 7-day step count and health-related quality of life measured by the EuroQol 5-Dimension questionnaire. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The trial has been authorised by Health Canada and approved by The University of British Columbia/Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia Research Ethics Board. On completion, findings will be disseminated to patients, caregivers and clinicians through engagement activities within existing PCC and ME/CFS networks. Results will be published in academic journals and presented at conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05430152.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiten Naik
- Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Post-COVID-19 Interdisciplinary Clinical Care Network, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Erin Cooke
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Travis Boulter
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Complex Chronic Diseases Program, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Roger Dyer
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jeffrey N Bone
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Melody Tsai
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Complex Chronic Diseases Program, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jaymie Cristobal
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Complex Chronic Diseases Program, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - R Jane McKay
- Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Xiaowei Song
- Fraser Health Authority, Surrey, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Luis Nacul
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Complex Chronic Diseases Program, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Family Practice, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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9
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Toepfner N, Brinkmann F, Augustin S, Stojanov S, Behrends U. Long COVID in pediatrics-epidemiology, diagnosis, and management. Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:1543-1553. [PMID: 38279014 PMCID: PMC11001657 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-05360-y] [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: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
This review summarizes current knowledge on post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) and post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) in children and adolescents. A literature review was performed to synthesize information from clinical studies, expert opinions, and guidelines. PASC also termed Long COVID - at any age comprise a plethora of unspecific symptoms present later than 4 weeks after confirmed or probable infection with severe respiratory syndrome corona virus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), without another medical explanation. PCC in children and adolescents was defined by the WHO as PASC occurring within 3 months of acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), lasting at least 2 months, and limiting daily activities. Pediatric PASC mostly manifest after mild courses of COVID-19 and in the majority of cases remit after few months. However, symptoms can last for more than 1 year and may result in significant disability. Frequent symptoms include fatigue, exertion intolerance, and anxiety. Some patients present with postural tachycardia syndrome (PoTS), and a small number of cases fulfill the clinical criteria of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). To date, no diagnostic marker has been established, and differential diagnostics remains challenging. Therapeutic approaches include appropriate self-management as well as the palliation of symptoms by non-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical strategies. Conclusion: PASC in pediatrics present with heterogenous severity and duration. A stepped, interdisciplinary, and individualized approach is essential for appropriate clinical management. Current health care structures have to be adapted, and research was extended to meet the medical and psychosocial needs of young people with PASC or similar conditions. What is Known: • Post-acute sequelae of coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) (PASC) - also termed Long COVID - in children and adolescents can lead to activity limitation and reduced quality of life. • PASC belongs to a large group of similar post-acute infection syndromes (PAIS). Specific biomarkers and causal treatment options are not yet available. What is New: • In February 2023, a case definition for post COVID-19 condition (PCC) in children and adolescents was provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), indicating PASC with duration of at least 2 months and limitation of daily activities. PCC can present as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). • Interdisciplinary collaborations are necessary and have been established worldwide to offer harmonized, multimodal approaches to diagnosis and management of PASC/PCC in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Toepfner
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Folke Brinkmann
- Division of Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergology, University Children's Hospital, Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Luebeck, Germany
| | - Silvia Augustin
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People, Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Technical University Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Silvia Stojanov
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People, Child and Adolescent Psychosomatics, Children's Hospital, Technical University Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital, Munich, Germany
| | - Uta Behrends
- MRI Chronic Fatigue Center for Young People, Pediatrics, Children's Hospital, Technical University Munich and Munich Municipal Hospital, Munich, Germany
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10
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Wu BQ, Liu DY, Shen TC, Lai YR, Yu TL, Hsu HL, Lee HM, Liao WC, Hsia TC. Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Long COVID: A Systematic Review. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:438. [PMID: 38672710 PMCID: PMC11051078 DOI: 10.3390/life14040438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in an increasing population that is experiencing a wide range of long-lasting symptoms after recovery from the acute infection. Long COVID refers to this specific condition and is associated with diverse symptoms, such as fatigue, myalgias, dyspnea, headache, cognitive impairment, neurodegenerative symptoms, anxiety, depression, and a sense of despair. The potential of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to improve chronic fatigue, cognitive impairments, and neurological disorders has been established; therefore, the use of HBOT to treat long COVID has also been studied. We conducted a literature search between 1 January 2019 and 30 October 2023, focusing on the clinical efficacy and utility of HBOT for treating long COVID and found ten clinical studies that fit the review topic, including one case report, five one-group pretest-posttest design studies, one safety report from a randomized controlled trial (RCT), and three complete reports of RCTs. Most studies found that HBOT can improve quality of life, fatigue, cognition, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and cardiopulmonary function. Although HBOT has shown some benefits for long COVID symptoms, further rigorous large-scale RCTs are required to establish precise indications, protocols, and post-treatment evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Qi Wu
- Department of Education, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan (D.-Y.L.); (H.-L.H.)
| | - De-Yi Liu
- Department of Education, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan (D.-Y.L.); (H.-L.H.)
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; (Y.-R.L.)
| | - Te-Chun Shen
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; (Y.-R.L.)
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, Chu Shang Show Chwan Hospital, Nantou 557, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ru Lai
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; (Y.-R.L.)
| | - Tsai-Ling Yu
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; (Y.-R.L.)
| | - Hsiang-Li Hsu
- Department of Education, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan (D.-Y.L.); (H.-L.H.)
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; (Y.-R.L.)
| | - Hsiu-Ming Lee
- Department of Education, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan (D.-Y.L.); (H.-L.H.)
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; (Y.-R.L.)
| | - Wei-Chih Liao
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; (Y.-R.L.)
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
| | - Te-Chun Hsia
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan; (Y.-R.L.)
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
- Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 404, Taiwan
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11
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Xu Z, Wang H, Jiang S, Teng J, Zhou D, Chen Z, Wen C, Xu Z. Brain Pathology in COVID-19: Clinical Manifestations and Potential Mechanisms. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:383-400. [PMID: 37715924 PMCID: PMC10912108 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01110-0] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are less noticeable than the respiratory symptoms, but they may be associated with disability and mortality in COVID-19. Even though Omicron caused less severe disease than Delta, the incidence of neurological manifestations is similar. More than 30% of patients experienced "brain fog", delirium, stroke, and cognitive impairment, and over half of these patients presented abnormal neuroimaging outcomes. In this review, we summarize current advances in the clinical findings of neurological manifestations in COVID-19 patients and compare them with those in patients with influenza infection. We also illustrate the structure and cellular invasion mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 and describe the pathway for central SARS-CoV-2 invasion. In addition, we discuss direct damage and other pathological conditions caused by SARS-CoV-2, such as an aberrant interferon response, cytokine storm, lymphopenia, and hypercoagulation, to provide treatment ideas. This review may offer new insights into preventing or treating brain damage in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixing Xu
- First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Siya Jiang
- Second School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Jiao Teng
- Affiliated Lin'an People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, First People's Hospital of Hangzhou Lin'an District, Lin'an, Hangzhou, 311300, China
| | - Dongxu Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Zhong Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Chengping Wen
- Laboratory of Rheumatology and Institute of TCM Clinical Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Zhenghao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Translational Medicine of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
- Laboratory of Rheumatology and Institute of TCM Clinical Basic Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
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12
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Maybin J, Watters M, Rowley B, Walker C, Sharp G, Alvergne A. COVID-19 and abnormal uterine bleeding: potential associations and mechanisms. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:153-171. [PMID: 38372528 PMCID: PMC10876417 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220280] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The impact of COVID-19 on menstruation has received a high level of public and media interest. Despite this, uncertainty exists about the advice that women and people who menstruate should receive in relation to the expected impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection, long COVID or COVID-19 vaccination on menstruation. Furthermore, the mechanisms leading to these reported menstrual changes are poorly understood. This review evaluates the published literature on COVID-19 and its impact on menstrual bleeding, discussing the strengths and limitations of these studies. We present evidence consistent with SARS-CoV-2 infection and long COVID having an association with changes in menstrual bleeding parameters and that the impact of COVID vaccination on menstruation appears less significant. An overview of menstrual physiology and known causes of abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is provided before discussing potential mechanisms which may underpin the menstrual disturbance reported with COVID-19, highlighting areas for future scientific study. Finally, consideration is given to the effect that menstruation may have on COVID-19, including the impact of the ovarian sex hormones on acute COVID-19 severity and susceptibility and reported variation in long COVID symptoms across the menstrual cycle. Understanding the current evidence and addressing gaps in our knowledge in this area are essential to inform public health policy, direct the treatment of menstrual disturbance and facilitate development of new therapies, which may reduce the severity of COVID-19 and improve quality of life for those experiencing long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline A. Maybin
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K
| | - Marianne Watters
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K
| | - Bethan Rowley
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K
| | - Catherine A. Walker
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, U.K
| | | | - Alexandra Alvergne
- ISEM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
- School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, Oxford, U.K
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13
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Hadanny A, Zilberman-Itskovich S, Catalogna M, Elman-Shina K, Lang E, Finci S, Polak N, Shorer R, Parag Y, Efrati S. Long term outcomes of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in post covid condition: longitudinal follow-up of a randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3604. [PMID: 38360929 PMCID: PMC10869702 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53091-3] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
In our previous randomized controlled trial, we documented significant improvements in cognitive, psychiatric, fatigue, sleep, and pain symptoms among long Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID) patients who underwent hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the enduring 1 year long term effects of HBOT on long COVID syndrome. This longitudinal long-term follow-up included 31 patients with reported post COVID-19 cognitive symptoms, who underwent 40 daily sessions of HBOT. Participants were recruited more than one year (486 ± 73) after completion of the last HBOT session. Quality of life, assessed using the short form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire revealed, that the long-term results exhibited a similar magnitude of improvement as the short-term outcomes following HBOT across most domains. Regarding sleep quality, improvements were observed in global score and across five sleep domains with effect sizes of moderate magnitude during the short-term evaluation, and these improvements persisted in the long-term assessment (effect size (ES1) = 0.47-0.79). In the realm of neuropsychiatric symptoms, as evaluated by the brief symptom inventory-18 (BSI-18), the short-term assessment following HBOT demonstrated a large effect size, and this effect persisted at the long-term evaluation. Both pain severity (ES1 = 0.69) and pain interference (ES1 = 0.83), had significant improvements during the short-term assessment post HBOT, which persisted at long term. The results indicate HBOT can improve the quality of life, quality of sleep, psychiatric and pain symptoms of patients suffering from long COVID. The clinical improvements gained by HBOT are persistent even 1 year after the last HBOT session.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Hadanny
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.
- School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
| | - Shani Zilberman-Itskovich
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Merav Catalogna
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Karin Elman-Shina
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Erez Lang
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Shachar Finci
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Nir Polak
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Ran Shorer
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Yoav Parag
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Shai Efrati
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir (Assaf Harofeh) Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
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14
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Katz AA, Wainwright S, Kelly MP, Albert P, Byrne R. Hyperbaric oxygen effectively addresses the pathophysiology of long COVID: clinical review. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1354088. [PMID: 38449882 PMCID: PMC10916685 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1354088] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization defines long COVID as "the continuation or development of new symptoms 3 months after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with these symptoms lasting for at least 2 months with no other explanation." Estimations of approximately 50 million individuals suffer from long COVID, reporting low health-related quality of life. Patients develop ongoing persistent symptoms that continue for more than 12 weeks that are not explained by another alternative diagnosis. To date, no current therapeutics are effective in treating the underlying pathophysiology of long COVID. Discussion A comprehensive literature search using PubMed and Google Scholar was conducted and all available articles from November 2021 to January 2024 containing keywords long covid and hyperbaric oxygen were reviewed. These published studies, including case series and randomized trials, demonstrate that utilizing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBO) provided significant improvement in patients with long COVID. Conclusion A large cohort of patients suffer from long COVID or post-COVID-19 syndrome after recovery from their acute infection with no effective treatment options. HBO is a safe treatment and may provide benefit for this population and should continue to be researched for adjunctive treatment of long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan A. Katz
- Hyperbaric Medical Solutions, New York, NY, United States
- Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine, Winter Garden, FL, United States
| | - Sandra Wainwright
- Greenwich Hospital, Yale New Haven Health System, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Matthew P. Kelly
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Pradeep Albert
- Orlando College of Osteopathic Medicine, Winter Garden, FL, United States
| | - Rosemary Byrne
- Hyperbaric Medical Solutions, New York, NY, United States
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15
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Ladds E, Darbyshire JL, Bakerly ND, Falope Z, Tucker-Bell I. Cognitive dysfunction after covid-19. BMJ 2024; 384:e075387. [PMID: 38302141 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-075387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Ladds
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Julie L Darbyshire
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Nawar Diar Bakerly
- The Northern Care Alliance, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Manchester
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16
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Johnston R, Sonnappa S, Goddings AL, Whittaker E, Segal TY. A review of post COVID syndrome pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management in children and young people. Paediatr Respir Rev 2024:S1526-0542(24)00003-4. [PMID: 38423894 DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Post Covid Syndrome (PCS) is a complex multi-system disorder with a spectrum of presentations. Severity ranges from mild to very severe with variable duration of illness and recovery. This paper discusses the difficulties defining and describing PCS. We review the current understanding of PCS, epidemiology, and predisposing factors. We consider potential mechanisms including viral persistence, clotting dysfunction and immunity. We review presentation and diagnosis and finally consider management strategies including addressing symptom burden, rehabilitation, and novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Johnston
- Paediatric and Adolescent Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Samatha Sonnappa
- Department of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - Anne-Lise Goddings
- Paediatric and Adolescent Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Whittaker
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, UK; Section of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Terry Y Segal
- Paediatric and Adolescent Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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17
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Zhong Y, Ji Q, Zhou L. Sleep disorders of post-COVID-19 conditions. Sleep Breath 2023; 27:2435-2436. [PMID: 37162709 PMCID: PMC10170021 DOI: 10.1007/s11325-023-02848-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhong
- Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, China
- No. 42, Shangyihao Yizhi Road, Ziliujing District, 643000 Zigong City, China
| | - Qiang Ji
- Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, China
- No. 42, Shangyihao Yizhi Road, Ziliujing District, 643000 Zigong City, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, China
- No. 42, Shangyihao Yizhi Road, Ziliujing District, 643000 Zigong City, China
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18
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Pan JQ, Tian ZM, Xue LB. Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment for Long COVID: From Molecular Mechanism to Clinical Practice. Curr Med Sci 2023; 43:1061-1065. [PMID: 37924387 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-023-2799-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Long COVID symptoms typically occur within 3 months of an initial COVID-19 infection, last for more than 2 months, and cannot be explained by other diagnoses. The most common symptoms include fatigue, dyspnea, coughing, and cognitive impairment. The mechanisms of long COVID are not fully understood, but several hypotheses have been put forth. These include coagulation and fibrosis pathway activation, inflammatory and autoimmune manifestations, persistent virus presence, and Epstein-Barr virus reactivation. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a therapeutic method in which a person inhales 100% oxygen under pressure greater than that of the atmosphere. HBOT has some therapeutic effects, including improvement of microcirculation, inhibition of cytokine release leading to a reduction in inflammatory responses, inhibition of autoimmune responses, and promotion of neurological repair. Several clinical trials have been carried out using HBOT to treat long COVID. The results suggest that HBOT helps to improve symptom severity, reduce symptom duration, and enhance patients' quality of life. It is believed that HBOT is an effective option for patients with long COVID, which is worth actively promoting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Qing Pan
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518052, China.
| | | | - Lian-Bi Xue
- Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518052, China
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19
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Kjellberg A, Lindholm ME, Zheng X, Liwenborg L, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Catrina SB, Lindholm P. Comparing the Blood Response to Hyperbaric Oxygen with High-Intensity Interval Training-A Crossover Study in Healthy Volunteers. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:2043. [PMID: 38136163 PMCID: PMC10740875 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12122043] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) induce reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and have immunomodulatory effects. The lack of readily available biomarkers for assessing the dose-response relationship is a challenge in the clinical use of HBOT, motivating this feasibility study to evaluate the methods and variability. The overall hypothesis was that a short session of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) would have measurable effects on immune cells in the same physiological range as shown in HIIT; and that the individual response to these interventions can be monitored in venous blood and/or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Ten healthy volunteers performed two interventions; a 28 min HIIT session and 28 min HBO2 in a crossover design. We evaluated bulk RNA sequencing data from PBMCs, with a separate analysis of mRNA and microRNA. Blood gases, peripheral venous oxygen saturation (SpvO2), and ROS levels were measured in peripheral venous blood. We observed an overlap in the gene expression changes in 166 genes in response to HIIT and HBO2, mostly involved in hypoxic or inflammatory pathways. Both interventions were followed by downregulation of several NF-κB signaling genes in response to both HBO2 and HIIT, while several interferon α/γ signaling genes were upregulated. Only 12 microRNA were significantly changed in HBO2 and 6 in HIIT, without overlap between interventions. ROS levels were elevated in blood at 30 min and 60 min compared to the baseline during HIIT, but not during/after HBO2. In conclusion, HBOT changed the gene expression in a number of pathways measurable in PBMC. The correlation of these changes with the dose and individual response to treatment warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Kjellberg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden (P.L.)
- Medical Unit Intensive Care and Thoracic Surgery, Perioperative Medicine and Intensive Care, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maléne E. Lindholm
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden (P.L.)
- Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Xiaowei Zheng
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lovisa Liwenborg
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden (P.L.)
| | - Kenny Alexandra Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sergiu-Bogdan Catrina
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Lindholm
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden (P.L.)
- Division of Hyperbaric Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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20
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Frontera JA, Guekht A, Allegri RF, Ashraf M, Baykan B, Crivelli L, Easton A, Garcia-Azorin D, Helbok R, Joshi J, Koehn J, Koralnik I, Netravathi M, Michael B, Nilo A, Özge A, Padda K, Pellitteri G, Prasad K, Romozzi M, Saylor D, Seed A, Thakur K, Uluduz D, Vogrig A, Welte TM, Westenberg E, Zhuravlev D, Zinchuk M, Winkler AS. Evaluation and treatment approaches for neurological post-acute sequelae of COVID-19: A consensus statement and scoping review from the global COVID-19 neuro research coalition. J Neurol Sci 2023; 454:120827. [PMID: 37856998 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2023.120827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Post-acute neurological sequelae of COVID-19 affect millions of people worldwide, yet little data is available to guide treatment strategies for the most common symptoms. We conducted a scoping review of PubMed/Medline from 1/1/2020-4/1/2023 to identify studies addressing diagnosis and treatment of the most common post-acute neurological sequelae of COVID-19 including: cognitive impairment, sleep disorders, headache, dizziness/lightheadedness, fatigue, weakness, numbness/pain, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Utilizing the available literature and international disease-specific society guidelines, we constructed symptom-based differential diagnoses, evaluation and management paradigms. This pragmatic, evidence-based consensus document may serve as a guide for a holistic approach to post-COVID neurological care and will complement future clinical trials by outlining best practices in the evaluation and treatment of post-acute neurological signs/symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Frontera
- Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Alla Guekht
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Mariam Ashraf
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Betül Baykan
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, and EMAR Medical Center, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Lucía Crivelli
- Department of Cognitive Neurology, Fleni, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ava Easton
- The Encephalitis Society, Malton, UK; Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - David Garcia-Azorin
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Raimund Helbok
- Department of Neurology, Neuro-Intensive Care Unit, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Department of Neurology, Johannes Kepler University, Linz, Austria
| | - Jatin Joshi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medical Center, New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julia Koehn
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Igor Koralnik
- Departmentof Neurology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - M Netravathi
- Department of Neurology, National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences, Bangalore, India
| | - Benedict Michael
- Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, University of Liverpool, UK; The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Annacarmen Nilo
- Clinical Neurology, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASU FC), Udine, Italy
| | - Aynur Özge
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Karanbir Padda
- Department of Neurology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gaia Pellitteri
- Clinical Neurology, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASU FC), Udine, Italy
| | - Kameshwar Prasad
- Chief Executive Office, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Marina Romozzi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Dipartimento Universitario Di Neuroscienze, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Deanna Saylor
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Adam Seed
- The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Kiran Thakur
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center/New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY, USA
| | - Derya Uluduz
- Department of Neurology, Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, and EMAR Medical Center, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alberto Vogrig
- Clinical Neurology, Santa Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale (ASU FC), Udine, Italy; Department of Medicine, University of Udine Medical School, Udine, Italy
| | - Tamara M Welte
- Department of Neurology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Erica Westenberg
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dmitry Zhuravlev
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Mikhail Zinchuk
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrea S Winkler
- Department of Neurology, Center for Global Health, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute of Health and Society, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Blavatnik Institute of Global Health and Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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21
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Lewthwaite H, Byrne A, Brew B, Gibson PG. Treatable traits for long COVID. Respirology 2023; 28:1005-1022. [PMID: 37715729 DOI: 10.1111/resp.14596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Long COVID, or post-acute COVID-19 sequelae, is experienced by an estimated one in eight adults following acute COVID-19. Long COVID is a new and complex chronic health condition that typically includes multiple symptoms that cross organ systems and fluctuate over time; a one-size-fits-all approach is, therefore, not likely to be appropriate nor relevant for long COVID treatment. 'Treatable Traits' is a personalized medicine approach, purpose-built to address the complexity and heterogeneity of complex chronic conditions. This comprehensive review aimed to understand how a treatable traits approach could be applied to long COVID, by first identifying the most prevalent long COVID treatable traits and then the available evidence for strategies to target these traits. An umbrella review of 22 systematic reviews identified 34 symptoms and complications common with long COVID, grouped into eight long COVID treatable trait clusters: neurological, chest, psychological, pain, fatigue, sleep impairment, functional impairment and other. A systematic review of randomized control trials identified 18 studies that explored different intervention approaches for long COVID prevention (k = 4) or management (k = 14). While a single study reported metformin as effective for long COVID prevention, the findings need to be replicated and consensus is required around how to define long COVID as a clinical trial endpoint. For long COVID management, current evidence supports exercise training or respiratory muscle training for long COVID treatable traits in the chest and functional limitation clusters. While there are studies exploring interventions targeting other long COVID treatable traits, further high-quality RCTs are needed, particularly targeting treatable traits in the clusters of fatigue, psychological, pain and sleep impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Lewthwaite
- Centre of Research Excellence Treatable Traits, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Asthma and Breathing Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony Byrne
- Heart Lung Clinic, Department of Thoracic Medicine St Vincent's Hospital and Clinical School University of New South Wales, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bruce Brew
- Peter Duncan Neuroscience Research Unit, St. Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Neurology and Immunology, St. Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter G Gibson
- Centre of Research Excellence Treatable Traits, College of Health, Medicine, and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
- Asthma and Breathing Research Program, Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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22
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Koleničová V, Vňuková MS, Anders M, Fišerová M, Raboch J, Ptáček R. A Review Article on Exercise Intolerance in Long COVID: Unmasking the Causes and Optimizing Treatment Strategies. Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e941079. [PMID: 37897034 PMCID: PMC10619330 DOI: 10.12659/msm.941079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a growing body of research on SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), previously known as the post-COVID syndrome, a chronic condition characterized by symptoms that persist after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among these symptoms, feelings of physical exhaustion and prolonged fatigue are particularly prevalent and can significantly impact patients' quality of life. These symptoms are associated with reduced overall physical capacity, decreased daily physical activity, malaise after intense training, and intolerance to physical activity (IFA). IFA, described as a reduced ability to perform physical activities typical for the patient's age, can often lead to a sedentary lifestyle. Prolonged physical inactivity can cause deterioration in the overall physical condition and disrupt mitochondrial function, triggering a vicious cycle of gradual symptom worsening. The underlying causes of PASC remain unclear; however, several biochemical mechanisms have been discussed to explain the body's energy depletion, and a multidisciplinary approach that combines physical and cognitive rehabilitation and lifestyle interventions such as exercise and diet modifications has been suggested to improve the overall health and well-being of PASC patients. This critical review aims to review the existing research on the possible causes and links among chronic fatigue, reduced physical activity, and exercise intolerance in patients with PASC. Further research into the underlying causes and treatment of PASC and the importance of developing individualized treatment is needed to address each patient's unique health requirements.
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23
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Doenyas-Barak K, Kutz I, Lang E, Merzbach R, Lev Wiesel R, Boussi-Gross R, Efrati S. The use of hyperbaric oxygen for veterans with PTSD: basic physiology and current available clinical data. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1259473. [PMID: 38027524 PMCID: PMC10630921 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1259473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects up to 30% of veterans returning from the combat zone. Unfortunately, a substantial proportion of them do not remit with the current available treatments and thus continue to experience long-term social, behavioral, and occupational dysfunction. Accumulating data implies that the long-standing unremitting symptoms are related to changes in brain activity and structure, mainly disruption in the frontolimbic circuit. Hence, repair of brain structure and restoration of function could be a potential aim of effective treatment. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been effective in treating disruptions of brain structure and functions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and fibromyalgia even years after the acute insult. These favorable HBOT brain effects may be related to recent protocols that emphasize frequent fluctuations in oxygen concentrations, which in turn contribute to gene expression alterations and metabolic changes that induce neuronal stem cell proliferation, mitochondrial multiplication, angiogenesis, and regulation of the inflammatory cascade. Recently, clinical findings have also demonstrated the beneficial effect of HBOT on veterans with treatment-resistant PTSD. Moderation of intrusive symptoms, avoidance, mood and cognitive symptoms, and hyperarousal were correlated with improved brain function and with diffusion tensor imaging-defined structural changes. This article reviews the current data on the regenerative biological effects of HBOT, and the ongoing research of its use for veterans with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren Doenyas-Barak
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ilan Kutz
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Erez Lang
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Rachel Merzbach
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- The Louis and Gabi Weisfeld School of Social Work, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Rachel Lev Wiesel
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- The Emili Sagol Creative Arts Therapies Research Center, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
| | - Rahav Boussi-Gross
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Shai Efrati
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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24
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Lindenmann J, Porubsky C, Okresa L, Klemen H, Mykoliuk I, Roj A, Koutp A, Kink E, Iberer F, Kovacs G, Krause R, Smolle J, Smolle-Juettner FM. Immediate and Long-Term Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygenation in Patients with Long COVID-19 Syndrome Using SF-36 Survey and VAS Score: A Clinical Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6253. [PMID: 37834897 PMCID: PMC10573231 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196253] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Long COVID syndrome (LCS) is a heterogeneous long-standing condition following COVID-19 infection. Treatment options are limited to symptomatic measures, and no specific medication has been established. Hyperbaric oxygenation (HBO) has been found to have a positive impact on the treatment of COVID-19 infection. This study evaluates both the feasibility and outcome of supportive HBO in patients with LCS. (2) Methods: Within 17 months, 70 patients with proven LCS were prospectively included. Each patient underwent a cycle of 10 subsequent HBO treatment sessions administered for 75 min at 2.2 atmospheres. Evaluation of the patients was performed before the first and after the last HBO session and 3 months afterwards. Statistical evaluation was based on an intention-to-treat analysis using Fisher's exact test and Student's t-test for paired samples. (3) Results: In total, 59 patients (33 females, 26 males; mean age: 43.9 years; range: 23-74 years; median: 45.0) were evaluable. After HBO, a statistically significant improvement of physical functioning (p < 0.001), physical role (p = 0.01), energy (p < 0.001), emotional well-being (p < 0.001), social functioning (p < 0.001), pain (p = 0.01) and reduced limitation of activities (p < 0.001) was confirmed. (4) Conclusions: Physical functioning and both the physical and emotional role improved significantly and sustainably, suggesting HBO as a promising supportive therapeutic tool for the treatment of LCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joerg Lindenmann
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Hyperbaric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria (F.M.S.-J.)
| | - Christian Porubsky
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Hyperbaric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria (F.M.S.-J.)
| | - Lucija Okresa
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Hyperbaric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria (F.M.S.-J.)
| | - Huberta Klemen
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Hyperbaric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria (F.M.S.-J.)
| | - Iurii Mykoliuk
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Hyperbaric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria (F.M.S.-J.)
| | - Andrej Roj
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Hyperbaric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria (F.M.S.-J.)
| | - Amir Koutp
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Hyperbaric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria (F.M.S.-J.)
| | - Eveline Kink
- Department of Internal and Respiratory Medicine, Hospital Graz II, Academic Teaching Hospital of the Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Florian Iberer
- Department of Internal and Respiratory Medicine, Hospital Graz II, Academic Teaching Hospital of the Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Gabor Kovacs
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Lung Vascular Research, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
- Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Robert Krause
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Josef Smolle
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Statistics and Documentation, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria
| | - Freyja Maria Smolle-Juettner
- Division of Thoracic Surgery and Hyperbaric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical University of Graz, 8036 Graz, Austria (F.M.S.-J.)
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25
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Mrakic-Sposta S, Vezzoli A, Garetto G, Paganini M, Camporesi E, Giacon TA, Dellanoce C, Agrimi J, Bosco G. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Counters Oxidative Stress/Inflammation-Driven Symptoms in Long COVID-19 Patients: Preliminary Outcomes. Metabolites 2023; 13:1032. [PMID: 37887357 PMCID: PMC10608857 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13101032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID-19 patients show systemic inflammation and persistent symptoms such as fatigue and malaise, profoundly affecting their quality of life. Since improving oxygenation can oppose inflammation at multiple tissue levels, we hypothesized that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) could arrest inflammation progression and thus relieve symptoms of COVID-19. We evaluated oxy-inflammation biomarkers in long COVID-19 subjects treated with HBOT and monitored with non-invasive methods. Five subjects (two athletes and three patients with other comorbidities) were assigned to receive HBOT: 100% inspired O2 at 2.4 ATA in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber for 90 min (three athletes: 15 HBOT × 5 days/wk for 3 weeks; two patients affected by Idiopathic Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: 30 HBOT × 5 days/wk for 6 weeks; and one patient with osteomyelitis: 30 HBOT × 5 days/wk for week for 6 weeks and, after a 30-day break, followed by a second cycle of 20 HBOT). Using saliva and/or urine samples, reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant capacity, cytokines, lipids peroxidation, DNA damage, and renal status were assessed at T1_pre (basal level) and at T2_pre (basal level after treatment), and the results showed attenuated ROS production, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage, NO metabolites, and inflammation biomarker levels, especially in the athletes post-treatment. Thus, HBOT may represent an alternative non-invasive method for treating long COVID-19-induced long-lasting manifestations of oxy-inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Mrakic-Sposta
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (IFC-CNR), 20162 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Vezzoli
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (IFC-CNR), 20162 Milan, Italy;
| | | | - Matteo Paganini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy; (M.P.); (E.C.); (T.A.G.); (J.A.); (G.B.)
| | - Enrico Camporesi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy; (M.P.); (E.C.); (T.A.G.); (J.A.); (G.B.)
| | - Tommaso Antonio Giacon
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy; (M.P.); (E.C.); (T.A.G.); (J.A.); (G.B.)
| | - Cinzia Dellanoce
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council (IFC-CNR), 20162 Milan, Italy;
| | - Jacopo Agrimi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy; (M.P.); (E.C.); (T.A.G.); (J.A.); (G.B.)
| | - Gerardo Bosco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy; (M.P.); (E.C.); (T.A.G.); (J.A.); (G.B.)
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26
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Ruiz-Pablos M, Paiva B, Zabaleta A. Epstein-Barr virus-acquired immunodeficiency in myalgic encephalomyelitis-Is it present in long COVID? J Transl Med 2023; 21:633. [PMID: 37718435 PMCID: PMC10506247 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04515-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Both myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID (LC) are characterized by similar immunological alterations, persistence of chronic viral infection, autoimmunity, chronic inflammatory state, viral reactivation, hypocortisolism, and microclot formation. They also present with similar symptoms such as asthenia, exercise intolerance, sleep disorders, cognitive dysfunction, and neurological and gastrointestinal complaints. In addition, both pathologies present Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation, indicating the possibility of this virus being the link between both pathologies. Therefore, we propose that latency and recurrent EBV reactivation could generate an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in three steps: first, an acquired EBV immunodeficiency develops in individuals with "weak" EBV HLA-II haplotypes, which prevents the control of latency I cells. Second, ectopic lymphoid structures with EBV latency form in different tissues (including the CNS), promoting inflammatory responses and further impairment of cell-mediated immunity. Finally, immune exhaustion occurs due to chronic exposure to viral antigens, with consolidation of the disease. In the case of LC, prior to the first step, there is the possibility of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with "weak" HLA-II haplotypes against this virus and/or EBV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruno Paiva
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Aintzane Zabaleta
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
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27
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Tang J, Song T, Kuang M, Feng Y, Liu G, Liu H. Recent Advancements on Long COVID in China: A Narrative Review. Int J Gen Med 2023; 16:2585-2593. [PMID: 37346808 PMCID: PMC10281791 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s417692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is a huge public health crisis in the 21st century. In addition to the acute symptoms, a considerable proportion of patients worldwide have suffered from post-COVID-19 syndrome, commonly known as Long COVID. The impact of Long COVID on individual and public health burden cannot be ignored. According to recent researches, Long COVID has been affecting multiple organ systems throughout the body, with respiratory, mental, nervous and digestive symptoms often seen in Chinese population. Clinical studies have proved that symptoms were alleviated by a variety of treatments, such as physical therapy, rehabilitation training, psychological support, behavioral cognitive therapy, stem cell therapy, etc. Based on the current clinical evidence, it is recommended to strengthen the scientific research on Long COVID and actively carry out early monitoring and intervention in the future, so as to effectively prevent the long-term disease burden and economic pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Tang
- Hangzhou Kang Ming Information Technology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tiantian Song
- Hangzhou Kang Ming Information Technology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ming Kuang
- Hangzhou Kang Ming Information Technology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiping Feng
- Hangzhou Kang Ming Information Technology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guangrong Liu
- Hangzhou Kang Ming Information Technology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongying Liu
- Hangzhou Kang Ming Information Technology Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
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28
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Scheibenbogen C, Bellmann-Strobl JT, Heindrich C, Wittke K, Stein E, Franke C, Prüss H, Preßler H, Machule ML, Audebert H, Finke C, Zimmermann HG, Sawitzki B, Meisel C, Toelle M, Krueger A, Aschenbrenner AC, Schultze JL, Beyer MD, Ralser M, Mülleder M, Sander LE, Konietschke F, Paul F, Stojanov S, Bruckert L, Hedderich DM, Knolle F, Riemekasten G, Vehreschild MJGT, Cornely OA, Behrends U, Burock S. Fighting Post-COVID and ME/CFS - development of curative therapies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1194754. [PMID: 37396922 PMCID: PMC10309204 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1194754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The sequela of COVID-19 include a broad spectrum of symptoms that fall under the umbrella term post-COVID-19 condition or syndrome (PCS). Immune dysregulation, autoimmunity, endothelial dysfunction, viral persistence, and viral reactivation have been identified as potential mechanisms. However, there is heterogeneity in expression of biomarkers, and it is unknown yet whether these distinguish different clinical subgroups of PCS. There is an overlap of symptoms and pathomechanisms of PCS with postinfectious myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). No curative therapies are available for ME/CFS or PCS. The mechanisms identified so far provide targets for therapeutic interventions. To accelerate the development of therapies, we propose evaluating drugs targeting different mechanisms in clinical trial networks using harmonized diagnostic and outcome criteria and subgrouping patients based on a thorough clinical profiling including a comprehensive diagnostic and biomarker phenotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Judith Theresia Bellmann-Strobl
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Cornelia Heindrich
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten Wittke
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisa Stein
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christiana Franke
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Harald Prüss
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | - Hannah Preßler
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie-Luise Machule
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heinrich Audebert
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Finke
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hanna Gwendolyn Zimmermann
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit Sawitzki
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Immunomics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Meisel
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Immunology, Labor Berlin - Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Toelle
- Department of Nephrology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Krueger
- Department of Nephrology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna C. Aschenbrenner
- Systems Medicine, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Joachim L. Schultze
- Systems Medicine, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- PRECISE Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics, DZNE and University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Genomics and Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marc D. Beyer
- Systems Medicine, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- PRECISE Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics, DZNE and University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Markus Ralser
- Institute of Biochemistry, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Mülleder
- Institute of Biochemistry, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leif Erik Sander
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Konietschke
- Institute of Biochemistry, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Silvia Stojanov
- Childrens’ Hospital, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lisa Bruckert
- Clinical Trial Office, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dennis M. Hedderich
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Franziska Knolle
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Maria J. G. T. Vehreschild
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Oliver A. Cornely
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany
| | - Uta Behrends
- Childrens’ Hospital, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Berlin, Germany
- AGV Research Unit Gene Vectors, Helmholtz Center Munich (HMGU), Munich, Germany
| | - Susen Burock
- Clinical Trial Office, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Leitman M, Fuchs S, Tyomkin V, Hadanny A, Zilberman-Itskovich S, Efrati S. The effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on myocardial function in post-COVID-19 syndrome patients: a randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9473. [PMID: 37301934 PMCID: PMC10257166 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36570-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-COVID-19 condition refers to a range of persisting physical, neurocognitive, and neuropsychological symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recent evidence revealed that post-COVID-19 syndrome patients may suffer from cardiac dysfunction and are at increased risk for a broad range of cardiovascular disorders. This randomized, sham-control, double-blind trial evaluated the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on the cardiac function of post-COVID-19 patients with ongoing symptoms for at least three months after confirmed infection. Sixty patients were randomized to receive 40 daily HBOT or sham sessions. They underwent echocardiography at baseline and 1-3 weeks after the last protocol session. Twenty-nine (48.3%) patients had reduced global longitudinal strain (GLS) at baseline. Of them, 13 (43.3%) and 16 (53.3%) were allocated to the sham and HBOT groups, respectively. Compared to the sham group, GLS significantly increased following HBOT (- 17.8 ± 1.1 to - 20.2 ± 1.0, p = 0.0001), with a significant group-by-time interaction (p = 0.041). In conclusion, post-COVID-19 syndrome patients despite normal EF often have subclinical left ventricular dysfunction that is characterized by mildly reduced GLS. HBOT promotes left ventricular systolic function recovery in patients suffering from post COVID-19 condition. Further studies are needed to optimize patient selection and evaluate long-term outcomes.This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04647656 on 01/12/2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Leitman
- Department of Cardiology, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Shmuel Fuchs
- Department of Cardiology, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Vladimir Tyomkin
- Department of Cardiology, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
| | - Amir Hadanny
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shani Zilberman-Itskovich
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Shai Efrati
- Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, Shamir Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Keller GA, Colaianni I, Coria J, Di Girolamo G, Miranda S. Clinical and biochemical short-term effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on SARS-Cov-2+ hospitalized patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure. Respir Med 2023; 209:107155. [PMID: 36796547 PMCID: PMC9927797 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been proposed to address COVID-19- associated respiratory failure. However, its biochemical effects are poorly known. METHOD 50 patients with hypoxemic COVID-19 pneumonia were divided into C group (standard care) and H group (standard care plus HBOT). Blood was obtained at t = 0 and t = 5 days. Oxygen saturation (O2 Sat) was followed up. White blood cell (WC) count, lymphocytes (L) and platelets (P) and serum analysis (glucose, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, ferritin, D dimer, LDH and CRP) were carried out. Plasma levels of sVCAM, sICAM, sPselectin, SAA and MPO, and of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-1RA, IL-6, TNFα, IFNα, IFNγ, IL-15, VEGF, MIP1α, IL-12p70, IL-2 and IP-10) were measured by multiplex assays. Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE-2) levels were determined by ELISA. RESULTS The average basal O2 Sat was 85 ± 3%. The days needed to reach O2 Sat >90% were: H: 3 ± 1 and C: 5 ± 1 (P < 0,01). At term, H increased WC, L and P counts (all, H vs C: P < 0,01). Also, H diminished D dimer levels (H vs C, P < 0,001) and LDH concentration (H vs C, P < 0.01]. At term, H showed lower levels of sVCAM, sPselectin and SAA than C with respect to basal values (H vs C: ΔsVCAM: P < 0,01; ΔsPselectin: P < 0,05; ΔSAA: P < 0,01). Similarly, H showed diminished levels of TNFα (ΔTNFα: P < 0,05) and increased levels of IL-1RA and VEGF than C respect to basal values (H vs C: ΔIL-1RA and ΔVEGF: P < 0,05). CONCLUSION Patients underwent HBOT improved O2 Sat with lower levels of severity markers (WC and platelets count, D dimer, LDH, SAA). Moreover, HBOT reduced proinflammatory agents (sVCAM, sPselectin, TNFα) and increased anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic ones (IL-1RA and VEGF).
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo A Keller
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Centro de Vigilancia y Seguridad de Medicamentos, Argentina; Hospital General de Agudos Donación Francisco J. Santojanni, Departamento de Urgencias, Argentina
| | - Ivana Colaianni
- Hospital General de Agudos Donación Francisco J. Santojanni, Departamento de Urgencias, Argentina
| | - Javier Coria
- Universidad de Buenos Aires- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto Alberto C. Taquini de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IATIMET), Argentina
| | - Guillermo Di Girolamo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto Alberto C. Taquini de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IATIMET), Argentina
| | - Silvia Miranda
- Universidad de Buenos Aires- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Instituto Alberto C. Taquini de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IATIMET), Argentina.
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Lai CC, Hsu CK, Yen MY, Lee PI, Ko WC, Hsueh PR. Long COVID: An inevitable sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2023; 56:1-9. [PMID: 36283919 PMCID: PMC9576029 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
At present, there are more than 560 million confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide. Although more than 98% of patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can survive acute COVID, a significant portion of survivors can develop residual health problems, which is termed as long COVID. Although severe COVID-19 is generally associated with a high risk of long COVID, patients with asymptomatic or mild disease can also show long COVID. The definition of long COVID is inconsistent and its clinical manifestations are protean. In addition to general symptoms, such as fatigue, long COVID can affect many organ systems, including the respiratory, neurological, psychosocial, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and metabolic systems. Moreover, patients with long COVID may experience exercise intolerance and impaired daily function and quality of life. Long COVID may be caused by SARS-CoV-2 direct injury or its associated immune/inflammatory response. Assessment of patients with long COVID requires comprehensive evaluation, including history taking, physical examination, laboratory tests, radiography, and functional tests. However, there is no known effective treatment for long COVID. Based on the limited evidence, vaccines may help to prevent the development of long COVID. As long COVID is a new clinical entity that is constantly evolving, there are still many unknowns, and further investigation is warranted to enhance our understanding of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Cheng Lai
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Kuei Hsu
- Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Muh-Yong Yen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Ing Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Chien Ko
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ren Hsueh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan,Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan,School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan,Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan,Corresponding author. Departments of Laboratory Medicine and Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, No. 2, Yude Road, North District, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
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Ong IZ, Kolson DL, Schindler MK. Mechanisms, Effects, and Management of Neurological Complications of Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (NC-PASC). Biomedicines 2023; 11:377. [PMID: 36830913 PMCID: PMC9953707 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
With a growing number of patients entering the recovery phase following infection with SARS-CoV-2, understanding the long-term neurological consequences of the disease is important to their care. The neurological complications of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (NC-PASC) represent a myriad of symptoms including headaches, brain fog, numbness/tingling, and other neurological symptoms that many people report long after their acute infection has resolved. Emerging reports are being published concerning COVID-19 and its chronic effects, yet limited knowledge of disease mechanisms has challenged therapeutic efforts. To address these issues, we review broadly the literature spanning 2020-2022 concerning the proposed mechanisms underlying NC-PASC, outline the long-term neurological sequelae associated with COVID-19, and discuss potential clinical interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Z. Ong
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Dennis L. Kolson
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Matthew K. Schindler
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Kjellberg A, Hassler A, Boström E, El Gharbi S, Al-Ezerjawi S, Kowalski J, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Bruchfeld J, Ståhlberg M, Nygren-Bonnier M, Runold M, Lindholm P. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for long COVID (HOT-LoCO), an interim safety report from a randomised controlled trial. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:33. [PMID: 36670365 PMCID: PMC9854077 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08002-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND With ~ 50 million individuals suffering from post-COVID condition (PCC), low health related quality of life (HRQoL) is a vast problem. Common symptoms of PCC, that persists 3 months from the onset of COVID-19 are fatigue, shortness of breath and cognitive dysfunction. No effective treatment options have been widely adopted in clinical practice. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) is a candidate drug. METHODS The objective of this interim analysis is to describe our cohort and evaluate the safety of HBO2 for post covid condition. In an ongoing randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind, clinical trial, 20 previously healthy subjects with PCC were assigned to HBO2 or placebo. Primary endpoints are physical domains in RAND-36; Physical functioning (PF) and Role Physical (RP) at 13 weeks. Secondary endpoints include objective physical tests. Safety endpoints are occurrence, frequency, and seriousness of Adverse Events (AEs). An independent data safety monitoring board (DSMB) reviewed unblinded data. The trial complies with Good Clinical Practice. Safety endpoints are evaluated descriptively. Comparisons against norm data was done using t-test. RESULTS Twenty subjects were randomised, they had very low HRQoL compared to norm data. Mean (SD) PF 31.75 (19.55) (95% Confidence interval; 22.60-40.90) vs 83.5 (23.9) p < 0.001 in Rand-36 PF and mean 0.00 (0.00) in RP. Very low physical performance compared to norm data. 6MWT 442 (180) (95% CI 358-525) vs 662 (18) meters p < 0.001. 31 AEs occurred in 60% of subjects. In 20 AEs, there were at least a possible relationship with the study drug, most commonly cough and chest pain/discomfort. CONCLUSIONS An (unexpectedly) high frequency of AEs was observed but the DSMB assessed HBO2 to have a favourable safety profile. Our data may help other researchers in designing trials. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04842448. Registered 13 April 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04842448 . EudraCT: 2021-000764-30. Registered 21 May 2021, https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/trial/2021-000764-30/SE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Kjellberg
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Perioperative Medicine and Intensive Care, Medical Unit Intensive Care and Thoracic Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Adrian Hassler
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Medical Unit Emergency Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emil Boström
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Medical Unit Emergency Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sara El Gharbi
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Medical Unit Emergency Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sarah Al-Ezerjawi
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Medical Unit Emergency Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Kenny A. Rodriguez-Wallberg
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Division of Gynaecology and Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Judith Bruchfeld
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcus Ståhlberg
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Medical Unit Cardiology, Heart, Vascular and Neuro Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Nygren-Bonnier
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Women’s Health and Allied Health Professionals Theme, Medical Unit Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Runold
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Medicine Solna, Respiratory Medicine Unit, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.24381.3c0000 0000 9241 5705Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Lindholm
- grid.4714.60000 0004 1937 0626Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden ,grid.266100.30000 0001 2107 4242Division of Hyperbaric Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093 USA
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Laub C. Neuropsychiatrische Post-COVID-19-Symptome. NEUROTRANSMITTER 2023; 34. [PMCID: PMC9994384 DOI: 10.1007/s15016-023-3012-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Laub
- grid.419801.50000 0000 9312 0220Universitätsklinikum Augsburg, Stenglinstr. 2, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
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Leão Batista Simões J, de Carvalho Braga G, Dulce Bagatini M. Commentary on "Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Improves Neurocognitive Functions and Symptoms of Post-COVID Condition: Randomized Controlled Trial". Curr Pharm Des 2023; 29:2679-2683. [PMID: 38164733 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128268472231106093239] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
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Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Sleep Quality, Drug Dosage, and Nerve Function in Patients with Sleep Disorders after Ischemic Cerebral Stroke. Emerg Med Int 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/8307865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective. To explore the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HOT) on sleep quality, drug dosage, and nerve function in patients with sleep disorders after ischemic cerebral stroke (ICS). Methods. A total of 120 patients with acute ICS and sleep disorders who came to our hospital for treatment from January 2019 to October 2021 were selected and divided into control and observation groups according to the random numbering method, with 60 cases in each group. Both groups were treated with sertraline and eszopiclone for treating insomnia. The control group was given routine treatment for ICS, and the observation group was additionally treated with HOT in addition to the control group. The sleep quality, the use of sleep medication, the neurological function score, and the levels of serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), endothelin (ET), and neuropeptide Y (NPY) before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. Results. The levels of TNF-α, ET and NPY were not significantly different between the two groups of patients before treatment (
), and all of the above indicators decreased significantly in both groups after treatment, with the observation group being lower than the control group (
). There was no significant difference in the sleep quality scores of PSQI, ESS, and SBQ between the two groups before treatment (
), and the above indicators decreased significantly in both groups after treatment, with the observation group being lower than the control group (
). There was no significant difference in the dose of sleep medication used in the first day of treatment between the two groups (
), and the amount of sleep medication used in the observation group was significantly less than that in the control group after 14 d of treatment (
). There was no significant difference in the NIHSS scores between the two groups before treatment (
), and the scores of both groups decreased after treatment, and the scores of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group (
). Conclusion. Compared with routine treatment, the addition of HOT to treat patients with sleep disorders after ICS can significantly improve their sleep quality, reduce dosage of sleep drugs, reduce inflammatory level of brain tissue and nerve function damage, and improve their prognosis. Trial Registration. This study was registered in the EA2019056
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Long COVID and rheumatology: Clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic implications. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2022; 36:101794. [PMID: 36369208 PMCID: PMC9641578 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2022.101794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
As of this writing, it is estimated that there have been nearly 600 million cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) around the world with over six million deaths. While shocking, these figures do not fully illustrate the morbidity associated with this disease. It is also estimated that between 10% and 30% of those who survive COVID-19 develop persistent symptoms after the acute infection has passed. These individuals, who most often experienced initial infections with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) considered mild to moderate in severity, often display a broad array of symptoms. Collectively, this disorder or syndrome is now referred to as Long COVID (among other designations), and it represents a national/international health crisis. The most frequently reported symptoms associated with Long COVID include chronic fatigue with post exertional features, neurocognitive dysfunction, breathlessness, and somatic pain. Long COVID can range in severity from mild to severely debilitating, with resultant loss of quality of life and productivity. For now, there are many unanswered questions surrounding Long COVID: how can it be best defined, what is needed for accurate diagnosis, what is causing it, and how should it be best managed. How rheumatologists will engage in the Long COVID pandemic is another question; at the minimum, we will be called upon to evaluate and manage our own patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases who have developed it. This review focuses on addressing the disease essentials, providing both declarative and procedural knowledge to prepare rheumatologists for how to address Long COVID: understanding its origins, its current case definitions, epidemiology, pathobiology and clinical manifestations. Finally, it will provide an outline on how to clinically approach patients with possible Long COVID and initiate treatment and/or guide them on how to best manage it.
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Rosenberg K. Hyperbaric Oxygen Improves Neurocognitive Function and Symptoms of Post-COVID Condition. Am J Nurs 2022; 122:61-62. [PMID: 36261911 DOI: 10.1097/01.naj.0000897152.36663.7a] [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: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
According to this study: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can improve cognitive function, psychiatric symptoms, pain, and fatigue in patients who have post-COVID-19 condition.The beneficial effect of the therapy can be attributed to increased brain perfusion and neuroplasticity in regions associated with cognitive and emotional roles.
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Beer AM. Stationäre naturheilkundliche Komplexbehandlung beim Long-COVID-Syndrom. DEUTSCHE ZEITSCHRIFT FU¨R AKUPUNKTUR 2022. [PMCID: PMC9559148 DOI: 10.1007/s42212-022-00505-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- André-Michael Beer
- grid.491598.8Klinik für Naturheilkunde, Klinik Blankenstein, Im Vogelsang 5–11, 45527 Hattingen, Deutschland
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Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on functional and structural connectivity in post-COVID-19 condition patients: A randomized, sham-controlled trial. Neuroimage Clin 2022; 36:103218. [PMID: 36208548 PMCID: PMC9528018 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2022.103218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Post-COVID-19 condition refers to a range of persisting physical, neurocognitive, and neuropsychological symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Abnormalities in brain connectivity were found in recovered patients compared to non-infected controls. This study aims to evaluate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on brain connectivity in post-COVID-19 patients. METHODS In this randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind trial, 73 patients were randomized to receive 40 daily sessions of HBOT (n = 37) or sham treatment (n = 36). We examined pre- and post-treatment resting-state brain functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scans to evaluate functional and structural connectivity changes, which were correlated to cognitive and psychological distress measures. RESULTS The ROI-to-ROI analysis revealed decreased internetwork connectivity in the HBOT group which was negatively correlated to improvements in attention and executive function scores (p < 0.001). Significant group-by-time interactions were demonstrated in the right hippocampal resting state function connectivity (rsFC) in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFWE = 0.002). Seed-to-voxel analysis also revealed a negative correlation in the brief symptom inventory (BSI-18) score and in the rsFC between the amygdala seed, the angular gyrus, and the primary sensory motor area (PFWE = 0.012, 0.002). Positive correlations were found between the BSI-18 score and the left insular cortex seed and FPN (angular gyrus) (PFWE < 0.0001). Tractography based structural connectivity analysis showed a significant group-by-time interaction in the fractional anisotropy (FA) of left amygdala tracts (F = 7.81, P = 0.007). The efficacy measure had significant group-by-time interactions (F = 5.98, p = 0.017) in the amygdala circuit. CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that HBOT improves disruptions in white matter tracts and alters the functional connectivity organization of neural pathways attributed to cognitive and emotional recovery in post-COVID-19 patients. This study also highlights the potential of structural and functional connectivity analysis as a promising treatment response monitoring tool.
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Kow CS, Ramachandram DS, Hasan SS. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy to reverse post-COVID cognitive impairment. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:6185-6186. [PMID: 36018403 PMCID: PMC9415253 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06365-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chia Siang Kow
- School of Pharmacy, International Medical University, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| | | | - Syed Shahzad Hasan
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
- School of Biomedical Sciences & Pharmacy, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
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