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Gudziol H, Giszas B, Schade U, Bitter T, Reuken PA, Stallmach A, Guntinas-Lichius O. [Post-COVID patients with persistent chemosensory symptoms are rare in the general population]. Laryngorhinootologie 2024; 103:514-521. [PMID: 38387482 DOI: 10.1055/a-2246-2357] [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: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The prevalence of long-/post-COVID-associated chemosensory symptoms is reported in the literature to be significantly higher than clinical reality reflects. METHODS 1. N= 4062 adults acutely infected with SARS-CoV-2 and their symptoms transmitted by the Jena health office to the Robert Koch Institute between March 2020 and September 2021 were evaluated. 2. Part of the same cohort (N = 909 of 4062) answered an extensive questionnaire at least 3 months after the start of the infection, including existing chemosensory post-COVID-associated complaints. 3. Fourteen post-COVID Jena patients with chemosensory symptoms who had become acutely infected during the same period were diagnosed, treated and advised in our ENT specialist outpatient clinic. RESULTS The prevalence of chemosensory symptoms at the onset of infection was 19% (600/3187). About every second written respondent of the formerly acutely infected (441/890) remembered chemosensory symptoms during their COVID-19 infection. Of these, around 38% (167/441) complained of persistent chemosensory post-COVID symptoms after an average of 14.5 months. Only 2.3% (14/600) of the previously acutely infected patients with chemosensory symptoms sought medical help in a special consultation. Quantitative chemosensory damage could only be objectified in half, i.e. 1.2% (7/600) of the total cohort. CONCLUSIONS Despite a high prevalence of subjective chemosensory symptoms in acutely and formerly SARS-CoV-2 infected people, there is only a low need for specialized treatment, so that, unlike other post-COVID-associated complaints, the healthcare system as a whole appears to be less significantly burdened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilmar Gudziol
- Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten, Uniklinikum, DE 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Benjamin Giszas
- Klinik für Innere Medizin IV (Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Infektiologie), Uniklinikum, DE 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schade
- Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten, Uniklinikum, DE 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Bitter
- Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten, Uniklinikum, DE 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Philipp A Reuken
- Klinik für Innere Medizin IV (Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Infektiologie), Uniklinikum, DE 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Andreas Stallmach
- Klinik für Innere Medizin IV (Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Infektiologie), Uniklinikum, DE 07747 Jena, Germany
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Berger L, Wolf J, Kalbitz S, Kellner N, Lübbert C, Borte S. Comparative Analysis of Lymphocyte Populations in Post-COVID-19 Condition and COVID-19 Convalescent Individuals. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1286. [PMID: 38928701 PMCID: PMC11202600 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14121286] [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: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Reduced lymphocyte counts in peripheral blood are one of the most common observations in acute phases of viral infections. Although many studies have already examined the impact of immune (dys)regulation during SARS-CoV-2 infection, there are still uncertainties about the long-term consequences for lymphocyte homeostasis. Furthermore, as persistent cellular aberrations have been described following other viral infections, patients with "Post-COVID-19 Condition" (PCC) may present similarly. In order to investigate cellular changes in the adaptive immune system, we performed a retrospective analysis of flow cytometric data from lymphocyte subpopulations in 106 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who received medical care at our institution. The patients were divided into three groups according to the follow-up date; laboratory analyses of COVID-19 patients were compared with 28 unexposed healthy controls. Regarding B lymphocyte subsets, levels of IgA + CD27+, IgG + CD27+, IgM + CD27- and switched B cells were significantly reduced at the last follow-up compared to unexposed healthy controls (UHC). Of the 106 COVID-19 patients, 56 were clinically classified as featuring PCC. Significant differences between PCC and COVID-19 convalescents compared to UHC were observed in T helper cells and class-switched B cells. However, we did not detect specific or long-lasting immune cellular changes in PCC compared to the non-post-COVID-19 condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Berger
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Hospital St. Georg, 04129 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Johannes Wolf
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hospital St. Georg, 04129 Leipzig, Germany
- ImmunoDeficiencyCenter Leipzig, Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Research Center for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases, Hospital St. Georg, 04139 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sven Kalbitz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Hospital St. Georg, 04129 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nils Kellner
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Hospital St. Georg, 04129 Leipzig, Germany
- ImmunoDeficiencyCenter Leipzig, Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Research Center for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases, Hospital St. Georg, 04139 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Christoph Lübbert
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Hospital St. Georg, 04129 Leipzig, Germany
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine I, Leipzig University Medical Center, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan Borte
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hospital St. Georg, 04129 Leipzig, Germany
- ImmunoDeficiencyCenter Leipzig, Jeffrey Modell Diagnostic and Research Center for Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases, Hospital St. Georg, 04139 Leipzig, Germany
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Tesarz J, Lange H, Kirchner M, Görlach A, Eich W, Friederich HC. Efficacy of supervised immersive virtual reality-based training for the treatment of chronic fatigue in post-COVID syndrome: study protocol for a double-blind randomized controlled trial (IFATICO Trial). Trials 2024; 25:232. [PMID: 38570805 PMCID: PMC10993519 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08032-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: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of persistent fatigue after COVID-19 infection is complex. On the one hand, it involves maintaining a sufficient level of physical and mental activity to counteract possible degenerative processes of the body and nervous system. On the other hand, physical and mental activities can also lead to worsening of symptoms. Therefore, the challenge in treating Post-COVID fatigue is to stimulate the body and central nervous system in a way that stimulates growth and improvement, but does not overtax individual physical and mental limits. Special training programs try to take these characteristics into account, but often reach their limits. A promising approach is offered by new fitness technologies based on immersive virtual realities that stimulate both body and brain while minimizing physical and psychological stress. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of supervised immersive Virtual Reality (VR)-based activity training compared to conventional activity training for patients with Post-COVID-associated fatigue. METHODS In a single centre, individually randomised, prospective, double-blind two-arm exploratory superiority trial with parallel group design, N = 100 patients with persistent fatigue after COVID-19 infection will be recruited. The intervention includes a supervised immersive neuromuscular training (12 sessions of 30 min over 6 weeks) based on a novel VR-exercise device. We will systematically compare the effects of this intervention on Post-COVID-associated fatigue with a supervised conventional activation program of comparable scope without an immersive environment. The primary outcome is the difference between groups in absolute change in the mean fatigue symptom severity measured on the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) from baseline to posttreatment assessment. Posttreatment assessment in both groups will be conducted by blinded outcome assessors. At three and six months afterwards, patients are sent self-report questionnaires for follow up. The main analysis will be based on the intention-to-treat principle. DISCUSSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first exploratory study on a supervised immersive neuromuscular training for the treatment of persistent fatigue after COVID-19 infection. TRIAL REGISTRATION German register for clinical studies (ID: DRKS00032059) Prospectively registered on June 16th 2023. URL of trial registration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Tesarz
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany, Germany.
- DZPG (German Centre for Mental Health), Partner Site Heidelberg/ Mannheim/ Ulm, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Hannah Lange
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany, Germany
| | - Marietta Kirchner
- Institute of Medical Biometry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Axel Görlach
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Eich
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany, Germany
| | - Hans-Christoph Friederich
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany, Germany
- DZPG (German Centre for Mental Health), Partner Site Heidelberg/ Mannheim/ Ulm, Heidelberg, Germany
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Kronstein-Wiedemann R, Tausche K, Kolditz M, Teichert M, Thiel J, Koschel D, Tonn T, Künzel SR. Long-COVID is Associated with Impaired Red Blood Cell Function. Horm Metab Res 2024; 56:318-323. [PMID: 37890507 DOI: 10.1055/a-2186-8108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 disease, caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), induces a broad spectrum of clinical symptoms ranging from asymptomatic cases to fatal outcomes. About 10-35% of all COVID-19 patients, even those with mild COVID-19 symptoms, continue to show symptoms, i. e., fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, and cognitive dysfunction, after initial recovery. Previously, we and others identified red blood cell precursors as a direct target of SARS-CoV-2 and suggested that SARS-CoV-2 induces dysregulation in hemoglobin- and iron-metabolism contributing to the severe systemic course of COVID-19. Here, we put particular emphasis on differences in parameters of clinical blood gas analysis and hematological parameters of more than 20 healthy and Long-COVID patients, respectively. Long-COVID patients showed impaired oxygen binding to hemoglobin with concomitant increase in carbon monoxide binding. Hand in hand with decreased plasma iron concentration and transferrin saturation, mean corpuscular hemoglobin was elevated in Long-COVID patients compared to healthy donors suggesting a potential compensatory mechanism. Although blood pH was within the physiological range in both groups, base excess- and bicarbonate values were significantly lower in Long-COVID patients. Furthermore, Long-COVID patients displayed reduced lymphocyte levels. The clinical relevance of these findings, e. g., as a cause of chronic immunodeficiency, remains to be investigated in future studies. In conclusion, our data suggest impaired erythrocyte functionality in Long-COVID patients, leading to diminished oxygen supply. This in turn could be an explanation for the CFS, dyspnea and anemia. Further investigations are necessary to identify the underlying pathomechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romy Kronstein-Wiedemann
- Laboratory for Experimental Transfusion Medicine, Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kristin Tausche
- Division of Pneumology, Medical Department I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Kolditz
- Division of Pneumology, Medical Department I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Madeleine Teichert
- German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jessica Thiel
- Laboratory for Experimental Transfusion Medicine, Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dirk Koschel
- Division of Pneumology, Medical Department I, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pneumology, Fachkrankenhaus Coswig, Lung Center, Coswig, Germany
| | - Torsten Tonn
- Laboratory for Experimental Transfusion Medicine, Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephan R Künzel
- Laboratory for Experimental Transfusion Medicine, Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Dresden, Germany
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Schurr M, Junne F, Martus P, Paul G, Jürgensen JS, Allwang C, Binneböse M, Wallis H, Mikolajczyk R, Galante-Gottschalk A, Zipfel S, Ehehalt S, Giel KE. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with physical but not mental fatigue - Findings from a longitudinal controlled population-based study. J Psychosom Res 2024; 178:111598. [PMID: 38277895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111598] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fatigue has been identified as the core symptom of long-Covid, however, putative pandemic-related influences remain largely unclear. We investigated trajectories of total, physical and mental fatigue and the factors associated with it in previously infected and non-infected individuals up to one year post- infection. METHODS We used data from a longitudinal cohort study of German adults with two samples: A representative probability sample and a sample of individuals with proven SARS-CoV-2 infection. Surveys were conducted in spring 2020(T1), autumn 2020(T2) and summer 2021(T3). Fatigue was assessed using the FAS, distinguishes between physical and mental fatigue. Depression, anxiety and stress were assessed using PHQ-4 and PSQ. RESULTS 1990 participants [mean age 47.2 (SD = 17.0), 30.5% previously infected] were included in the survey at T1 (n = 1118 at T2, n = 692 at T3). Total and physical fatigue, but not mental fatigue were significantly higher in the previously infected compared to the non-infected sample at T2, but this group difference disappeared at T3. We identified Covid-infection as a factor associated with transient total and physical fatigue at T2. Depression, anxiety and stress at T1 were associated with total, physical and mental fatigue at both follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the importance of considering physical and mental fatigue as separate entities, while suggesting a greater relevance of the physical signs of fatigue in understanding long-Covid. The results further showed that baseline mental health symptoms were the most strongly associated with fatigue trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Schurr
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Florian Junne
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Peter Martus
- Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and applied Biostatistics, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Gregor Paul
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Pneumology and Infectious Diseases, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Christine Allwang
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marius Binneböse
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Hannah Wallis
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences; Institute of Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | - Stephan Zipfel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Germany
| | - Stefan Ehehalt
- Public Health Department, State Capital-City Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Katrin Elisabeth Giel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Germany
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Greißel A, Schneider A, Donnachie E, Gerlach R, Tauscher M, Hapfelmeier A. Impact of pre-existing mental health diagnoses on development of post-COVID and related symptoms: a claims data-based cohort study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2408. [PMID: 38287108 PMCID: PMC10824734 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-52656-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the association of prior mental health diagnoses with the onset of Post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). We conducted a retrospective comparative cohort study and secondary analysis of routinely collected claims data from participants in statutory health insurance in Bavaria, Germany, from January 2015 to June 2022. Study participants were 619,560 patients with confirmed COVID-19, 42,969 with other respiratory tract infection (ORI), and 438,023 controls. Using diagnoses coded according to the German modification of the ICD-10, the associations between prior mental health diagnoses and a PCC diagnosis (primary outcome) or associated symptoms (secondary outcomes) were estimated using multiple Cox proportional hazards regression models. Mental disorders (hazard ratio [HR] 1.36, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30-1.42), anxiety (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.07-1.20), depression (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.19-1.30) and somatoform disorders (HR 1.30, 95% CI 1.24-1.36) were associated with higher risks for PCC. Mental disorders were associated with the same or even greater risk for a diagnosis of malaise and fatigue in the control cohort (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.52-1.93) and ORI cohort (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.20-1.72), than in the COVID-19 cohort (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.35-1.51). In summary, prior mental comorbidity was associated with an increased risk of PCC and its associated symptoms in all cohorts, not specifically in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Greißel
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Orleansstraße 47, 81667, Munich, Germany
| | - Antonius Schneider
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Orleansstraße 47, 81667, Munich, Germany.
| | - Ewan Donnachie
- Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Munich, Germany
| | - Roman Gerlach
- Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Tauscher
- Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Hapfelmeier
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Orleansstraße 47, 81667, Munich, Germany
- Institute of AI and Informatics in Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Health, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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Franco JVA, Garegnani LI, Metzendorf MI, Heldt K, Mumm R, Scheidt-Nave C. Post-covid-19 conditions in adults: systematic review and meta-analysis of health outcomes in controlled studies. BMJ MEDICINE 2024; 3:e000723. [PMID: 38293681 PMCID: PMC10826558 DOI: 10.1136/bmjmed-2023-000723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Objective To assess the impact of post-covid-19 conditions among adults. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of health outcomes in controlled studies. Data sources Two sources were searched from database inception to 20 October 2022: Cochrane covid-19 study register (comprising Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Medline, Embase, clinicalTrials.gov, World Health Organization's International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, medRxiv) and WHO's covid-19 research database. Eligibility criteria Cohort studies recruiting more than 100 participants with a control group and a follow-up of at least 12 weeks were included. Adults who were documented to have SARS-CoV-2 infection based on clinical, imaging, or laboratory criteria were included. Data extraction and synthesis Two independent reviewers extracted data. The main outcomes included quality of life, functionality in daily activities, use of resources, recovery rates (cluster of symptoms), and the incidence of new medical diagnoses. Data were pooled using a random effects model. The risk of bias was assessed with the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool for cohort studies. Results We included 63 controlled cohort studies, encompassing more than 96 million participants. Based on five studies, we found a reduction in overall quality of life between individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection versus controls at six to 24 months follow-up, although heterogeneity was very high (mean difference in EQ-5D scale -5.28 (95% confidence interval -7.88 to 2.68; I2=93.81%). Evidence from ten studies, which could not be pooled in a meta-analysis, indicated that an increased rate of functional impairment associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Use of care increased compared with controls at six to 24 months follow-up at intensive care units (risk ratio 2.00 (95% confidence interval 0.69 to 5.80), five studies, I2=91.96%) and in outpatient care (1.12 (1.01 to 1.24), seven studies, I2=99.51%). Regarding persistent symptoms, individuals with documented SARS-CoV-2 infection had an increased risk of having two or more persistent symptoms at follow-up, especially those related to neurological clusters (ie, risk ratio 1.51 (95% confidence interval 1.17 to 1.93), I2=98.91%). Evidence also showed an increased incidence of a wide variety of metabolic, cardiovascular, neurological, respiratory, haematological and other incident diagnoses. Conclusion Evidence suggests functional impairment after SARS-CoV-2 infection, in addition to a higher use of resources and a higher incidence of widely varying medical diagnoses. These results should be interpreted with caution, considering the high heterogeneity across studies and study limitations related to outcome measurement and attrition of participants. Systematic review registration Open Science Framework, osf.io/drm39.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Victor Ariel Franco
- Institute of General Practice, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-Universitat Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | | | - Maria-Inti Metzendorf
- Institute of General Practice, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-Universitat Dusseldorf, Dusseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Katharina Heldt
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rebekka Mumm
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christa Scheidt-Nave
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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8
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Leitner M, Pötz G, Berger M, Fellner M, Spat S, Koini M. Characteristics and burden of acute COVID-19 and long-COVID: Demographic, physical, mental health, and economic perspectives. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297207. [PMID: 38252638 PMCID: PMC10802963 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 infection and its associated consequence, known as long-COVID, lead to a significant burden on the global healthcare system and limitations in people's personal and work lives. This study aims to provide further insight into the impact of acute and ongoing COVID-19 symptoms and investigates the role of patients' gender and vaccination status. METHODS 416 individuals (73.9% female) between the ages of 16 and 80 years (M = 44.18, SD = 12.90) with self-reported symptoms of long-COVID participated in an online survey conducted between March and May 2022. RESULTS 6.0%, 74.3%, and 19.7% of all respondents reported having had an asymptomatic, mild, or severe acute illness, respectively. Out of all participants, 7.8% required hospitalization. The most prevalent symptoms during the acute infection (Mdn = 23.50 symptoms, IQR = 13-39) included fatigue, exhaustion, cough, brain fog, and memory problems. The median long-COVID disease duration was 12.10 months (IQR = 2.8-17.4). Among 64 inquired long-COVID symptoms (Mdn = 17.00 symptoms, IQR = 9-27), participants reported fatigue, exhaustion, memory problems, brain fog, and dyspnea as the most common ongoing symptoms, which were generally experienced as fluctuating and deteriorating after physical or cognitive activity. Common consequences of long-COVID included financial losses (40.5%), changes in the participants' profession (41.0%), stress resistance (87.5%), sexual life (38.1%), and mood (72.1%), as well as breathing difficulties (41.3%), or an increased drug intake (e.g., medicine, alcohol; 44.6%). In addition, vaccinated individuals exhibited a shorter acute illness duration and an earlier onset of long-COVID symptoms. In general, women reported more long-COVID symptoms than men. CONCLUSION Long-COVID represents a heterogeneous disease and impacts multiple life aspects of those affected. Tailored rehabilitation programs targeting the plurality of physical and mental symptoms are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Leitner
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Martin Berger
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | | | - Marisa Koini
- Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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9
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Weigl M, Beeck S, Kraft E, Stubbe HC, Adorjan K, Ruzicka M, Lemhöfer C. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation with a focus on physiotherapy in patients with Post Covid19 condition: an observational pilot study. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-023-01747-y. [PMID: 38231399 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01747-y] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
There is a lack of interventions that treat the Post-Covid-19 Condition (PCC) itself. Accordingly, treatment guidelines recommend physiotherapy interventions to alleviate symptoms and enhance functioning. In cases where unimodal treatments prove ineffective, non-organ-specific multidisciplinary bio-psycho-social rehabilitation (MBR) programs are a suitable option. In a pilot observational study with assessments at the entry and end of treatment we aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a 3-week day clinic MBR program and explore its effects on physical functioning in PCC patients with fatigue and reduced physical capacity. Patient selection was based on an interdisciplinary assessment involving a physician, a psychologist and a physiotherapist. Feasibility was determined based on full participation (≥ 8 of 9 days) and maintenance of stable endurance in the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). From 37 patients included in the study, 33 completed the MBR (mean age: 43 ± 12 years, 73% female). Four patients discontinued the MBR, with two of them having reported deterioration of PCC symptoms. The 6MWT showed a numerical improvement from 501 ± 97 m to 512 ± 87 m, although it did not reach statistical significance. These results support the feasibility of outpatient MBR with a focus on active physiotherapy interventions in PCC patients with fatigue. This study aligns with previous research supporting the effectiveness of physiotherapy and rehabilitation in PCC patients. However, further research is needed to address possible different treatment responses and varying treatment approaches in subgroups of PCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Weigl
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
| | - Saskia Beeck
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Eduard Kraft
- Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma Surgery, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Musculoskeletal University Center Munich (MUM), University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Munich Municipal Hospital Group, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Christian Stubbe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kristina Adorjan
- Department of Medicine II, LMU University Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Ruzicka
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Lemhöfer
- Institute of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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Pérez García MP, García Granado JF, Martínez Martín FJ. [Headache and hypertension as a form of presentation of pheochromocytoma and simulating a post-COVID-19 syndrome]. HIPERTENSION Y RIESGO VASCULAR 2024; 41:62-65. [PMID: 38402070 DOI: 10.1016/j.hipert.2023.09.002] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
Post-COVID-19 syndrome is a set of symptoms and signs that persist for more than 12 weeks after COVID-19 infection and currently lacks a standardised clinical definition. Only one case has been reported in which a pheochromocytoma was mistaken for post-COVID-19 syndrome. The symptomatology of this syndrome is variable and ranges from headache and fatigue to persistent dyspnoea and neurocognitive disturbances. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 can affect the autonomic nervous system, contributing to symptoms resembling those of pheochromocytoma. The importance and need to discern between COVID-19-related symptoms and other conditions is emphasised, as the specificity of the clinical manifestations of post-COVID-19 syndrome is very low and can be confused with other vital pathologies. A case is presented in which a pheochromocytoma was mistaken for post-COVID-19 syndrome in a patient with no medical history.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Pérez García
- Servicio de Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Doctor Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, España.
| | - J F García Granado
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Doctor Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, España
| | - F J Martínez Martín
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Doctor Negrín, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Las Palmas, España
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11
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Hayden MC, Schuler M, Limbach M, Schwarzl G, Stenzel N, Nowak D, Schultz K. [Patient-Reported Outcomes (PROs) 3 and 6 Months After Pulmonary Rehabilitation Following COVID-19]. DIE REHABILITATION 2023; 62:349-358. [PMID: 37907217 DOI: 10.1055/a-2134-2142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE If COVID-19 disease sequelae also (co-)affect the respiratory organs, national and international guidelines recommend pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). So far, however, no studies are available from Germany on the course after PR, nor on possible course differences between the two Long COVID subgroups "Ongoing symptomatic COVID-19" and "Post-COVID-19 syndrome" (PCS). METHODS In a prospective observational study, patient-reported outcomes (PROs) regarding exertional dyspnea, quality of life, pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety were assessed at the beginning of PR (T1), end of PR (T2), and after 3 (T3) and 6 months (T4). Statistical analyses were performed using latent difference models. RESULTS There were 224 rehabilitation patients (MAge=54.4; SDAge=10.4; 42.0% female) included in the study. During PR, all PROs improved significantly. After PR, improvements either persisted with large pre-post effect sizes (exertional dyspnea, quality of life), decreased slightly to small pre-post effect sizes (depression, fatigue), or decreased to baseline levels (anxiety, pain). PCS patients had greater burdens in depression, fatigue, and pain at baseline, but did not differ in trajectories. Indicators of the severity of the preceding acute phase (oxygen therapy, ICU treatment, ventilation) were associated with higher burdens at T0 in depression, fatigue, and pain, but not with the courses during and after PR. In contrast, female patients showed higher burdens in both depression and fatigue at T1 and higher pre-post effects than male patients. CONCLUSION The fact that improvements in PROs occurred in both subgroups only during PR, but not during the follow-up period suggests that the changes are not due to the natural healing process but at least partly due to PR. Moreover, the results suggest that both patient groups may benefit from PR. Persisting improvements in exertional dyspnea and quality of life and, to a reduced extent, in depression and fatigue until 6 months after PR, but not in pain and anxiety warrant study of additional multimodal interventions that may be needed to maintain these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus C Hayden
- Klinik Bad Reichenhall der Deutschen Rentenversicherung Bayern Süd, Bad Reichenhall
| | - Michael Schuler
- Department für Angewandte Gesundheitswissenschaften, Hochschule für Gesundheit, Bochum
| | - Matthias Limbach
- Klinik Bad Reichenhall der Deutschen Rentenversicherung Bayern Süd, Bad Reichenhall
| | - Gabriele Schwarzl
- Klinik Bad Reichenhall der Deutschen Rentenversicherung Bayern Süd, Bad Reichenhall
| | - Nikola Stenzel
- Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Psychologische Hochschule Berlin gGmbH, Berlin
| | - Dennis Nowak
- Institut und Poliklinik für Arbeits-, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin Umweltmedizin, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München
| | - Konrad Schultz
- Klinik Bad Reichenhall der Deutschen Rentenversicherung Bayern Süd, Bad Reichenhall
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12
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Kupferschmitt A, Jöbges M, Randerath J, Hinterberger T, Loew TH, Köllner V. Attention deficits and depressive symptoms improve differentially after rehabilitation of post-COVID condition - A prospective cohort study. J Psychosom Res 2023; 175:111540. [PMID: 37918327 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111540] [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: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depressive and cognitive symptoms like fatigue, loss of energy or sleep disorders characterise the post-COVID condition. Post-COVID psychosomatic rehabilitation should focus on both symptom groups. The current prospective cohort study addresses the change in these symptoms in the context of a psychosomatic rehabilitation. METHOD N = 80 patients with post-COVID symptoms underwent psychological testing on admission and discharge: PHQ-9 questionnaire for depression, TAP - test battery for the attention test with the sub-tests working memory, sustained attention, divided attention and alertness. Sample characteristics, including health-related and work-related parameters, the general symptom load and the course of symptoms during the five weeks of rehabilitation were evaluated. RESULTS On admission, the PHQ-9 indicated the presence of depressive symptoms in post-COVID patients (PHQ-9 = 15.15 ± 5.11). Over the course of rehabilitation, the depressive symptoms decreased to a sub-clinical level (PHQ-9 = 8.80 ± 4.61), suggesting a strong effect of post-COVID inpatient rehabilitation (Cohen's d = 1.57). At the same time, post-COVID patients showed clinically relevant impairments in attention and working memory that persisted throughout the rehabilitation period despite multimodal post-COVID treatment. CONCLUSION Over the course of post-COVID rehabilitation, depressive symptoms appear to be significantly reduced. With regard to cognitive impairment, a comparable effect within the short period of 5 weeks is not evident. Our results suggest the need for specific treatment of persistent neuropsychological deficits following post-COVID rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Kupferschmitt
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Regensburg, Rilkestraße 39, 93049 Regensburg, Germany; Psychosomatic Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10098 Berlin, Germany; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Rehabilitation Center Seehof, Federal German Pension Agency, Lichterfelder Allee 55, 14513 Teltow, Germany.
| | - Michael Jöbges
- Schmieder Clinics Constance, Eichhornstraße 68, 78464 Konstanz, Germany; Lurija Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Health Research, Kliniken Schmieder, Allensbach, Germany
| | - Jennifer Randerath
- Lurija Institute for Rehabilitation Science and Health Research, Kliniken Schmieder, Allensbach, Germany; Department of Psychology, University of Constance, Germany; Outpatient Unit for Research, Teaching and Practice, Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Thilo Hinterberger
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Regensburg, Rilkestraße 39, 93049 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas H Loew
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Regensburg, Rilkestraße 39, 93049 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Volker Köllner
- Psychosomatic Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 10098 Berlin, Germany; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Rehabilitation Center Seehof, Federal German Pension Agency, Lichterfelder Allee 55, 14513 Teltow, Germany
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13
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Paniskaki K, Goretzki S, Anft M, Konik MJ, Meister TL, Pfaender S, Lechtenberg K, Vogl M, Dogan B, Dolff S, Westhoff TH, Rohn H, Felderhoff-Mueser U, Stervbo U, Witzke O, Dohna-Schwake C, Babel N. Increased SARS-CoV-2 reactive low avidity T cells producing inflammatory cytokines in pediatric post-acute COVID-19 sequelae (PASC). Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2023; 34:e14060. [PMID: 38146118 DOI: 10.1111/pai.14060] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A proportion of the convalescent SARS-CoV-2 pediatric population presents nonspecific symptoms, mental health problems, and a reduction in quality of life similar to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID-19 symptomatic. However, data regarding its clinical manifestation and immune mechanisms are currently scarce. METHODS In this study, we perform a comprehensive clinical and immunological profiling of 17 convalescent COVID-19 children with post-acute COVID-19 sequelae (PASC) manifestation and 13 convalescent children without PASC manifestation. A detailed medical history, blood and instrumental tests, and physical examination were obtained from all patients. SARS-CoV-2 reactive T-cell response was analyzed via multiparametric flow cytometry and the humoral immunity was addressed via pseudovirus neutralization and ELISA assay. RESULTS The most common PASC symptoms were shortness of breath/exercise intolerance, paresthesia, smell/taste disturbance, chest pain, dyspnea, headache, and lack of concentration. Blood count and clinical chemistry showed no statistical differences among the study groups. We detected higher frequencies of spike (S) reactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells among the PASC study group, characterized by TNFα and IFNγ production and low functional avidity. CRP levels are positively correlated with IFNγ producing reactive CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data might indicate a possible involvement of a persistent cellular inflammatory response triggered by SARS-CoV-2 in the development of the observed sequelae in pediatric PASC. These results may have implications on future therapeutic and prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krystallenia Paniskaki
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sarah Goretzki
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics I, Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Moritz Anft
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Margarethe J Konik
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Toni L Meister
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Stephanie Pfaender
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Klara Lechtenberg
- Department of Pediatrics I, Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Melanie Vogl
- Department of Pediatrics III, Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Burcin Dogan
- Department of Pediatrics I, Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Dolff
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Timm H Westhoff
- Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Herne, Germany
| | - Hana Rohn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ursula Felderhoff-Mueser
- Department of Pediatrics I, Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences C-TNBS, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrik Stervbo
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Oliver Witzke
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christian Dohna-Schwake
- Department of Infectious Diseases, West German Centre of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics I, Children's Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences C-TNBS, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Nina Babel
- Center for Translational Medicine and Immune Diagnostics Laboratory, Medical Department I, Marien Hospital Herne, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - University Clinic Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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14
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Engelmann P, Büchel C, Frommhold J, Klose HFE, Lohse AW, Maehder K, Nestoriuc Y, Scherer M, Suling A, Toussaint A, Weigel A, Zapf A, Löwe B. Psychological risk factors for Long COVID and their modification: study protocol of a three-arm, randomised controlled trial (SOMA.COV). BJPsych Open 2023; 9:e207. [PMID: 37920139 PMCID: PMC10753953 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing evidence suggests that in addition to pathophysiological, there are psychological risk factors involved in the development of Long COVID. Illness-related anxiety and dysfunctional symptom expectations seem to contribute to symptom persistence. AIMS With regard to the development of effective therapies, our primary aim is to investigate whether symptoms of Long COVID can be improved by a targeted modification of illness-related anxiety and dysfunctional symptom expectations. Second, we aim to identify additional psychosocial risk factors that contribute to the persistence of Long COVID, and compare them with risk factors for symptom persistence in other clinical conditions. METHOD We will conduct an observer-blinded, three-arm, randomised controlled trial. A total of 258 patients with Long COVID will be randomised into three groups of equal size: targeted expectation management in addition to treatment as usual (TAU), non-specific supportive treatment plus TAU, or TAU only. Both active intervention groups will comprise three individual online video consultation sessions and a booster session after 3 months. The primary outcome is baseline to post-interventional change in overall somatic symptom severity. CONCLUSIONS The study will shed light onto the action mechanisms of a targeted expectation management intervention for Long COVID, which, if proven effective, can be used stand-alone or in the context of broader therapeutic approaches. Further, the study will enable a better understanding of symptom persistence in Long COVID by identifying additional psychological risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Engelmann
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Christian Büchel
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | | | - Hans F. E. Klose
- II. Medical Clinic and Polyclinic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Ansgar W. Lohse
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Kerstin Maehder
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Yvonne Nestoriuc
- Institute of Systems Neuroscience, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany; and Department of Psychology, Helmut Schmidt University, Germany
| | - Martin Scherer
- Department of General Practice and Primary Care, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Anna Suling
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Anne Toussaint
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Angelika Weigel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Antonia Zapf
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Bernd Löwe
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
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15
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Wolff D, Drewitz KP, Ulrich A, Siegels D, Deckert S, Sprenger AA, Kuper PR, Schmitt J, Munblit D, Apfelbacher C. Allergic diseases as risk factors for Long-COVID symptoms: Systematic review of prospective cohort studies. Clin Exp Allergy 2023; 53:1162-1176. [PMID: 37936547 DOI: 10.1111/cea.14391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The role of allergy as a risk factor for Long-COVID (LC) is unclear and has not been thoroughly examined yet. We aimed to systematically review and appraise the epidemiological evidence on allergic diseases as risk factors for LC. DESIGN This is an initial systematic review. Two reviewers independently performed the study selection and data extraction using Covidence. Risk of bias (RoB) and certainty of evidence (GRADE) were assessed. Random effects meta-analyses were used to pool unadjusted ORs within homogeneous data subsets. DATA SOURCES We retrieved articles published between January 1st, 2020 and January 19th, 2023 from MEDLINE via PubMed, Scopus, the WHO-COVID-19 database and the LOVE platform (Epistemonikos Foundation). In addition, citations and reference lists were searched. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA We included prospective cohort studies recruiting individuals of all ages with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection that were followed up for at least 12 months for LC symptoms where information on pre-existing allergic diseases was available. We excluded all study designs that were not prospective cohort studies and all publication types that were not original articles. RESULTS We identified 13 studies (9967 participants, range 39-1950 per study), all assessed as high RoB, due to population selection and methods used to ascertain the exposures and the outcome. Four studies did not provide sufficient data to calculate Odds Ratios. The evidence supported a possible relationship between LC and allergy, but was very uncertain. For example, pre-existing asthma measured in hospital-based populations (6 studies, 4019 participants) may be associated with increased risk of LC (Odds Ratio 1.94, 95% CI 1.08, 3.50) and findings were similar for pre-existing rhinitis (3 studies, 1141 participants; Odds Ratio 1.96, 95% CI 1.61, 2.39), both very low certainty evidence. CONCLUSIONS Pre-existing asthma or rhinitis may increase the risk of LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doreen Wolff
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Karl Philipp Drewitz
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Angela Ulrich
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Doreen Siegels
- Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefanie Deckert
- Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Antonia Anabella Sprenger
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Paula Ricarda Kuper
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Schmitt
- Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniel Munblit
- Care for Long Term Conditions Division, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Christian Apfelbacher
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, University of Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- Family Medicine and Primary Care, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore City, Singapore
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16
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Seibert FS, Stervbo U, Wiemers L, Skrzypczyk S, Hogeweg M, Bertram S, Kurek J, Anft M, Westhoff TH, Babel N. Severity of neurological Long-COVID symptoms correlates with increased level of autoantibodies targeting vasoregulatory and autonomic nervous system receptors. Autoimmun Rev 2023; 22:103445. [PMID: 37689093 DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2023.103445] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Long-COVID syndrome constitutes a plethora of persisting symptoms with neurological disorders being the most disabling ones. The pathogenesis of Long-COVID is currently under heavy scrutiny and existing data on the role of auto-immune reaction to G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) are conflicting. METHODS This monocentric, cross-sectional study included patients who suffered a mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection up to 12 months prior to enrollment with (n = 72) or without (n = 58) Long-COVID diagnosis according to the German S1 guideline or with no known history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 70). While autoantibodies specific for the vasoregulation associated Adrenergic Receptor (ADR) B1 and B2 and the CNS and vasoregulation associated muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (CHR) M3 and M4 were measured by ELISA, neurological disorders were quantified by internationally standardized questionnaires. RESULTS The prevalence and concentrations of evaluated autoantibodes were significantly higher in Long-COVID compared to the 2 other groups (p = 2.1*10-9) with a significantly higher number of patients with simultaneous detection of more than one autoantibody in the Long-COVID group (p = 0.0419). Importantly, the overall inflammatory state was low in all 3 groups. ARB1 and ARB2 correlated negatively CERAD Trail Marking A and B (R ≤ -0.26, p ≤ 0.043), while CHRM3 correlated positively with Chadler Fatigue Scale (R = 0.37, p = 0.0087). CONCLUSIONS Concentrations of autoantibodies correlates to the intensity of neurological disorders including psychomotor speed, visual search, attention, and fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix S Seibert
- Medical Department 1, Marien Hospital Herne - Universitätsklinikum der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44625 Herne, Germany
| | - Ulrik Stervbo
- Center for Translational Medicine, Marien Hospital Herne - Universitätsklinikum der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44625 Herne, Germany
| | - Lea Wiemers
- Medical Department 1, Marien Hospital Herne - Universitätsklinikum der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44625 Herne, Germany
| | - Sarah Skrzypczyk
- Center for Translational Medicine, Marien Hospital Herne - Universitätsklinikum der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44625 Herne, Germany
| | - Maximillian Hogeweg
- Medical Department 1, Marien Hospital Herne - Universitätsklinikum der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44625 Herne, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bertram
- Medical Department 1, Marien Hospital Herne - Universitätsklinikum der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44625 Herne, Germany
| | - Julia Kurek
- Center for Translational Medicine, Marien Hospital Herne - Universitätsklinikum der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44625 Herne, Germany
| | - Moritz Anft
- Center for Translational Medicine, Marien Hospital Herne - Universitätsklinikum der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44625 Herne, Germany
| | - Timm H Westhoff
- Medical Department 1, Marien Hospital Herne - Universitätsklinikum der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44625 Herne, Germany.
| | - Nina Babel
- Center for Translational Medicine, Marien Hospital Herne - Universitätsklinikum der Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Hölkeskampring 40, 44625 Herne, Germany; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Center for Regenerative Therapies, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
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17
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Mooren JM, Garbsch R, Schäfer H, Kotewitsch M, Waranski M, Teschler M, Schmitz B, Mooren FC. Medical Rehabilitation of Patients with Post-COVID-19 Syndrome-A Comparison of Aerobic Interval and Continuous Training. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6739. [PMID: 37959205 PMCID: PMC10649998 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216739] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) is a multisystemic disorder marked by impaired physical performance as one lead symptom. Since it has been suggested that endurance training as part of medical rehabilitation may be effective in improving physical performance capacity in PCS, this study aimed to compare different modes of aerobic endurance training. METHODS A total of 110 PCS patients (49.3 ± 11.8 years; 38% women; time after infection = 260.2 ± 127.5 days) underwent detailed clinical screening including symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise testing at admission and after 4-6 weeks of inpatient medical rehabilitation. Questionnaires were used to assess disease perception. Patients performed controlled isocaloric cycle ergometer training (3-5 sessions/week; 18 min) as either continuous training (CT) at 50% of maximal workload or as interval training (IT; load = 60%, relief = 30%). Outcomes of PCS patients were compared to coronary artery disease patients (CAD; n = 96) to evaluate overall training effectiveness. RESULTS Training participation was comparable between the groups, with no indication of training-specific exercise-induced fatigue. Overall, PCS patients improved significantly by a mean of 6.8 ± 12.1% for W at VT1; 3.1 ± 10.0% for VO2 at VT1; 5.5 ± 14.7% for O2 pulse at VT1; 7.5 ± 15.0% for W at VO2peak; 2.7 ± 11.0% for VO2peak and 4.6 ± 12.4% for O2 pulse at VO2peak (all p < 0.05) with no significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). Both groups showed reduced levels of fatigue, anxiety, and depression as well as improved quality of life and wellbeing (all p < 0.05). Compared to guideline-based cardiac rehabilitation, PCS patients showed a similar improvement in workload and oxygen uptake compared to CAD patients. CONCLUSION PCS patients benefit from aerobic endurance training performed as moderate continuous or interval training as part of a medical rehabilitation program in terms of improved physical exercise capacity and disease perception. The results for PCS patients are comparable to the guideline-based rehabilitation of CAD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M. Mooren
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Witten/Herdecke, 58455 Witten, Germany (B.S.)
- DRV Clinic Königsfeld, Center for Medical Rehabilitation, 58256 Ennepetal, Germany
| | - René Garbsch
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Witten/Herdecke, 58455 Witten, Germany (B.S.)
- DRV Clinic Königsfeld, Center for Medical Rehabilitation, 58256 Ennepetal, Germany
| | - Hendrik Schäfer
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Witten/Herdecke, 58455 Witten, Germany (B.S.)
- DRV Clinic Königsfeld, Center for Medical Rehabilitation, 58256 Ennepetal, Germany
| | - Mona Kotewitsch
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Witten/Herdecke, 58455 Witten, Germany (B.S.)
- DRV Clinic Königsfeld, Center for Medical Rehabilitation, 58256 Ennepetal, Germany
| | - Melina Waranski
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Witten/Herdecke, 58455 Witten, Germany (B.S.)
- DRV Clinic Königsfeld, Center for Medical Rehabilitation, 58256 Ennepetal, Germany
| | - Marc Teschler
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Witten/Herdecke, 58455 Witten, Germany (B.S.)
- DRV Clinic Königsfeld, Center for Medical Rehabilitation, 58256 Ennepetal, Germany
| | - Boris Schmitz
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Witten/Herdecke, 58455 Witten, Germany (B.S.)
- DRV Clinic Königsfeld, Center for Medical Rehabilitation, 58256 Ennepetal, Germany
| | - Frank C. Mooren
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Witten/Herdecke, 58455 Witten, Germany (B.S.)
- DRV Clinic Königsfeld, Center for Medical Rehabilitation, 58256 Ennepetal, Germany
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18
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Derksen C, Rinn R, Gao L, Dahmen A, Cordes C, Kolb C, Becker P, Lippke S. Longitudinal Evaluation of an Integrated Post-COVID-19/Long COVID Management Program Consisting of Digital Interventions and Personal Support: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e49342. [PMID: 37792437 PMCID: PMC10563866 DOI: 10.2196/49342] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The postacute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) can be addressed with multidisciplinary approaches, including professional support and digital interventions. OBJECTIVE This research aimed to test whether patients who received a health care facilitation program including medical internet support from human personal pilots and digital interventions (intervention group [IG] and active control group [ACG]) would experience fewer symptoms and have higher work ability and social participation than an untreated comparison group (CompG). The second objective was to compare the impact of a diagnostic assessment and digital interventions tailored to patients' personal capacity (IG) with that of only personal support and digital interventions targeting the main symptoms (ACG). METHODS In total, 1020 patients with PACS were recruited. Using a randomized controlled trial design between the IG and the ACG, as well as propensity score matching to include the CompG, analyses were run with logistic regression and hierarchical-linear models. RESULTS Symptoms decreased significantly in all groups over time (βT1-T2=0.13, t549=5.67, P<.001; βT2-T4=0.06, t549=2.83, P=.01), with a main effect of the group (β=-.15, t549=-2.65, P=.01) and a more pronounced effect in the IG and ACG compared to the CompG (between groups: βT1-T2=0.14, t549=4.31, P<.001; βT2-T4=0.14, t549=4.57, P<.001). Work ability and social participation were lower in the CompG, but there was no significant interaction effect. There were no group differences between the IG and the ACG. CONCLUSIONS Empowerment through personal pilots and digital interventions reduces symptoms but does not increase work ability and social participation. More longitudinal research is needed to evaluate the effects of a diagnostic assessment. Social support and digital interventions should be incorporated to facilitate health care interventions for PACS. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05238415; https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05238415. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s12879-022-07584-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Derksen
- Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine, Constructor University Bremen, Bremen, Germany
- Wolfson Institute of Population Health, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Rinn
- Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine, Constructor University Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Lingling Gao
- Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine, Constructor University Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Alina Dahmen
- Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine, Constructor University Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Cay Cordes
- Dr. Becker Kiliani-Klinik, Dr. Becker Klinikgruppe, Bad Windsheim, Germany
| | | | | | - Sonia Lippke
- Health Psychology and Behavioural Medicine, Constructor University Bremen, Bremen, Germany
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19
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de Jong CMM, Boon GJAM, Le YNJ, Barco S, Siegerink B, Klok FA. The Post-Venous Thromboembolism Functional Status Scale: From Call to Action to Application in Research, Extension to COVID-19 Patients, and Its Use in Clinical Practice. Semin Thromb Hemost 2023; 49:764-773. [PMID: 36940713 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1764467] [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: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
A broad spectrum of long-term sequelae may be present in venous thromboembolism (VTE) survivors, affecting their quality of life and functioning. To monitor recovery and improve the prognosis of patients with persistent functional limitations, the development of a new outcome measure that could better capture the consequences of VTE was an unmet need. Starting as a call to action, the Post-VTE Functional Status (PVFS) scale was developed to meet this need. The PVFS scale is an easy-to-use clinical tool to measure and quantify functional outcomes after VTE by focusing on key aspects of daily life. As the scale was considered useful in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients as well, the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS) scale was introduced early in the pandemic after slight adaptation. The scale has been well incorporated into both the VTE and COVID-19 research communities, contributing to the shift of focus toward patient-relevant functional outcomes. Psychometric properties have been evaluated, mainly for the PCFS scale but recently also for the PVFS scale, including validation studies of translations, showing adequate validity and reliability. In addition to serving as outcome measure in studies, guidelines and position papers recommend using the PVFS and PCFS scale in clinical practice. As broad use of the PVFS and PCFS scale in clinical practice is valuable to capture what matters most to patients, widespread implementation is a crucial next step. In this review, we discuss the development of the PVFS scale and introduction in VTE and COVID-19 care, the incorporation of the scale in research, and its application in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy M M de Jong
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gudula J A M Boon
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Y N Jenny Le
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Stefano Barco
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bob Siegerink
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Frederikus A Klok
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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20
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Morawa E, Krehbiel J, Borho A, Herold R, Lieb M, Schug C, Erim Y. Cognitive impairments and mental health of patients with post-COVID-19: A cross-sectional study. J Psychosom Res 2023; 173:111441. [PMID: 37544160 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111441] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent cognitive complaints belong to the most frequent symptoms after COVID-19. This study explored the neuropsychological profile, mental health and risk factors for cognitive impairment in post-COVID-19 patients. METHODS The patients were recruited consecutively in the Post COVID Center of the University Hospital of Erlangen between 12/2022 and 05/2023. They underwent an extensive neuropsychological assessment including the Verbal Learning Memory Test (VLMT), the digit span backwards from the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R), the Trail Making Test (TMT) Part A and B, the d2 Test of Attention and the Regensburger Verbal Fluency Test (RWT). For each cognitive domain we calculated the frequency of age-adjusted scores below the measure-specific norms. Depressive symptoms were measured with the Patient-Health-Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Logistic regression analyses were computed. RESULTS In 110 patients (mean age: 42.5 ± 11.9 years; 68.2% women), the most frequent cognitive deficits were observed for verbal fluency, working speed, delayed recall and attention. In almost every cognitive domain high education levels were associated with a decreased risk for cognitive impairment. Higher age was a risk factor for working speed and delayed recall and a protective factor for verbal fluency. Clinically relevant depressive symptoms were associated with an elevated risk for an impairment regarding some cognitive functions. CONCLUSION Cognitive dysfunctions were common among the post-COVID-19 patients. Differentiated exploration of cognitive impairments is crucial for a proper characterization of the post-COVID syndrome. In future research parameters of cognitive impairment should be correlated to alterations in biological markers of the disease like markers of immunological and microcirculation change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Morawa
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Johannes Krehbiel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany; Post COVID Center of the University Hospital of Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Andrea Borho
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Regina Herold
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Marietta Lieb
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Caterina Schug
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Yesim Erim
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany; Post COVID Center of the University Hospital of Erlangen, Germany.
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21
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Mooren FC, Böckelmann I, Waranski M, Kotewitsch M, Teschler M, Schäfer H, Schmitz B. Autonomic dysregulation in long-term patients suffering from Post-COVID-19 Syndrome assessed by heart rate variability. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15814. [PMID: 37739977 PMCID: PMC10516975 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42615-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS) is a condition with multiple symptoms partly related to dysregulation of the autonomic nerve system. Assessment of heart rate variability (HRV) using 24 h Holter-ECG may serve as a surrogate to characterize cardiac autonomic activity. A prospective study including 103 PCS patients (time after infection = 252 days, age = 49.0 ± 11.3 years, 45.7% women) was performed and patients underwent detailed clinical screening, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and 24 h Holter monitoring. Data of PCS patients was compared to 103 CAD patients and a healthy control group (n = 90). After correction for age and sex, frequency-related variables differed in PCS patients compared to controls including LF/HFpower, LF/HFnu, and LF/HF ratio (24 h; p ≤ 0.001). By contrast, these variables were largely comparable between PCS and CAD patients, while sympathetic activation was highest in PCS patients during the 24 h period. Overall, PCS patients showed disturbed diurnal adjustment of HRV, with impaired parasympathetic activity at night. Patients hospitalized during acute infection showed an even more pronounced overactivation of sympathetic activity compared to patients who underwent ambulant care. Our data demonstrate persistent HRV alterations in PCS patients with long-term symptom duration, suggesting a sustained impairment of sympathovagal balance. Moreover, sympathetic overstimulation and diminished parasympathetic response in long-term PCS patients are comparable to findings in CAD patients. Whether HRV variables have a prognostic value in PCS and/or might serve as biomarkers indicating a successful interventional approach warrants further longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank C Mooren
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany.
- DRV Clinic Königsfeld, Center for Medical Rehabilitation, Holthauser Talstraße 2, 58256, Ennepetal, Germany.
| | - Irina Böckelmann
- Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Otto-Von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Melina Waranski
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
- DRV Clinic Königsfeld, Center for Medical Rehabilitation, Holthauser Talstraße 2, 58256, Ennepetal, Germany
| | - Mona Kotewitsch
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
- DRV Clinic Königsfeld, Center for Medical Rehabilitation, Holthauser Talstraße 2, 58256, Ennepetal, Germany
| | - Marc Teschler
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
- DRV Clinic Königsfeld, Center for Medical Rehabilitation, Holthauser Talstraße 2, 58256, Ennepetal, Germany
| | - Hendrik Schäfer
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
- DRV Clinic Königsfeld, Center for Medical Rehabilitation, Holthauser Talstraße 2, 58256, Ennepetal, Germany
| | - Boris Schmitz
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
- DRV Clinic Königsfeld, Center for Medical Rehabilitation, Holthauser Talstraße 2, 58256, Ennepetal, Germany
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22
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Coban B, Kabakci AK, Mansuroglu I, Comez AT. IgG4-Related Ophthalmic Disease following COVID-19 Infection: Is it Associated or Incidental? Klin Monbl Augenheilkd 2023. [PMID: 37673085 DOI: 10.1055/a-2102-9109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Busra Coban
- Ophthalmology, Prof. Dr. Cemil Tascioglu City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Ilknur Mansuroglu
- Pathology, Prof. Dr. Cemil Tascioglu City Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
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23
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Schnekenberg L, Sedghi A, Schoene D, Pallesen LP, Barlinn J, Woitek F, Linke A, Puetz V, Barlinn K, Mangner N, Siepmann T. Assessment and Therapeutic Modulation of Heart Rate Variability: Potential Implications in Patients with COVID-19. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:297. [PMID: 37504553 PMCID: PMC10380874 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10070297] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac damage has been attributed to SARS-CoV-2-related pathology contributing to increased risk of vascular events. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a parameter of functional neurocardiac integrity with low HRV constituting an independent predictor of cardiovascular mortality. Whether structural cardiac damage translates into neurocardiac dysfunction in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 remains poorly understood. Hypothesized mechanisms of possible neurocardiac dysfunction in COVID-19 comprise direct systemic neuroinvasion of autonomic control centers, ascending virus propagation along cranial nerves and cardiac autonomic neuropathy. While the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and the cytokine cascade in general has been studied extensively, the interplay between the inflammatory response caused by SARS-CoV-2 and autonomic cardiovascular regulation remains largely unclear. We reviewed the current literature on the potential diagnostic and prognostic value of autonomic neurocardiac function assessment via analysis of HRV including time domain and spectral analysis techniques in patients with COVID-19. Furthermore, we discuss potential therapeutic targets of modulating neurocardiac function in this high-risk population including HRV biofeedback and the impact of long COVID on HRV as well as the approaches of clinical management. These topics might be of particular interest with respect to multimodal pandemic preparedness concepts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Schnekenberg
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Annahita Sedghi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Daniela Schoene
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Lars-Peder Pallesen
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Jessica Barlinn
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Felix Woitek
- Dresden Heart Center, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Axel Linke
- Dresden Heart Center, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Volker Puetz
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Kristian Barlinn
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Norman Mangner
- Dresden Heart Center, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Timo Siepmann
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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24
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Altmann CH, Zvonova E, Richter L, Schüller PO. Pulmonary recovery directly after COVID-19 and in Long-COVID. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2023; 315:104112. [PMID: 37406842 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2023.104112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
Permanent impairment in patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection is frequent, but neither pathophysiology nor mechanisms of the so-called Post-COVID-Syndrome (Long-COVID) are well understood. We present data on pulmonary impairment, pulmonary recovery and outcome comparing patients admitted to a specific COVID-19 rehabilitation program directly after COVID-19 infection with patients long after COVID-19 infection. Diagnostic work up included echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing and pleural sonography. The rehabilitation program included multimodal respiratory therapy, endurance and resistance muscular training, psychological assistance, and educational measures. Patients in both groups showed similar pulmonary problems. Diaphragm dysfunction was common in both groups. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing showed dysfunctional breathing in most patients of both groups. The specific rehabilitation program applied yielded marked improvements with satisfying pulmonary recovery in both groups. Return to work was possible or expected in most patients. In conclusion, directly after COVID-19 infection as well as in long Covid 4 to 20 months after COVID-19 dysfunctional breathing patterns in cardiopulmonary exercise testing and diaphragm dysfunction on ultrasound are common and need diagnostic awareness and therapy measures. Specialized rehabilitation programs directly after COVID-19 as well as for Long-COVID patients are effective therapeutic options.
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25
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Rabady S, Hoffmann K, Aigner M, Altenberger J, Brose M, Costa U, Denk-Linnert DM, Gruber S, Götzinger F, Helbok R, Hüfner K, Koczulla R, Kurz K, Lamprecht B, Leis S, Löffler J, Müller CA, Rittmannsberger H, Rommer PS, Sator P, Strenger V, Struhal W, Untersmayr E, Vonbank K, Wancata J, Weber T, Wendler M, Zwick RH. [S1 guidelines for the management of postviral conditions using the example of post-COVID-19]. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2023; 135:525-598. [PMID: 37555900 PMCID: PMC10504206 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-023-02242-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
These S1 guidelines are an updated and expanded version of the S1 guidelines on long COVID differential diagnostic and management strategies. They summarize the state of knowledge on postviral conditions like long/post COVID at the time of writing. Due to the dynamic nature of knowledge development, they are intended to be "living guidelines". The focus is on practical applicability at the level of primary care, which is understood to be the appropriate place for initial access and for primary care and treatment. The guidelines provide recommendations on the course of treatment, differential diagnostics of the most common symptoms that can result from infections like with SARS-CoV-2, treatment options, patient management and care, reintegration and rehabilitation. The guidelines have been developed through an interdisciplinary and interprofessional process and provide recommendations on interfaces and possibilities for collaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Rabady
- Department Allgemeine Gesundheitsstudien, Kompetenzzentrum für Allgemein- und Familienmedizin, Karl Landsteiner Privatuniversität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Str. 30, 3500, Krems, Österreich.
| | - Kathryn Hoffmann
- Leiterin der Abteilung Primary Care Medicine, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Martin Aigner
- Abteilung für Psychiatrie und psychotherapeutische Medizin, Karl Landsteiner Privatuniversität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Str. 30, 3500, Krems, Österreich
| | - Johann Altenberger
- Pensionsversicherungsanstalt, Rehabilitationszentrum Großgmain, Salzburger Str. 520, 5084, Großgmain, Österreich
| | - Markus Brose
- Department Allgemeine Gesundheitsstudien, Kompetenzzentrum für Allgemein- und Familienmedizin, Karl Landsteiner Privatuniversität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Str. 30, 3500, Krems, Österreich
| | - Ursula Costa
- Ergotherapie und Handlungswissenschaft, fhg - Zentrum für Gesundheitsberufe Tirol GmbH/fh, Innrain 98, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Doris-Maria Denk-Linnert
- Klinische Abteilung für Allgemeine Hals‑, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten, Klin. Abteilung Phoniatrie-Logopädie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Samuel Gruber
- Department Allgemeine Gesundheitsstudien, Kompetenzzentrum für Allgemein- und Familienmedizin, Karl Landsteiner Privatuniversität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Dr. Karl-Dorrek-Str. 30, 3500, Krems, Österreich
| | - Florian Götzinger
- Abteilung für Kinderheilkunde, Klinik Ottakring, Montleartstr. 37, 1160, Wien, Österreich
| | - Raimund Helbok
- Universitätsklinik für Neurologie, Johannes Kepler Universität Linz, Standort Neuromed Campus & Med Campus Kepler Universitätsklinikum GmbH, 4020, Linz, Österreich
| | - Katharina Hüfner
- Dep. für Psychiatrie, Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik und Medizinische Psychologie, Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie II, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Rembert Koczulla
- Fachbereich Medizin, Klinik für Pneumologie Marburg, Baldingerstr., 35035, Marburg, Deutschland
| | - Katharina Kurz
- Innere Medizin II, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Bernd Lamprecht
- Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin mit Schwerpunkt Pneumologie, Kepler Universitätsklinikum, 4020, Linz, Österreich
| | - Stefan Leis
- Universitätsklinik für Neurologie der PMU, MME Universitätsklinikum Salzburg Christian-Doppler-Klinik, Ignaz-Harrer-Str. 79, 5020, Salzburg, Österreich
| | - Judith Löffler
- Innere Medizin II, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Anichstr. 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Christian A Müller
- Klinische Abteilung für Allgemeine Hals‑, Nasen- und Ohrenkrankheiten, Klin. Abteilung für Allgemeine HNO, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | | | - Paulus S Rommer
- Universitätsklinik für Neurologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Paul Sator
- Dermatologische Abteilung, Klinik Hietzing, Wolkersbergenstr. 1, 1130, Wien, Österreich
| | - Volker Strenger
- Klinische Abteilung für Allgemeinpädiatrie, Universitätsklinik für Kinder- und Jugendheilkunde, Medizinische Universität Graz, 8036, Graz, Österreich
| | - Walter Struhal
- Klinische Abteilung für Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Tulln, Karl Landsteiner Privatuniversität für Gesundheitswissenschaften, Alter Ziegelweg 10, 3430, Tulln an der Donau, Österreich
| | - Eva Untersmayr
- Institut für Pathophysiologie und Allergieforschung Zentrum für Pathophysiologie, Infektiologie und Immunologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Karin Vonbank
- Klinische Abteilung für Pulmologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Johannes Wancata
- Klinische Abteilung für Sozialpsychiatrie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Wien, Österreich
| | - Thomas Weber
- Kardiologische Abteilung Klinikum Wels-Grieskirchen, Grieskirchnerstr. 42, 4600, Wels, Österreich
| | | | - Ralf-Harun Zwick
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rehabilitation Research, Kurbadstr. 14, 1100, Wien, Österreich
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26
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Böckelmann I, Meyer F, Thielmann B. [COVID-19 as an insurance case of the statutory accident insurance: occupational disease or occupational accident : Relevant knowledge for the (general and abdominal) surgeon]. CHIRURGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023:10.1007/s00104-023-01892-z. [PMID: 37266705 PMCID: PMC10237056 DOI: 10.1007/s00104-023-01892-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic resulted in many infections with the virus and sickness due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, there was a dramatic increase in the number of reported and recognized occupational diseases (Berufskrankheit, BK) and occupational accidents (Arbeitsunfall, AU) at the German Social Accident Insurance Institutions (BG) and accident insurance funds (Unfallkassen).The publication aims to show the differences between BK and AU and to review the current data on occupational diseases. It deals with the definitions of BK and AU, the differences in the conditions for recognition as BK or AU. Furthermore, the claims for benefits are presented. Finally, statistical key figures of the BK according to No. 3101 and the AU are presented.Results (key points)- According to § 7 SGB VII, AU and BK are insured events of the statutory accident insurance.- In surgery, like specifically in the rest of the healthcare system, the relevance of the SARS-CoV‑2 infection with post-COVID in personnel for occupational medical prevention and as a case to be recognized by the statutory accident insurance (BK or AU) becomes clear.- Relevant for the recognition are the duration and the intensity of the contact (local proximity) and the SARS-CoV‑2 occupational health and safety rule of 20 August 2020 essentially recognizes a contact duration of at least 15 min at a spatial distance of less than 1.5-2 m (further aspects: more intensive shorter contacts, number of verifiably infected persons in the closer activity environment or the usual personal contacts, spatial situation, work route, special constellations).- No case numbers can be elicited for the detailed presentation of the surgery setting.- There are still immense problems and challenges in the assessment of COVID-19 consequences or post-COVID as occupational disease, as numerous uncertainty factors, such as insufficiently secured knowledge about the further long-term course over the years or the widely varied symptom spectrum complicates the medical assessment of the consequences of this disease.Conclusion: the SARS-CoV‑2 pandemic is a special challenge for surgery with intensive patient contact and for the entire healthcare system. This caused long-lasting changes and the adequate health care as well as insurance law processing of the (case-specific) consequences might still require considerable efforts and resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Böckelmann
- Bereich Arbeitsmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Deutschland
| | - Frank Meyer
- Universitätsklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Transplantationschirurgie, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg mit Universitätsklinikum Magdeburg A. ö. R., Magdeburg, Deutschland.
| | - Beatrice Thielmann
- Bereich Arbeitsmedizin, Medizinische Fakultät, Otto-von-Guericke-Universität Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Deutschland
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Gensichen J, Zöllinger I, Gagyor I, Hausen A, Hölscher M, Janke C, Kühlein T, Nassehi A, Teupser D, Arend FM, Eidenschink C, Hindenburg D, Kosub H, Kurotschka PK, Lindemann D, Mayr K, Müller S, Rink L, Rottenkolber M, Sanftenberg L, Schwaiger R, Sebastião M, Wildgruber D, Dreischulte T. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people in need of care or support: protocol for a SARS-CoV-2 registry. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e071134. [PMID: 37192790 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-071134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People in need of care or support are severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. We lack valid data of long-term assessments. We present a register study to detect the physical and psychosocial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people in need of care or support in Bavaria, Germany. To describe the persons' life conditions comprehensively, we assess the perspectives and needs of the respective care teams too. Results will serve as evidence-based source to manage the pandemic and long-term prevention strategies. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The 'Bavarian ambulatory COVID-19 Monitor' is a multicentre registry including a purposive sample of up to 1000 patient-participants across three study sites in Bavaria. The study group consists of 600 people in need of care with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test. Control group 1 comprises 200 people in need of care with a negative SARS-CoV-2 PCR test, while control group 2 comprises 200 people with a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test but are not in need of care. We assess the clinical course of infection, psychosocial aspects and care needs using validated measures. Follow-up is every 6 months for up to 3 years. Additionally, we assess up to 400 people linked to these patient-participants (caregivers, general practitioners (GPs)) for their health and needs. Main analyses are stratified by level of care I-V (I=minor/V=most severe impairment of independence), inpatient/outpatient care setting, sex and age. We use descriptive and inferential statistics to analyse cross-sectional data and changes over time. In qualitative interviews with 60 stakeholders (people in need of care, caregivers, GPs, politicians), we explore interface problems of different functional logics, of everyday and professional perspectives. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The Institutional Review Board of the University Hospital LMU Munich (#20-860) and the study sites (Universities of Wurzburg and Erlangen) approved the protocol. We disseminate the results by peer-reviewed publications, international conferences, governmental reports, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Gensichen
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Isabel Zöllinger
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Ildiko Gagyor
- Institute of General Practice, University Hospital of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anita Hausen
- Katholische Stiftungshochschule München/University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Hölscher
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Janke
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Medical Center of the University of LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Kühlein
- Institute of General Practice, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Armin Nassehi
- Institute of Sociology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Teupser
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian M Arend
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christine Eidenschink
- Institute of General Practice, University Hospital of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dagmar Hindenburg
- Institute of General Practice, University Hospital of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Helena Kosub
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Konstantin Kurotschka
- Institute of General Practice, University Hospital of Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Daniela Lindemann
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Mayr
- Institute of Sociology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| | - Susan Müller
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Rink
- Institute of General Practice, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Marietta Rottenkolber
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Linda Sanftenberg
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Rita Schwaiger
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Sebastião
- Institute of General Practice, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Domenika Wildgruber
- Katholische Stiftungshochschule München/University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
| | - Tobias Dreischulte
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Seifart U. Post-COVID-More than chronic fatigue? Herz 2023:10.1007/s00059-023-05170-w. [PMID: 37106076 PMCID: PMC10136381 DOI: 10.1007/s00059-023-05170-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
After the first COVID-19 survivors were medically treated in Germany from spring 2020 onwards, various courses of the disease emerged that, in addition to the acute infection, led to prolonged symptoms (long COVID), but also to a symptomatic course beyond 12 weeks, which is referred to as "post-COVID syndrome" (PCS). Currently, the incidence of PCS is estimated to be approximately 15% of all symptomatically infected patients, although over- or underestimations may occur due to the soft definition and lack of control groups. The etiology of PCS is currently unknown. The following pathogenetic processes are discussed in particular: an endothelial dysfunction with microcirculatory disturbances and subsequent organ damage, a residual virus or virus particles, and/or an excessive autoimmune process. Due to the large number of organs that may be affected, PCS presents as a very complex clinical picture with up to 200 described symptoms. An evidence-based causal therapy for PCS has not yet been established. The guideline-based inpatient rehabilitation measures adapted to the individual patient resources have proven to be an effective therapy and should therefore be involved in the therapeutic concept at an early stage. Post-COVID syndrome is a multicomplex disease that can have a considerable impact on the quality of life, but also on the professional performance of the affected patients. Thus, it is clearly more than just a chronic fatigue syndrome. In the interest of our patients, treating physicians should take this disease seriously, clarify the differential diagnoses, and provide sensitive therapeutic care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Seifart
- Klinik Sonnenblick Marburg, Amöneburgerstr. 1-6, 35043, Marburg, Germany.
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29
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Bachmeier BE, Hölzle S, Gasser M, van den Akker M. How do German General Practitioners Manage Long-/Post-COVID? A Qualitative Study in Primary Care. Viruses 2023; 15:v15041016. [PMID: 37112996 PMCID: PMC10146752 DOI: 10.3390/v15041016] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients with ongoing complaints after a SARS-CoV-2 infection are treated in primary care. Existing medical guidelines on how to diagnose and treat Long-/Post-COVID are far from being comprehensive. This study aims to describe how German general practitioners (GPs) deal with this situation, what problems they experience when managing such patients, and how they solve problems associated with the diagnosis and treatment of Long-/Post-COVID. METHODS AND FINDINGS We conducted a qualitative study and interviewed 11 GPs. The most commonly described symptoms were ongoing fatigue, dyspnea, chest tightness and a decrease in physical capacity. The most common way to identify Long-/Post-COVID was by exclusion. Patients suffering from Long-/Post-COVID were generally treated by their GPs and rarely referred. A very common non-pharmacological intervention was to take a wait-and-see approach and grant sick leave. Other non-pharmacological interventions included lifestyle advices, physical exercise, acupuncture and exercises with intense aromas. Pharmacological treatments focused on symptoms, like respiratory symptoms or headaches. Our study's main limitations are the small sample size and therefore limited generalizability of results. CONCLUSIONS Further research is required to develop and test pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical interventions for patients with Long-/Post-COVID. In addition, strategies to prevent the occurrence of Long-/Post-COVID after an acute infection with SARS-CoV-2 have to be developed. The routine collection of data on the diagnosis and management of Long-/Post-COVID may help in the formulation of best practices. It is up to policymakers to facilitate the necessary implementation of effective interventions in order to limit the huge societal consequences of large groups of patients suffering from Long-/Post-COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice E Bachmeier
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Goethe-University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Salome Hölzle
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Goethe-University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Mohamed Gasser
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Goethe-University, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marjan van den Akker
- Institute of General Practice, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Department of Family Medicine, Care and Public Health Research Institute, Maastricht University, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Academic Centre of General Practice, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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30
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de Jong CMM, Le YNJ, Boon GJAM, Barco S, Klok FA, Siegerink B. Eight lessons from two-year use of the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status scale. Eur Respir J 2023; 61:13993003.00416-2023. [PMID: 37080570 PMCID: PMC10151454 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00416-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cindy M M de Jong
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Y N Jenny Le
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Gudula J A M Boon
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Stefano Barco
- Department of Angiology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Hospital Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Frederikus A Klok
- Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Bob Siegerink
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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31
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Stricker S, Ziegahn N, Karsten M, Boeckel T, Stich-Boeckel H, Maske J, Rugo E, Balazs A, Millar Büchner P, Dang-Heine C, Schriever V, Eils R, Lehmann I, Sander LE, Ralser M, Corman VM, Mall MA, Sawitzki B, Roehmel J. RECAST: Study protocol for an observational study for the understanding of the increased REsilience of Children compared to Adults in SARS-CoV-2 infecTion. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e065221. [PMID: 37068896 PMCID: PMC10111194 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-065221] [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] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic remains a threat to public health. Soon after its outbreak, it became apparent that children are less severely affected. Indeed, opposing clinical manifestations between children and adults are observed for other infections. The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak provides the unique opportunity to study the underlying mechanisms. This protocol describes the methods of an observational study that aims to characterise age dependent differences in immune responses to primary respiratory infections using SARS-CoV-2 as a model virus and to assess age differences in clinical outcomes including lung function. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The study aims to recruit at least 120 children and 60 adults that are infected with SARS-CoV-2 and collect specimen for a multiomics analysis, including single cell RNA sequencing of nasal epithelial cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, mass cytometry of whole blood samples and nasal cells, mass spectrometry-based serum and plasma proteomics, nasal epithelial cultures with functional in vitro analyses, SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing, sequencing of the viral genome and lung function testing. Data obtained from this multiomics approach are correlated with medical history and clinical data. Recruitment started in October 2020 and is ongoing. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee of Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin (EA2/066/20). All collected specimens are stored in the central biobank of Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin and are made available to all participating researchers and on request. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER DRKS00025715, pre-results publication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Stricker
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Niklas Ziegahn
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin Karsten
- Karsten, Rugo, Wagner, Paediatric Practice, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Boeckel
- Boeckel, Haverkaemper, Paediatric Practice and Practice for Paediatric Cardiology, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Jakob Maske
- Maske, Pankok, Paediatric Practice, Berlin, Germany
| | - Evelyn Rugo
- Karsten, Rugo, Wagner, Paediatric Practice, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anita Balazs
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pamela Millar Büchner
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chantip Dang-Heine
- Clinical Study Center (CSC), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Valentin Schriever
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Center for Chronically Sick Children (Sozialpädiatrisches Zentrum, SPZ), Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Roland Eils
- Center for Digital Health, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Berlin, Germany
- Molecular Epidemiology Unit, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Berlin, Germany
| | - Irina Lehmann
- Center for Digital Health, Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Leif E Sander
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Ralser
- Department of Biochemistry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Molecular Biology of Metabolism Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Victor M Corman
- Institute of Virology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcus A Mall
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany
| | - Birgit Sawitzki
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jobst Roehmel
- Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Immunology and Critical Care Medicine, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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32
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Schneider A, Huber L, Lohse J, Linde K, Greissel A, Sattel H, Henningsen P, Hapfelmeier A. Association between somatic symptom disorder and symptoms with daily life impairment after SARS-CoV-2 infection - results from a population-based cross-sectional study. J Psychosom Res 2023; 168:111230. [PMID: 36933364 PMCID: PMC10010058 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2023.111230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) is defined by symptom persistence accompanied by daily life impairment (DLI). The association of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) and symptoms with DLI after SARS-CoV-2 infection in the general population is unclear to date. The main objective of the study was to investigate the association of possible SSD, depression, anxiety, and participant-reported symptoms with DLI in a local population sample. METHODS Anonymised cross-sectional study. A symptom questionnaire, including the scales Patient Health Questionnaire PHQ-15 (somatisation module), SSD-12 (psychological distress in SSD), PHQ-2 (depression), GAD-2 (anxiety), and FAS (fatigue assessment scale) was sent in 02/2022 to all adult residents of the district Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen, Germany, who were registered for SARS-CoV-2-infection between 03/2020 and 11/2021 (8925 delivered). Associations between DLI, symptoms and scales were estimated using binary logistic regression models and network analysis. RESULTS 2828 questionnaires (31.7%) were complete. 1486 (52.5%) reported persistent symptoms, and 509 (18.0%) perceived DLI. DLI was strongest associated with self-reported fatigue (OR 7.86; 95%CI 5.63-10.97), dyspnea (3.93; 2.73-5.67), impaired concentration (3.05; 2.17-4.30), SSD-12 (4.36; 2.57-7.41), and PHQ-2 (2.48; 1.57-3.92). Self-reported fatigue showed the strongest correlation (rp = 0.248) and closest proximity to DLI in network analysis. CONCLUSION PCS appears as a complex clinical picture in which SSD might play an important role when DLI is present. The pychological burden might partly be explained by the persistent symptoms, which are difficult to treat up to now. Screening for SSD could help in differential diagnostic decision-making to ensure that patients receive appropriate psychosocial interventions for disease coping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonius Schneider
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Germany.
| | - Laura Huber
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Germany
| | | | - Klaus Linde
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Greissel
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Germany
| | - Heribert Sattel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Henningsen
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Germany
| | - Alexander Hapfelmeier
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Germany; Institute of AI and Informatics in Medicine School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Germany
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Rinn R, Gao L, Schoeneich SM, Dahmen A, Anand-Kumar V, Becker P, Lippke S. A Scoping Review of Digital Interventions that Treat Post-/Long-COVID. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e45711. [PMID: 36943909 PMCID: PMC10131666 DOI: 10.2196/45711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with Post-/Long-COVID need support, and health care professionals require evidence-based patient care. Digital interventions can meet these requirements, especially if personal contact is limited. OBJECTIVE We reviewed evidence-based digital interventions, to help manage physical and mental health, for patients with Post-/Long-COVID. METHODS A scoping review was carried out; summarizing novel digital health interventions for treating Post-/Long-COVID patients. Using the PICO scheme, original studies were summarized in which patients with Post-/Long-COVID symptoms used digital interventions to help aid recovery. RESULTS From all scanned articles, k = 8 original studies matched the inclusion criteria. Three were "pre-test" studies. Three describe the implementation of a tele-rehabilitation program, one is a Post-/Long-COVID program, and one study describes the results of qualitative interviews with patients who used an online peer support group. Following the PICO scheme, we categorized previous studies: studies varied in terms of (P) participants, ranging from adults in different countries, such as former hospitalized patients with COVID-19, to disadvantaged communities in the UK, as well as health-care workers. In addition, the studies included patients who had previously been infected with COVID-19, who had ongoing symptoms, and some studies focused on specific symptoms, some post-COVID-19 or long-term. Other studies included patients in online peer support groups. The (I) interventions also varied. Most interventions used a combination of psychological and physical exercises, but they varied in duration, frequency, and social dimensions. The reviewed studies investigated physical and mental health (C) conditions of patients with Post-/Long-COVID. Most studies reported (O) outcomes/ improvements in physiological health perception, some physical conditions, fatigue, and some psychological aspects such as depression. However, some studies found no improvements in bowel/bladder problems, concentration, short-term memory, unpleasant dreams, physical ailments, perceived bodily pain, emotional ailments, and perceived mental health. CONCLUSIONS More systematic research with larger sample sizes is required to overcome sampling bias and include the health care professionals' perspective as well as help patients mobilize support by health care professionals and social network partners. The evidence so far suggests that patients should be provided with digital interventions to manage symptoms and reintegrate into everyday life, including work. CLINICALTRIAL
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Rinn
- Constructor University, Constructor University, Campus Ring 1, Bremen, DE
- Julius-Maximilians-Universität, Lehrstuhl für Psychologie 2, Röntgenring 10, Würzburg, DE
| | - Lingling Gao
- Constructor University, Constructor University, Campus Ring 1, Bremen, DE
| | | | - Alina Dahmen
- Klinikum Wolfsburg, Wolfsburg, DE
- Constructor University, Constructor University, Campus Ring 1, Bremen, DE
- Dr. Becker Klinikgruppe, Bad Windsheim, DE
| | | | | | - Sonia Lippke
- Constructor University, Constructor University, Campus Ring 1, Bremen, DE
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Hackenbruch C, Maringer Y, Tegeler CM, Walz JS, Nelde A, Heitmann JS. Elevated SARS-CoV-2-Specific Antibody Levels in Patients with Post-COVID Syndrome. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030701. [PMID: 36992410 PMCID: PMC10051370 DOI: 10.3390/v15030701] [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: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
With the routine use of effective severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines, the number of life-threatening coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) courses have largely been reduced. However, multiple COVID-19 convalescents, even after asymptomatic to moderate disease, suffer from post-COVID syndrome, with relevant limitations in daily life. The pathophysiologic mechanisms of post-COVID syndrome are still elusive, with dysregulation of the immune system suggested as a central mechanism. Here, we assessed COVID-19 post-infectious symptoms (5-6 months after PCR-confirmed acute infection) together with the humoral immune response against SARS-CoV-2 in non-hospitalized COVID-19 convalescents, early (5-6 weeks) and late (5-6 months) after their first positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR result. Convalescents reporting several post-infectious symptoms (>3) showed higher anti-spike and anti-nucleocapsid antibody levels 5-6 weeks after PCR-confirmed infection with the latter remained increased 5-6 months after positive PCR. Likewise, a higher post-infectious symptom score was associated with increased antibody levels. Of note, convalescents displaying neuro-psychiatric symptoms such as restlessness, palpitations, irritability, and headache, as well as general symptoms such as fatigue/reduced power had higher SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody levels compared with asymptomatic cases. The increased humoral immune response in convalescents with post-COVID syndrome might be useful for the detection of individuals with an increased risk for post-COVID syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Hackenbruch
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Yacine Maringer
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department for Peptide-Based Immunotherapy, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian M Tegeler
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Juliane S Walz
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department for Peptide-Based Immunotherapy, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Annika Nelde
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department for Peptide-Based Immunotherapy, University and University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Institute for Cell Biology, Department of Immunology, University of Tübingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 15, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonas S Heitmann
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies", University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Behr J, Berger M, Blum TG, Bonella F, Dinkel J, Gläser S, Hagmeyer L, Kneidinger N, Koschel D, Prasse A, Slevogt H, Stacher-Priehse E, Woehrle H, Kreuter M. [SARS-CoV-2-Infection and Interstitial Lung Disease: Position paper of the German Respiratory Society]. Pneumologie 2023; 77:143-157. [PMID: 36918016 DOI: 10.1055/a-2007-9845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had a tremendous impact on diagnosis and treatment of interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Especially in the early phase of the pandemic, when the delta variant was prevailling, a huge number of viral pneumonias were observed, which worsened pre-existing, triggered de novo occurence or discovery of previously subclincal interstitial lung diseases. The effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection - without or with accompanying viral pneumonia - on the further development of pre-existing ILD as well of new pulmonary inflitrates and consolidiations is difficult to predict and poses a daily challenge to interdisciplinary ILD boards. This position paper of the German Respiratory Society (DGP e.V.) provides answers to the most pressing questions based on current knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Behr
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik V, LMU Klinikum der Universität München, Mitglied des Deutschen Zentrums für Lungenforschung (DZL), München, Deutschland
| | - Melanie Berger
- Lungenklinik Köln-Merheim und Lehrstuhl für Pneumologie, Universität Witten/Herdecke, Kliniken der Stadt Köln gGmbH, Köln, Deutschland
| | - Torsten Gerriet Blum
- Klinik für Pneumologie, Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Francesco Bonella
- Zentrum für interstitielle und seltene Lungenerkrankungen, Klinik für Pneumologie, Ruhrlandklinik, Universitätsmedizin Essen, Essen, Deutschland
| | - Julien Dinkel
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Radiologie, LMU Klinikum der Universität München, München, Deutschland
| | - Sven Gläser
- Klinik für Innere Medizin - Pneumologie und Infektiologie, Vivantes Klinikum Neukölln, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Lars Hagmeyer
- Klinik für Pneumologie und Allergologie, Krankenhaus Bethanien, Solingen, Deutschland
| | - Nikolaus Kneidinger
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik V, LMU Klinikum der Universität München, Mitglied des Deutschen Zentrums für Lungenforschung (DZL), München, Deutschland
| | - Dirk Koschel
- Abteilung für Innere Medizin und Pneumologie, Fachkrankenhaus Coswig, Lungenzentrum, Coswig, Deutschland.,Bereich Pneumologie der Medizinischen Klinik, Carl Gustav Carus Universitätsklinik, Dresden, Deutschland
| | - Antje Prasse
- Klinik für Pneumologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Deutschland
| | | | | | | | - Michael Kreuter
- Zentrum für interstitielle und seltene Lungenerkrankungen, Thoraxklinik, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg und Deutsches Zentrum für Lungenforschung, Heidelberg, Deutschland
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36
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Gudziol H, Bitter T, Kirschstein T, Laute K, Schade U, Guntinas-Lichius O. [Reported and measured olfactory and gustatory findings in a long-COVID cohort]. Laryngorhinootologie 2023; 102:194-202. [PMID: 36482164 DOI: 10.1055/a-1970-6510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Disorders of the sense of smell and taste are often complained as a long-COVID symptom. In a special long-COVID consultation (ENT-LCS), we wanted to figure out how large the proportion of pathological olfactory or gustatory diagnoses actually is in this cohort. METHODS 48 adult patients who visited the ENT-LCS because of their own suffering were asked about their history, rated their ability to smell (SER) and taste (SES) with school grades and completed the extended Sniffin' Sticks test and the 3-drop test as a taste test. Diagnoses were made from the SDI smell score and the total taste score using normative values. Correlations were calculated between the measured scores and the self-assessment and between SER and SES. RESULTS Pathological chemosensory diagnoses were present in 90%. Pathological olfactory diagnoses were twice as common as gustatory ones. No pathological diagnosis could be verified in 10% of the cohort. Anosmia-ageusia syndrome was diagnosed in six patients. SER correlated strongly with SDI. SES correlated moderately with SScore-total. SER correlated strongly with SES. CONCLUSIONS There is a risk of smell-taste confusion when interpreting reported chemosensory symptoms. This is another reason why reference is made to the importance of quantifying the chemical senses with validated tests.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas Bitter
- HNO, Universitätsklinikum der FSU Jena, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Kerstin Laute
- HNO, Universitätsklinikum der FSU Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Ulrike Schade
- HNO, Universitätsklinikum der FSU Jena, Jena, Germany
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The ambulatory care of patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. RESEARCH IN HEALTH SERVICES & REGIONS 2023. [PMCID: PMC9943722 DOI: 10.1007/s43999-023-00020-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
There is an increasing number of patients that do not make a rapid or full recovery from a SARS-CoV-2 infection, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and suffer from the so-called “long-COVID” or post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). The long-term implications for health services are expected to be substantial. The objective of this analysis was to estimate the utilization of outpatient services from primary and secondary care. Further, we evaluated the multidisciplinary ambulatory care management of PASC patients in Germany.
Methods
All members of the Physician network “MEDI Baden-Württemberg e.V.”, i.e., 1,263 primary care physicians (PCPs) and 1,772 specialists working in secondary care were invited to participate in a questionnaire surveying routine data regarding the general care situation at the physician practice level of patients suffering from PASC. Bivariate analyses were applied to consider potential differences between primary and secondary care.
Results
In total, 194 physicians participated in this survey (response rates of 9.6% (primary care) and 4.1% (secondary care). On average, each physician treated 31.9 PASC patients. Most PASC patients (61.2%) had three or more long-COVID symptoms. On average, 10.6 PASC patients visited a physicians’ practice per quarter. The additional consulting effort for treating PASC patients was 34.1 min (median: 20 min) and higher in primary care. Most PCPs (71.1%) integrated secondary care in the treatment of their PASC patients. Less than half of the PASC patients (42.0%) sought secondary care with a referral from primary care. 5.7 patients visited the physicians’ practices per week, who were concerned about suffering from PASC without any following medical confirmation. This caused an average additional effort for the physicians of 17.5 min per visit. There were no differences between rural and urban areas.
Conclusion
Our results reveal that there is a substantial additional consulting effort for treating PASC patients that is especially high in primary care. The additional consulting effort results from the consultation of a particular high number of patients that are concerned about suffering from PACS without a following medical confirmation. To guarantee a high quality and adequate provision of care for a potentially further increasing number of concerned patients, the ambulatory health services should be strengthened and adequately compensated.
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Goretzki SC, Brasseler M, Dogan B, Hühne T, Bernard D, Schönecker A, Steindor M, Gangfuß A, Della Marina A, Felderhoff-Müser U, Dohna-Schwake C, Bruns N. High Prevalence of Alternative Diagnoses in Children and Adolescents with Suspected Long COVID-A Single Center Cohort Study. Viruses 2023; 15:579. [PMID: 36851793 PMCID: PMC9961131 DOI: 10.3390/v15020579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long COVID (LC) is a diagnosis that requires exclusion of alternative somatic and mental diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of differential diagnoses in suspected pediatric LC patients and assess whether adult LC symptom clusters are applicable to pediatric patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pediatric presentations at the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Department of the University Hospital Essen (Germany) were assessed retrospectively. The correlation of initial symptoms and final diagnoses (LC versus other diseases or unclarified) was assessed. The sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive values of adult LC symptom clusters were calculated. RESULTS Of 110 patients, 32 (29%) suffered from LC, 52 (47%) were diagnosed with alternative somatic/mental diseases, and 26 (23%) remained unclarified. Combined neurological and respiratory clusters displayed a sensitivity of 0.97 (95% CI 0.91-1.00) and a negative predictive value of 0.97 (0.92-1.00) for LC. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of alternative somatic and mental diseases in pediatric patients with suspected LC is high. The range of underlying diseases is wide, including chronic and potentially life-threatening conditions. Neurological and respiratory symptom clusters may help to identify patients that are unlikely to be suffering from LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah C. Goretzki
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences C-TNBS, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- West German Centre for Infectious Diseases (WZI), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Maire Brasseler
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences C-TNBS, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- West German Centre for Infectious Diseases (WZI), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Burcin Dogan
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- West German Centre for Infectious Diseases (WZI), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Tom Hühne
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Daniel Bernard
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Anne Schönecker
- Department of Pediatrics III, Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Mathis Steindor
- Department of Pediatrics III, Pediatric Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Andrea Gangfuß
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences C-TNBS, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Adela Della Marina
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences C-TNBS, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Ursula Felderhoff-Müser
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences C-TNBS, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Christian Dohna-Schwake
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences C-TNBS, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- West German Centre for Infectious Diseases (WZI), University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Nora Bruns
- Department of Pediatrics I, Neonatology, Pediatric Intensive Care, Pediatric Infectiology, Pediatric Neurology, University Duisburg-Essen, Children’s Hospital Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences C-TNBS, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
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Kupferschmitt A, Langheim E, Tüter H, Etzrodt F, Loew TH, Köllner V. First results from post-COVID inpatient rehabilitation. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2023; 3:1093871. [PMID: 36756465 PMCID: PMC9899863 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.1093871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Background COVID-19 is associated with various symptoms and psychological involvement in the long term. In view of the multifactorial triggering and maintenance of the post-COVID syndrome, a multimodal therapy with somatomedical and psychotherapeutic content is expedient. This paper compares the psychological stress of post-COVID patients and their course in rehabilitation to psychosomatic and psychocardiological patients. Method Observational study with control-groups and clinical, standardized examination: psychological testing (BDI-II, HELATH-49), 6-MWT as somatic parameter, two measurement points (admission, discharge). Sample characteristics, including work related parameters, the general symptom-load and the course of symptoms during rehabilitation are evaluated. Results At admission in all measures post-COVID patients were significantly affected, but less pronounced than psychosomatic or psychocardiological patients (BDI-II post-COVID = 19.29 ± 9.03, BDI-II psychosomatic = 28.93 ± 12.66, BDI-II psychocardiology = 24.47 ± 10.02). During rehabilitation, in all complaint domains and sub-groups, symptom severity was significantly reduced (effect sizes ranging from d = .34 to d = 1.22). Medium positive effects were seen on self-efficacy (d = .69) and large effects on activity and participation (d = 1.06) in post-COVID patients. In the 6-MWT, the walking distance improved by an average of 76.43 ± 63.58 meters (d = 1.22). Not a single patient deteriorated in walking distance, which would have been a possible sign of post exercise malaise (PEM). Conclusion Post-COVID patients have a slighter psychological burden as psychocardiological or psychosomatic patients. Although rehabilitation is not curative, post-COVID patients benefit significantly from the interventions and there were no signs of PEM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Kupferschmitt
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany,Psychosomatic Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Rehabilitation Center Seehof, Federal German Pension Agency, Teltow, Germany,Correspondence: Alexa Kupferschmitt
| | - Eike Langheim
- Department of Cardiology, Rehabilitation Center Seehof, Federal German Pension Agency, Teltow, Germany
| | - Haris Tüter
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Etzrodt
- Department of Cardiology, Rehabilitation Center Seehof, Federal German Pension Agency, Teltow, Germany
| | - Thomas H. Loew
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Volker Köllner
- Psychosomatic Rehabilitation Research Group, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine and Dermatology Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Rehabilitation Center Seehof, Federal German Pension Agency, Teltow, Germany
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40
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Rathgeb C, Pawellek M, Behrends U, Alberer M, Kabesch M, Gerling S, Brandstetter S, Apfelbacher C. Prospective evaluation of health care services for children and adolescents with post-COVID-19 condition in Bavaria, Germany: study protocol. JMIR Res Protoc 2023; 12:e41010. [PMID: 36867709 PMCID: PMC10132031 DOI: 10.2196/41010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some children and adolescents suffer from late effects of a SARS-CoV-2 infection despite frequently mild courses of the disease. Nevertheless, extensive care for Post-COVID in children and young people is not available yet. A comprehensive care network ("PoCo") for children and adolescents with Post-COVID has been setup as a model project in Bavaria, Germany. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to evaluate the health care services provided within these network structures of care for children and adolescents with Post-COVID in a pre-post study design. METHODS It is envisaged to recruit 160 children and adolescents up to 17 years with Post-COVID who are diagnosed and treated in 16 participating outpatient clinics. Health care utilization, treatment satisfaction, PROs (Patient Reported Outcomes) related to health-related quality of life (primary endpoint), fatigue, post-exertional malaise and mental health will be assessed at different time points (at baseline, after four weeks, three months and six months) using routine data, interviews and self-report questionnaires. RESULTS The study is currently in the recruitment process. This will run from April 2022 until December 2022. Interim analyses will be carried out. A full analysis of the data will be conducted after recruitment is complete. The results will be published. CONCLUSIONS The results will contribute to the evaluation of therapeutic services provided for Post-COVID in children and adolescents and avenues for optimizing care may be identified. CLINICALTRIAL INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/41010.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Rathgeb
- University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg, Steinmetzstraße 1-3, Regensburg, DE.,Member of the Research and Development Campus Regensburg (WECARE), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, DE
| | - Maja Pawellek
- University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg, Steinmetzstraße 1-3, Regensburg, DE.,Member of the Research and Development Campus Regensburg (WECARE), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, DE
| | - Uta Behrends
- Technical University Munich, Children's Hospital, Munich, DE
| | - Martin Alberer
- Technical University Munich, Children's Hospital, Munich, DE
| | - Michael Kabesch
- University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg, Steinmetzstraße 1-3, Regensburg, DE.,Member of the Research and Development Campus Regensburg (WECARE), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, DE
| | - Stephan Gerling
- University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg, Steinmetzstraße 1-3, Regensburg, DE.,Member of the Research and Development Campus Regensburg (WECARE), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, DE
| | - Susanne Brandstetter
- University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, University of Regensburg, Steinmetzstraße 1-3, Regensburg, DE.,Member of the Research and Development Campus Regensburg (WECARE), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, DE
| | - Christian Apfelbacher
- Institute of Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, Magdeburg, DE.,Member of the Research and Development Campus Regensburg (WECARE), Hospital St. Hedwig of the Order of St. John, Regensburg, DE
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Linnhoff S, Koehler L, Haghikia A, Zaehle T. The therapeutic potential of non-invasive brain stimulation for the treatment of Long-COVID-related cognitive fatigue. Front Immunol 2023; 13:935614. [PMID: 36700201 PMCID: PMC9869163 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.935614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Following an acute COVID-19 infection, a large number of patients experience persisting symptoms for more than four weeks, a condition now classified as Long-COVID syndrome. Interestingly, the likelihood and severity of Long-COVID symptoms do not appear to be related to the severity of the acute COVID-19 infection. Fatigue is amongst the most common and debilitating symptoms of Long-COVID. Other symptomes include dyspnoea, chest pain, olfactory disturbances, and brain fog. Fatigue is also frequently reported in many other neurological diseases, affecting a broad range of everyday activities. However, despite its clinical significance, limited progress has been made in understanding its causes and developing effective treatment options. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) methods offer the unique opportunity to modulate fatigue-related maladaptive neuronal activity. Recent data show promising results of NIBS applications over frontoparietal regions to reduce fatigue symptoms. In this current paper, we review recent data on Long-COVID and Long-COVID-related fatigue (LCOF), with a special focus on cognitive fatigue. We further present widely used NIBS methods, such as transcranial direct current stimulation, transcranial alternating current stimulation, and transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation and propose their use as possible therapeutic strategies to alleviate individual pathomechanisms of LCOF. Since NIBS methods are safe and well-tolerated, they have the potential to enhance the quality of life in a broad group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Linnhoff
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lilli Koehler
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Aiden Haghikia
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Tino Zaehle
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg, Germany,*Correspondence: Tino Zaehle,
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Pink I, Welte T. Risiko und Häufigkeit von Long-COVID. CME (BERLIN, GERMANY) 2023; 20:12-17. [PMID: 36747962 PMCID: PMC9891882 DOI: 10.1007/s11298-022-3104-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Isabell Pink
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877- Klinik für Pneumologie -, Med. Hochschule Hannover, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Tobias Welte
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Medizinische Hochschule Hannover/MHH, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Deutschland
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43
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Adorjan K, Ruzicka M, Ibarra G, Stubbe HC. [Treatment of severe post-COVID syndrome]. MMW Fortschr Med 2023; 165:52-57. [PMID: 36648675 PMCID: PMC9844173 DOI: 10.1007/s15006-022-2187-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Adorjan
- Klinik f. Psychiatrie u. Psychotherapie/Tagesklinik, Klinikum Innenstadt der LMU München, Nussbaumstraße 7, 80336 München, Deutschland
| | - Michael Ruzicka
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, LMU Klinikum, München, Deutschland
| | - Gerardo Ibarra
- Med. Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Campus Innenstadt d. LMU München/Sektion Klin. Infektiologie, München, Deutschland
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Schumm L, Blankenburg J, Kahre E, Armann J, Dalpke AH, Lück C, Berner R, Czyborra P. Lower SARS-CoV-2 household transmission in children and adolescents compared to adults. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22453. [PMID: 36575230 PMCID: PMC9794106 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24643-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In the COVID-19 pandemic, children were considered to play a major role in SARS-CoV-2 transmission similar to influenza. Thus, mitigation measures have been focused on children, impacting their everyday life severely. Despite this, infectivity in this age group regarding SARS-CoV-2 is not yet clarified. We performed a serology study in households with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection to evaluate virus transmission with focus on children and adolescents. Between January and July 2021, 341 minors and 650 adults from 300 households with a confirmed index case participated in the FamilyCoviDD19-study including serological assessment for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and a questionnaire on demographics, recent and ongoing symptoms, hygiene measures and comorbidities. 45 (16.3%) of all index cases were < 18 years old. Thereof, 55.6% reported COVID-19 associated symptoms, while nearly all adult index cases were symptomatic (94.8%). There was significantly less virus transmission by children and adolescents compared to adult index cases with a secondary attack rate of 0.29 vs. 0.54. With the caveat that the results do not necessarily apply to the Delta and Omicron variants, we conclude that children and adolescents are less susceptible for SARS-CoV-2 infection, more frequently show an asymptomatic course of disease and are less infective than adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Schumm
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - J. Blankenburg
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - E. Kahre
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - J. Armann
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - A. H. Dalpke
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - C. Lück
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Institute of Medical Microbiology and Virology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - R. Berner
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - P. Czyborra
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital and Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Körper S, Grüner B, Zickler D, Wiesmann T, Wuchter P, Blasczyk R, Zacharowski K, Spieth P, Tonn T, Rosenberger P, Paul G, Pilch J, Schwäble J, Bakchoul T, Thiele T, Knörlein J, Dollinger MM, Krebs J, Bentz M, Corman VM, Kilalic D, Schmidtke-Schrezenmeier G, Lepper PM, Ernst L, Wulf H, Ulrich A, Weiss M, Kruse JM, Burkhardt T, Müller R, Klüter H, Schmidt M, Jahrsdörfer B, Lotfi R, Rojewski M, Appl T, Mayer B, Schnecko P, Seifried E, Schrezenmeier H. One-year follow-up of the CAPSID randomized trial for high-dose convalescent plasma in severe COVID-19 patients. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:163657. [PMID: 36326824 PMCID: PMC9753994 DOI: 10.1172/jci163657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDResults of many randomized trials on COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) have been reported, but information on long-term outcome after CCP treatment is limited. The objectives of this extended observation of the randomized CAPSID trial are to assess long-term outcome and disease burden in patients initially treated with or without CCP.METHODSOf 105 randomized patients, 50 participated in the extended observation. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed by questionnaires and a structured interview. CCP donors (n = 113) with asymptomatic to moderate COVID-19 were included as a reference group.RESULTSThe median follow-up of patients was 396 days, and the estimated 1-year survival was 78.7% in the CCP group and 60.2% in the control (P = 0.08). The subgroup treated with a higher cumulative amount of neutralizing antibodies showed a better 1-year survival compared with the control group (91.5% versus 60.2%, P = 0.01). Medical events and QoL assessments showed a consistent trend for better results in the CCP group without reaching statistical significance. There was no difference in the increase in neutralizing antibodies after vaccination between the CCP and control groups.CONCLUSIONThe trial demonstrated a trend toward better outcome in the CCP group without reaching statistical significance. A predefined subgroup analysis showed a significantly better outcome (long-term survival, time to discharge from ICU, and time to hospital discharge) among those who received a higher amount of neutralizing antibodies compared with the control group. A substantial long-term disease burden remains after severe COVID-19.Trial registrationEudraCT 2020-001310-38 and ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04433910.FundingBundesministerium für Gesundheit (German Federal Ministry of Health).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sixten Körper
- Institute for Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen and University Hospital Ulm and Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Beate Grüner
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital and Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniel Zickler
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Wiesmann
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Phillips-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Wuchter
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Rainer Blasczyk
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kai Zacharowski
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Therapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University, Germany
| | - Peter Spieth
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Torsten Tonn
- Transfusion Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East gGmbH, Dresden, Germany
| | - Peter Rosenberger
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gregor Paul
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Pneumology and Infectious Diseases, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jan Pilch
- Institute of Clinical Hemostaseology and Transfusion Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Joachim Schwäble
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service Baden-Württemberg – Hessen, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Tamam Bakchoul
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Thiele
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Julian Knörlein
- Clinic of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Jörg Krebs
- Clinic for Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Medicine, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Martin Bentz
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Hospital of Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Victor M. Corman
- Institute of Virology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, corporate member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health and German Centre for Infection Research, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dzenan Kilalic
- Institute for Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen and University Hospital Ulm and Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Philipp M. Lepper
- Department of Internal Medicine V – Pneumology, Allergology, Intensive Care Medicine, Saarland University Hospital, Homburg, Germany
| | - Lucas Ernst
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hinnerk Wulf
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Phillips-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Ulrich
- Institute for Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen and University Hospital Ulm and Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Manfred Weiss
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan Matthias Kruse
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Free University Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Burkhardt
- Transfusion Medicine, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East gGmbH, Dresden, Germany
| | - Rebecca Müller
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Harald Klüter
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunology, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Michael Schmidt
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service Baden-Württemberg – Hessen, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bernd Jahrsdörfer
- Institute for Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen and University Hospital Ulm and Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ramin Lotfi
- Institute for Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen and University Hospital Ulm and Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Rojewski
- Institute for Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen and University Hospital Ulm and Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thomas Appl
- Institute for Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen and University Hospital Ulm and Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Benjamin Mayer
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Erhard Seifried
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service Baden-Württemberg – Hessen, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Hubert Schrezenmeier
- Institute for Clinical Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics Ulm, German Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen and University Hospital Ulm and Institute of Transfusion Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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Heubner L, Petrick PL, Güldner A, Bartels L, Ragaller M, Mirus M, Rand A, Tiebel O, Beyer-Westendorf J, Rößler M, Schmitt J, Koch T, Spieth PM. Extreme obesity is a strong predictor for in-hospital mortality and the prevalence of long-COVID in severe COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18418. [PMID: 36319681 PMCID: PMC9626466 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22107-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is common in COVID-19 patients and is associated with high mortality. The aim of this observational study was to describe patients' characteristics and outcome, identifying potential risk factors for in-hospital mortality and for developing Long-COVID symptoms. This retrospective study included all patients with COVID-19 associated ARDS (cARDS) in the period from March 2020 to March 2021 who were invasively ventilated at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the University Hospital Dresden, Germany. Between October 2021 and December 2021 patients discharged alive (at minimum 6 months after hospital discharge-midterm survival) were contacted and interviewed about persistent symptoms possibly associated with COVID-19 as well as the quality of their lives using the EQ-5D-5L-questionnaire. Long-COVID was defined as the occurrence of one of the symptoms at least 6 months after discharge. Risk factors for mortality were assessed with Cox regression models and risk factors for developing Long-COVID symptoms by using relative risk (RR) regression. 184 Patients were included in this study (male: n = 134 (73%), median age 67 (range 25-92). All patients were diagnosed with ARDS according to the Berlin Definition. 89% of patients (n = 164) had severe ARDS (Horovitz-index < 100 mmHg). In 27% (n = 49) extracorporeal membrane oxygenation was necessary to maintain gas exchange. The median length of in-hospital stay was 19 days (range 1-60). ICU mortality was 51%, hospital mortality 59%. Midterm survival (median 11 months) was 83% (n = 55) and 78% (n = 43) of these patients presented Long-COVID symptoms with fatigue as the most common symptom (70%). Extreme obesity (BMI > 40 kg/m2) was the strongest predictor for in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio: 3.147, confidence interval 1.000-9.897) and for developing Long-COVID symptoms (RR 1.61, confidence interval 1.26-2.06). In-hospital mortality in severe cARDS patients was high, but > 80% of patients discharged alive survived the midterm observation period. Nonetheless, most patients developed Long-COVID symptoms. Extreme obesity with BMI > 40 kg/m2 was identified as independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality and for developing Long-COVID symptoms.Trial registration DRKS-ID DRKS00027856.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Heubner
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital “Carl Gustav Carus”, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Paul Leon Petrick
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital “Carl Gustav Carus”, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Güldner
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital “Carl Gustav Carus”, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lea Bartels
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital “Carl Gustav Carus”, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maximillian Ragaller
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital “Carl Gustav Carus”, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Mirus
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital “Carl Gustav Carus”, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Axel Rand
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital “Carl Gustav Carus”, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Oliver Tiebel
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital “Carl Gustav Carus”, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jan Beyer-Westendorf
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Division of Hematology and Hemostasis, Department of Medicine I Thrombosis Research, University Hospital “Carl Gustav Carus”, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Rößler
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare (ZEGV), University Hospital “Carl Gustav Carus” and “Carl Gustav Carus” Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jochen Schmitt
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Center for Evidence-Based Healthcare (ZEGV), University Hospital “Carl Gustav Carus” and “Carl Gustav Carus” Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Thea Koch
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital “Carl Gustav Carus”, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Peter Markus Spieth
- grid.4488.00000 0001 2111 7257Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital “Carl Gustav Carus”, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Engelmann P, Löwe B, Brehm TT, Weigel A, Ullrich F, Addo MM, Schulze zur Wiesch J, Lohse AW, Toussaint A. Risk factors for worsening of somatic symptom burden in a prospective cohort during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1022203. [PMID: 36337508 PMCID: PMC9631939 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1022203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Little is known about risk factors for both Long COVID and somatic symptoms that develop in individuals without a history of COVID-19 in response to the pandemic. There is reason to assume an interplay between pathophysiological mechanisms and psychosocial factors in the etiology of symptom persistence. Objective Therefore, this study investigates specific risk factors for somatic symptom deterioration in a cohort of German adults with and without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods German healthcare professionals underwent SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody testing and completed self-rating questionnaires at baseline and 21 months later between April 2020 and February 2022. Differences in variables between the time points were analyzed and a regression analysis was performed to predict somatic symptom deterioration at follow-up. Results Seven hundred fifty-one adults completed both assessments. Until follow-up, n = 58 had contracted SARS-CoV-2 confirmed by serology. Between baseline and follow-up, signs of mental and physical strain increased significantly in the sample. Symptom expectations associated with COVID-19 and a self-reported history of COVID-19, but not serologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, significantly predicted somatic symptom deterioration at follow-up. A further predictor was baseline psychological symptom burden. Conclusions This study supports a disease-overarching biopsychosocial model for the development of burdensome somatic symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic and supports research findings that symptom burden may be more related to the psychosocial effects of the pandemic than to infection itself. Future studies on Long COVID should include SARS-CoV-2 negative control groups and consider symptom burden prior to infection in order to avoid an overestimation of prevalence rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Engelmann
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Petra Engelmann
| | - Bernd Löwe
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Theo Brehm
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Angelika Weigel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Felix Ullrich
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Marylyn M. Addo
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Julian Schulze zur Wiesch
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ansgar W. Lohse
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anne Toussaint
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Donnachie E, Hapfelmeier A, Linde K, Tauscher M, Gerlach R, Greissel A, Schneider A. Incidence of post-COVID syndrome and associated symptoms in outpatient care in Bavaria, Germany: a retrospective cohort study using routinely collected claims data. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e064979. [PMID: 36137635 PMCID: PMC9511014 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-064979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the treatment incidence of post-COVID syndrome (postinfectious sequelae present at least 12 weeks following infection) in the context of ambulatory care in Bavaria, Germany, and to establish whether related diagnoses occur more frequently than in patients with no known history of COVID-19. DESIGN Retrospective cohort analysis of routinely collected claims data. SETTING Ambulatory care in Bavaria, Germany, observed from January 2020 to March 2022 (data accessed May 2022). PARTICIPANTS 391 990 patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, 62 659 patients with other respiratory infection and a control group of 659 579 patients with no confirmed or suspected diagnosis of COVID-19. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome is diagnosis of post-COVID syndrome documented in ambulatory care. Secondary outcomes are: chronic fatigue syndrome, psychological disorder, fatigue, mild cognitive impairment, disturbances of taste and smell, dyspnoea, pulmonary embolism and myalgia. RESULTS Among all patients with confirmed COVID-19, 14.2% (95% CI 14.0% to 14.5%) received a diagnosis of a post-COVID syndrome, and 6.7% (95% CI 6.5% to 6.9%) received the diagnosis in at least two quarterly periods during a 2-year follow-up. Compared with patients with other respiratory infections and with controls, patients with COVID-19 more frequently received a variety of diagnoses including chronic fatigue syndrome (1.6% vs 0.6% and 0.3%, respectively), fatigue (13.3% vs 9.2% and 6.0%), dyspnoea (9.9% vs 5.1% and 3.2%) and disturbances of taste and smell (3.2% vs 1.2% and 0.5%). The treatment incidence of post-COVID syndrome was highest among adults aged 40-59 (19.0%) and lowest among children aged below 12 years (2.6%). CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate a moderately high incidence of post-COVID syndrome 2 years after COVID-19 diagnosis. There is an urgent need to find efficient and effective solutions to help patients with dyspnoea, fatigue, cognitive impairment and loss of smell. Guidelines and treatment algorithms, including referral criteria, and occupational and physical therapy, require prompt and coherent implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewan Donnachie
- Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, München, Germany
| | - Alexander Hapfelmeier
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of AI and Informatics in Medicine, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, München, Germany
| | - Klaus Linde
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Tauscher
- Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, München, Germany
| | - Roman Gerlach
- Bavarian Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, München, Germany
| | - Anna Greissel
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Antonius Schneider
- Institute of General Practice and Health Services Research, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
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Schrimpf A, Braesigk A, Lippmann S, Bleckwenn M. Management and treatment of long COVID symptoms in general practices: An online-based survey. Front Public Health 2022; 10:937100. [PMID: 36176520 PMCID: PMC9513068 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.937100] [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: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Independent from initial severity, many patients develop persistent symptoms after infection with SARS-CoV-2, described as long COVID syndrome. Most of these patients are treated by general practitioners (GPs). As evidence-based treatment recommendations are still sparse, GPs must make their therapy decisions under uncertainty. We investigated (1) the most frequently observed long COVID symptoms in general practices and (2) GPs' applied treatment and rehabilitation plans for these symptoms. In total, 143 German GPs participated in an online-based survey between 05/2021 and 07/2021. We found that each GP practice was treating on average 12 patients with long COVID symptoms. Most frequently seen symptoms were fatigue and reduced performance. Current therapy options were rated as poor and loss of smell and taste, fatigue, or lack of concentration were perceived to be especially difficult to treat. The use of drug and non-drug therapies and specialist referrals focused primarily on physiological and less on psychosomatic/psychological rehabilitation and followed guidelines of similar conditions. Our results provide first insights into how GPs approach a newly emerging condition in the absence of guidelines, evidence-based recommendations, or approved therapies, and might inform about GP preparedness in future pandemics. Our results also emphasize a gap between the current knowledge of the long COVID manifestation and knowledge about effective rehabilitation.
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Bahmer T, Borzikowsky C, Lieb W, Horn A, Krist L, Fricke J, Scheibenbogen C, Rabe KF, Maetzler W, Maetzler C, Laudien M, Frank D, Ballhausen S, Hermes A, Miljukov O, Haeusler KG, Mokhtari NEE, Witzenrath M, Vehreschild JJ, Krefting D, Pape D, Montellano FA, Kohls M, Morbach C, Störk S, Reese JP, Keil T, Heuschmann P, Krawczak M, Schreiber S. Severity, predictors and clinical correlates of Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) in Germany: A prospective, multi-centre, population-based cohort study. EClinicalMedicine 2022; 51:101549. [PMID: 35875815 PMCID: PMC9289961 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) is an important sequela of COVID-19, characterised by symptom persistence for >3 months, post-acute symptom development, and worsening of pre-existing comorbidities. The causes and public health impact of PCS are still unclear, not least for the lack of efficient means to assess the presence and severity of PCS. METHODS COVIDOM is a population-based cohort study of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmed cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, recruited through public health authorities in three German regions (Kiel, Berlin, Würzburg) between November 15, 2020 and September 29, 2021. Main inclusion criteria were (i) a PCR confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and (ii) a period of at least 6 months between the infection and the visit to the COVIDOM study site. Other inclusion criteria were written informed consent and age ≥18 years. Key exclusion criterion was an acute reinfection with SARS-CoV-2. Study site visits included standardised interviews, in-depth examination, and biomaterial procurement. In sub-cohort Kiel-I, a PCS (severity) score was developed based upon 12 long-term symptom complexes. Two validation sub-cohorts (Würzburg/Berlin, Kiel-II) were used for PCS score replication and identification of clinically meaningful predictors. This study is registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT04679584) and at the German Registry for Clinical Studies (DRKS, DRKS00023742). FINDINGS In Kiel-I (n = 667, 57% women), 90% of participants had received outpatient treatment for acute COVID-19. Neurological ailments (61·5%), fatigue (57·1%), and sleep disturbance (57·0%) were the most frequent persisting symptoms at 6-12 months after infection. Across sub-cohorts (Würzburg/Berlin, n = 316, 52% women; Kiel-II, n = 459, 56% women), higher PCS scores were associated with lower health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L-VAS/-index: r = -0·54/ -0·56, all p < 0·0001). Severe, moderate, and mild/no PCS according to the individual participant's PCS score occurred in 18·8%, 48·2%, and 32·9%, respectively, of the Kiel-I sub-cohort. In both validation sub-cohorts, statistically significant predictors of the PCS score included the intensity of acute phase symptoms and the level of personal resilience. INTERPRETATION PCS severity can be quantified by an easy-to-use symptom-based score reflecting acute phase disease burden and general psychological predisposition. The PCS score thus holds promise to facilitate the clinical diagnosis of PCS, scientific studies of its natural course, and the development of therapeutic interventions. FUNDING The COVIDOM study is funded by the Network University Medicine (NUM) as part of the National Pandemic Cohort Network (NAPKON).
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Bahmer
- Internal Medicine Department I, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
- Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Wöhrendamm 80, 22927 Großhansdorf, Germany
- Corresponding authors at: Internal Medicine Department I, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24103 Kiel, Germany.
| | - Christoph Borzikowsky
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Kiel University, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Brunswiker Straße 10, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Lieb
- Institute of Epidemiology, Kiel University, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Niemannsweg 11, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Anna Horn
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lilian Krist
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Luisenstr. 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Fricke
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Luisenstr. 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Klaus F. Rabe
- Airway Research Center North (ARCN), German Center for Lung Research (DZL), Wöhrendamm 80, 22927 Großhansdorf, Germany
- LungenClinic Grosshansdorf, Pneumology, Wöhrendamm 80, 22927 Großhansdorf, Germany
| | - Walter Maetzler
- Neurology Department, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Corina Maetzler
- Neurology Department, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Martin Laudien
- ENT Department, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Derk Frank
- Internal Medicine Department III, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Sabrina Ballhausen
- Internal Medicine Department I, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Anne Hermes
- Institute of Epidemiology, Kiel University, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Niemannsweg 11, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Olga Miljukov
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Karl Georg Haeusler
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 11, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Martin Witzenrath
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Janne Vehreschild
- Medical Department 2, Hematology/ Oncology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I for Internal Medicine, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Dagmar Krefting
- Institute for Medical Informatics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Von-Siebold-Straße 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Pape
- Internal Medicine Department I, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Felipe A. Montellano
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 11, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University and University Hospital Würzburg, Am Schwarzenberg 15, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Mirjam Kohls
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Caroline Morbach
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University and University Hospital Würzburg, Am Schwarzenberg 15, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Störk
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University and University Hospital Würzburg, Am Schwarzenberg 15, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Würzburg, Oberdürrbacher Straße 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jens-Peter Reese
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Keil
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Luisenstr. 57, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- State Institute of Health, Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority, Eggenreuther Weg 43, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Peter Heuschmann
- Institute of Clinical Epidemiology and Biometry, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University and University Hospital Würzburg, Am Schwarzenberg 15, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
- Clinical Trial Center Würzburg (CTC/ZKS), University Hospital Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Michael Krawczak
- Institute of Medical Informatics and Statistics, Kiel University, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Brunswiker Straße 10, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefan Schreiber
- Internal Medicine Department I, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24105 Kiel, Germany
- Corresponding authors at: Internal Medicine Department I, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Straße 3, 24103 Kiel, Germany.
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