Post-viral fatigue and COVID-19: lessons from past epidemics

Altered auditory brainstem responses are post-acute sequela of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC)

The Post-acute Sequela of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) syndrome, also known as Long-COVID, often presents with subjective symptoms such as brain fog and cognitive fatigue. Increased tinnitus, and decreased hearing in noise ability also occur with PASC, yet whether auditory manifestations of PASC are linked with the cognitive symptoms is not known. Electrophysiology, specifically the Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR), provides objective measures of auditory processing. We hypothesized that ABR findings would be linked to PASC and with subjective feelings of cognitive fatigue. Eighty-two individuals, 37 with PASC (mean age: 47.5, Female: 83%) and 45 healthy controls (mean age: 38.5, Female: 76%), were studied with an auditory test battery that included audiometry and ABR measures. Peripheral hearing thresholds did not differ between groups. The PASC group had a higher prevalence of tinnitus, anxiety, depression, and hearing handicap in addition to increased subjective cognitive fatigue. ABR latency findings showed a significantly greater increase in the wave V latency for PASC subjects when a fast (61.1 clicks/sec) compared to a slow click (21.1 clicks/sec) was used. The increase in latency correlated with cognitive fatigue scores and predicted PASC status. The ABR V/I amplitude ratio was examined as a measure of central gain. Although these ratios were not significantly elevated in the full PASC group, to minimize the cofounding effect of age, the cohort was median split on age. Elevated V/I amplitude ratios were significant predictors of both predicted PASC group classification and cognitive fatigue scores in the younger PASC subjects compared to age-matched controls providing evidence of elevated central gain in younger individuals with PASC. More frequent tinnitus also significantly predicted higher subjective cognitive fatigue scores. Our findings suggest that PASC may alter the central auditory pathway and lead to slower conduction and elevated auditory neurophysiology responses at the midbrain, a pattern associated with the typical aging process. This study marks a significant stride toward establishing an objective measure of subjective cognitive fatigue through assessment of the central auditory system.

Direct effects of prolonged TNF-α and IL-6 exposure on neural activity in human iPSC-derived neuron-astrocyte co-cultures

Cognitive impairment is one of the many symptoms reported by individuals suffering from long-COVID and other post-viral infection disorders such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). A common factor among these conditions is a sustained immune response and increased levels of inflammatory cytokines. Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) are two such cytokines that are elevated in patients diagnosed with long-COVID and ME/CFS. In this study, we characterized the changes in neural functionality, secreted cytokine profiles, and gene expression in co-cultures of human iPSC-derived neurons and primary astrocytes in response to prolonged exposure to TNF-α and IL-6. We found that exposure to TNF-α produced both a concentration-independent and concentration-dependent response in neural activity. Burst duration was significantly reduced within a few days of exposure regardless of concentration (1 pg/mL - 100 ng/mL) but returned to baseline after 7 days. Treatment with low concentrations of TNF-α (e.g., 1 and 25 pg/mL) did not lead to changes in the secreted cytokine profile or gene expression but still resulted in significant changes to electrophysiological features such as interspike interval and burst duration. Conversely, treatment with high concentrations of TNF-α (e.g., 10 and 100 ng/mL) led to reduced spiking activity, which may be correlated to changes in neural health, gene expression, and increases in inflammatory cytokine secretion (e.g., IL-1β, IL-4, and CXCL-10) that were observed at higher TNF-α concentrations. Prolonged exposure to IL-6 led to changes in bursting features, with significant reduction in the number of spikes in bursts across a wide range of treatment concentrations (i.e., 1 pg/mL-10 ng/mL). In combination, the addition of IL-6 appears to counteract the changes to neural function induced by low concentrations of TNF-α, while at high concentrations of TNF-α the addition of IL-6 had little to no effect. Conversely, the changes to electrophysiological features induced by IL-6 were lost when the cultures were co-stimulated with TNF-α regardless of the concentration, suggesting that TNF-α may play a more pronounced role in altering neural function. These results indicate that increased concentrations of key inflammatory cytokines associated with long-COVID can directly impact neural function and may be a component of the cognitive impairment associated with long-COVID and other post-viral infection disorders.

Association of obesity status and the risk of long-COVID: Isfahan COVID cohort study

People with COVID-19 infection continue to have their symptoms or develop new ones after recovery. This is called long-COVID syndrome. We aimed to examine the association of general and abdominal obesity with long COVID. This study was conducted using Isfahan COVID Cohort (ICC). Totally 4008 including 3213 hospitalized and 795 non-hospitalized patients with positive RT-PCR were included. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were calculated. BMI >25 kg/m2 and WC >88 cm in women and 102 cm in men were considered generally and abdominally obese, respectively. By using an open-ended questionnaire, subjects were asked whether they had any new or persistent symptom. Reported symptoms were categorized in three different fields including general, cardiac, and respiratory symptoms. Higher BMI and WC tended to increase general symptoms (odds ratio [OR] for BMI = 1.16, 95 % confidence interval (95% CI): 0.97, 1.38, and OR for WC = 1.14, 95% CI: 0.99, 1.32). Higher BMI significantly increased cardiovascular (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.14, 1.67) and respiratory symptoms (OR = 1.43, 95% CI: 1.15, 1.78). Compared with patients with normal WC, the risk of cardiovascular (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.24, 1.69) and respiratory symptoms was significantly higher in subjects with abdominal obesity (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.10, 1.56). We found that general and abdominal obesity were associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and respiratory symptoms in patients with long-COVID symptoms. However, only general obesity was associated with increased risk of general symptoms.

Comprehensive Risk Assessment of Infection Induced by SARS-CoV-2

The pandemic COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which devastated the global economy and healthcare system. The infection caused an unforeseen rise in COVID-19 patients and increased the mortality rate globally. This study gives an overall idea about host-pathogen interaction, immune responses to COVID-19, recovery status of infection, targeted organs and complications associated, and comparison of post-infection immunity in convalescent subjects and non-infected individuals. The emergence of the variants and episodes of COVID-19 infections made the situation worsen. The timely introduction of vaccines and precautionary measures helped control the infection's severity. Later, the population that recovered from COVID-19 grew significantly. However, understanding the impact of healthcare issues resulting after infection is paramount for improving an individual's health status. It is now recognised that COVID-19 infection affects multiple organs and exhibits a broad range of clinical manifestations. So, post COVID-19 infection creates a high risk in individuals with already prevailing health complications. The identification of post-COVID-19-related health issues and their appropriate management is of greater importance to improving patient's quality of life. The persistence, sequelae and other medical complications that normally last from weeks to months after the recovery of the initial infection are involved with COVID-19. A multi-disciplinary approach is necessary for the development of preventive measures, techniques for rehabilitation and strategies for clinical management when it comes to long-term care.

COVID-19 and Cardiac Arrhythmias: Lesson Learned and Dilemmas

Over the last few years, COVID-19 has attracted medical attention both in terms of healthcare system reorganization and research. Among the different cardiovascular complications of the SARS-CoV-2 infection, cardiac arrhythmias represent an important clinical manifestation requiring proper therapy both in the acute and post-acute phase. The multiparametric in-hospital monitoring of COVID-19 patients frequently detects new-onset or recurrent cardiac arrhythmias. As many patients are monitored remotely from cardiology departments, this setting calls for proper arrhythmia interpretation and management, especially in critically ill patients in the intensive care unit. From this perspective, the possible pathophysiologic mechanisms and the main clinical manifestations of brady- and tachyarrhythmias in COVID-19 patients are briefly presented. The progressively increasing body of evidence on pathophysiology helps to identify the reversible causes of arrhythmias, better clarify the setting in which they occur, and establish their impact on prognosis, which are of paramount importance to orient decision making. Despite the accumulating knowledge on this disease, some dilemmas in the management of these patients may remain, such as the need to implant in the acute or post-acute phase a permanent pacemaker or cardioverter/defibrillation in patients presenting with brady- or tachyarrhythmias and lifelong oral anticoagulation in new-onset atrial fibrillation detected during SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Targeting persistent fatigue with tailored versus generic self-management strategies in adolescents and young adults with a fatigue syndrome or rheumatic condition: A randomized crossover trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the use of two self-management intervention strategies for persistent fatigue in adolescents and young adults with a fatigue syndrome or rheumatic condition.

DESIGN

A randomized crossover trial administering tailored lifestyle advice and generic dietary advice, each 12 weeks, with a four-week washout period between.

METHODS

Sixty participants (aged 12-29) were included. Tailoring was achieved through the PROfeel method. Dietary guidelines were conceptualized by the Netherlands Nutrition Centre. Questionnaires were used pre-post-interventions to measure primary outcome 'fatigue severity' (Checklist Individual Strength-8) and secondary outcomes 'self-efficacy' (Self-Efficacy Scale-28) and 'quality of life' (QoL) (Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0). Feasibility and adherence were self-rated on a scale of 1 to 10 (low to high). Linear mixed modelling was used to assess change over time, compare strategy effectiveness and study the impact of intervention order.

RESULTS

Fatigue severity, self-efficacy and QoL regarding 'physical' and 'emotional' functioning improved significantly over time (all p < .015). The average improvement of the two QoL subscales was clinically relevant, as was the fatigue improvement in 20 out of 46 participants who completed the trial and 5 dropouts. The interventions were equally effective, and intervention order did not impact the improvement level (prange = .242-.984). The self-management strategies received similar feasibility (M = 6.45, SD = 1.91) and adherence (M = 7.67, SD = 1.67) ratings.

CONCLUSIONS

As small to clinically relevant improvements were observed, self-management strategies might be particularly useful to bridge waiting time for guided treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.

Individual outcomes after tailored versus generic self-management strategies for persistent fatigue in youth with a fatigue syndrome or rheumatic condition: A multiple single-case study

OBJECTIVE

To examine individual outcomes after tailored lifestyle (PROfeel) or generic dietary advice as self-management intervention for persistent fatigue in adolescents and young adults with a chronic condition, to compare participants who did and did not benefit and to explore changes to factors in the biopsychosocial model of fatigue after PROfeel.

METHOD

A multiple single-case AB-phase design was embedded in a randomized crossover trial (N = 45). Intensive longitudinal data (ILD) on outcomes 'fatigue severity', 'self-efficacy' and 'quality of life' (QoL) were collected through weekly smartphone measurement for 20 weeks. ILD on biopsychosocial factors were collected through experience sampling methodology for 28 days pre-post first intervention. Baseline characteristics were compared with t-tests and chi-square tests. Permutation distancing tests were used to assess change over time in all ILD.

RESULTS

Regarding weekly measurements, nineteen participants (42.22%) showed small to large positive outcomes (drange = .05 to 2.59), mostly after PROfeel. Eleven participants (24.44%) showed small to moderate negative outcomes (drange = -.02 to -2.46), mostly after dietary advice. Fatigue severity improved most, followed by self-efficacy. Participants who benefitted showed higher QoL levels and lower fatigue and pain levels compared with others at baseline (all p < .02). When positive outcomes were observed after PROfeel, typically ≥1 biopsychosocial factor had been targeted successfully.

CONCLUSION

Self-management advice has more potential when tailored to individual characteristics, including the biopsychosocial model of fatigue. PROfeel appears particularly useful as fatigue intervention for individuals with relatively less severe symptoms.

Physical Health in Patients with Post-COVID-19 6 and 12 Months after an Inpatient Rehabilitation: An Observational Study

Background: Rehabilitation is an effective and feasible approach for post-COVID patients to improve physical health. However, knowledge regarding the long-term impact of rehabilitation on the physical health of these patients is lacking. Methods: Changes in physical health of 127 patients with COVID-19 as an occupational disease or work accident were assessed in a longitudinal observational study. Post-COVID symptoms, functional status, functional exercise capacity, endurance capacity, physical performance, quadricep strength, handgrip strength, motor balance ability, and self-reported physical performance were examined at the beginning as well as 6 and 12 months after the rehabilitation. Group differences concerning sex, age, acute COVID status, comorbidities prior to COVID-19, and aftercare interventions were also analysed. Results: Even 12 months after rehabilitation, the prevalence of post-COVID symptoms (28.6-94.7%) remained remarkably high in the study population. Significant improvements in various aspects of physical health were observed 6 (r = 0.288-0.755) and 12 months (r = 0.189-0.681) after the rehabilitation. Participants demonstrated enhanced endurance, strength, and balance function, as well as improvement in subjective physical ability. Significant group differences were observed between younger and older patients, those with mild-moderate and severe-critical COVID-19, and patients with and without pre-existing cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, psychological disease, neuro-sensory disease, musculoskeletal disease, and exercising in an outpatient group. Conclusions: The study identifies persistent challenges in COVID-19 recovery, despite significant improvements in physical health 6 and 12 months after rehabilitation. Further research and the implementation of standardised approaches are required to enhance the outcomes of post-COVID rehabilitation, with a focus on developing personalised care strategies for long-term recovery.

Work ability and return-to-work of patients with post-COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In addition to several sequelae of post-COVID-19, individuals also experience significant limitations in work ability, resulting in negative consequences for the return-to-work (RTW) process. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the impact of post-COVID-19 on work ability and RTW of individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2.

METHODS

Studies on the work ability and RTW of patients with post-COVID-19 (more than 12 weeks after an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection) were regarded eligible for inclusion. Systematic search of literature was performed up to March 2023 using five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL and WHO COVID 19). Study selection followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) Statement. A meta-analysis estimated the overall success rate of RTW. The risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated with the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS).

RESULTS

19 relevant studies, published between 2021 and 2023, were included in the systematic review, involving 21.155 patients from 14 different countries. The findings indicate that a significant proportion of individuals with post-COVID-19 experience persistent symptoms and functional impairments, with fatigue being the most prominent symptom. These persistent symptoms can have a considerable (negative) impact on individuals' physical and psychological capacity to participate in work-related activities, leading to lower work ability and increased absenteeism. The RTW for post-COVID-19 patients is complex, with approximately 60.9% of patients successfully returning to work after 12 or more weeks following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among those who successfully returning to work, a considerable number need modifications in their work duties or hours to cope with residual impairments. Factors such as workplace accommodations, supportive policies, and occupational rehabilitation programs play a crucial role in facilitating successful RTW.

CONCLUSIONS

The systematic review underscores the substantial impact of post-COVID-19 on work-related outcomes. The implications of this research highlight the need for healthcare providers, employers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating inclusive work environments and implementing tailored rehabilitation programs to support individuals recovering from post-COVID-19. Further research should focus on long-term follow-up studies with mixed methods to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the long-term consequences of post-COVID-19 on work ability and RTW outcomes.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023385436.

An adaptive approach to developing a Long COVID rehabilitation program

As more people became infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, it was anticipated that 10-20% of these individuals would develop a post-viral illness that would affect their ability to work and participate in daily activities and reduce quality of life. To support these patients, Unity Health Toronto opened the Outpatient Post-COVID Condition Rehabilitation Program in June 2021, with the aim of teaching patients how to manage their ongoing symptoms, and to maximize their independence and function. The program incorporated a multidisciplinary, patient-centred approach that leveraged group education and a virtual platform to allow patients from across Ontario to learn from one another and share experiences. Over the two years of the program, the multidisciplinary team continuously adapted to the new research on Long COVID and evolving needs of patients. This article will outline the development and evolution of the program.

What Makes It Tick: Exploring the Mechanisms of Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome

Post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS), which may also be referred to incorrectly as "chronic Lyme disease," is defined by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) as the presence of fatigue, pain, and/or cognitive complaints with the functional impact that persists for more than six months after completing treatment for Lyme disease (LD). These symptoms occur in 10%-20% of patients previously diagnosed with LD caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi and appropriately treated with a course of antibiotics. The symptoms of PTLDS can be easily overlooked or misdiagnosed as a psychiatric manifestation in geographic locations that rarely see LD. In contrast, geographic locations with a higher prevalence of LD may be more aware of PTLDS symptoms and have higher clinical suspicion leading to this diagnosis. The pathophysiology behind the persistent symptoms some people experience from a primary infection is still largely unknown. Some mechanisms that have been proposed include permanent tissue damage and inflammation, immune system dysfunction, autoimmune response, co-infection, and even persistent infection refractory to treatment. We propose that ongoing PTLDS symptoms seem to be related to an autoimmune response to the tissue damage and inflammation caused by the viable or nonviable spirochete pathogen. At this point, PTLDS is diagnosed clinically as no quantifiable methods are available from laboratory or tissue diagnostics as of 2024. Similar pathophysiological features of PTLDS are seen in diseases such as COVID-19 or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). More effective diagnostic approaches might include further studies looking at a possible connection in the genomes of individuals developing PTLDS, quantifiable biomarkers, common inflammatory markers/pathways, and careful histopathological studies of human tissues.

Too tired to think: Relationship between post-COVID-19 fatigue and cognition in a veteran sample

COVID-19 survivors often endorse persistent physical and neuropsychiatric problems following disease recovery, a phenomenon described as "long COVID." Research exploring long-COVID continues to evolve in large-scale studies but remains limited among smaller populations (e.g., veterans). We explored the relationship between persistent post-COVID-19 fatigue and cognition among a sample of 246 veterans who voluntarily enrolled in a COVID-19 Convalescence Programme and completed a mental health evaluation of post-illness mood (depression, anxiety, PTSD), cognition (subjective complaints, Modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status [TICS-M] performance), fatigue, pain, and sleep. In concert with our hypotheses, subjective cognitive complaints are not significantly correlated with TICS-M performance, but rather are strongly correlated with long-COVID fatigue. Although cognitive changes are common post-COVID complaints, these are likely better predicted by other factors, (e.g., fatigue, mood, pain, and sleep disruption). Furthermore, comorbid mood, sleep, and pain complaints appeared to mediate the relationship between subjective cognitive complaints and fatigue. Limitations to this study included use of retrospective chart review data, limited access to pre-disease data for comparison, and lack of healthy controls. Clinicians should consider the impact of modifiable conditions associated with cognitive and functional decline, as these conditions may be targets for interdisciplinary treatment in a long-COVID veteran population.

An Unwanted but Long-Known Company: Post-Viral Symptoms in the Context of Past Pandemics in Switzerland (and Beyond)

Objectives: Some people do not fully recover from an acute viral infection and experience persistent symptoms or incomplete recovery for months or even years. This is not unique to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and history shows that post-viral conditions like post COVID-19 condition, also referred to as Long Covid, are not new. In particular, during and after pandemics caused by respiratory viruses in which large parts of the population were infected or exposed, professional and public attention was increased, not least because of the large number of people affected. Methods: Given the current relevance of the topic, this article aims to narratively review and summarize the literature on post-viral symptoms during past pandemics and to supplement and illustrate it with Swiss examples from the pandemics of 1890, 1918-1920 and later. Results: Post-viral diseases were an increasingly emphasised health topic during and after past pandemics triggered by respiratory infections over the last 150 years. Conclusion: In the next pandemic, it should not be surprising that post-viral conditions will again play a role, and pandemic plans should reflect this.

The novel application of the Lightning Process to treat Long COVID in primary care - Case report

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Long COVID (LC) is now prevalent in many countries. Little evidence exists regarding how this chronic condition should be treated, but guidelines suggest for most people it can be managed symptomatically in primary care. The Lightning Process is a trademarked positive psychology focused self-management programme which has shown to be effective in reducing fatigue and accompanying symptoms in other chronic conditions including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis. Here we outline its novel application to two patients with LC who both reported improvements in fatigue and a range of physical and emotional symptoms post-treatment and at 3 months follow-up.

The burden of persistent symptoms after COVID-19 (long COVID): a meta-analysis of controlled studies in children and adults

BACKGROUND

Previous meta-analyses estimating the prevalence of the post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) were confounded by the lack of negative control groups. This may result in an overestimation of the prevalence of those experiencing PCC, as these symptoms are non-specific and common in the general population. In this study, we aimed to compare the burden of persistent symptoms among COVID-19 survivors relative to COVID-19-negative controls.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using the following databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus) until July 2023 for comparative studies that examined the prevalence of persistent symptoms in COVID-19 survivors. Given that many of the symptoms among COVID-19 survivors overlap with post-hospitalization syndrome and post-intensive care syndrome, we included studies that compare the prevalence of persistent symptoms in hospitalized COVID-19 patients relative to non-COVID-19 hospitalized patients and in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients relative to healthy controls that reported outcomes after at least 3 months since infection. The results of the meta-analysis were reported as odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval based on the random effects model.

RESULTS

Twenty articles were included in this study. Our analysis of symptomatology in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients compared to negative controls revealed that the majority of symptoms examined were not related to COVID-19 infection and appeared equally prevalent in both cohorts. However, non-COVID-19 hospitalized patients had higher odds of occurrence of certain symptoms like anosmia, ageusia, fatigue, dyspnea, and brain fog (P < 0.05). Particularly, anosmia and ageusia showed substantially elevated odds relative to the negative control group at 11.27 and 9.76, respectively, P < 0.05. In contrast, analysis of hospitalized COVID-19 patients compared to those hospitalized for other indications did not demonstrate significantly higher odds for the tested symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

The persistent symptoms in COVID-19 survivors may result from hospitalization for causes unrelated to COVID-19 and are commonly reported among the general population. Although certain symptoms exhibited higher odds in non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients relative to controls, these symptoms are common post-viral illnesses. Therefore, the persistent symptoms after COVID-19 may not be unique to SARS-CoV-2. Future studies including well-matched control groups when investigating persistent symptoms in COVID-19 survivors are warranted to draw a firm conclusion.

Physical Activity and Fatigue Symptoms: Neurotypical Adults and People with Chronic Multisymptom Illnesses

For neurotypical adults, a single bout of low-to-moderate intensity physical activity usually transiently improves feelings of energy. Similar bouts of exercise have the opposite effect of increased feelings of fatigue when performed by samples with chronic multisymptom illnesses (CMIs) such as Long-COVID, Gulf War Illness (GWI), or Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). The short-term adoption of regular moderate intensity physical activity (typical experiments are 1 to 6 months) among neurotypical adults results in small-to-moderate improvements in self-reported feelings of fatigue, energy, and vitality. Small improvements in these feelings, or no change at all, occur for CMIs, but limited data precludes strong conclusions. The mechanisms of exercise effects on fatigue, whether acute or chronic, are poorly understood but likely involve multiple neural circuits and associated transmitters. For CMIs, the mechanisms of acute worsening of fatigue with exercise may be driven by the yet unknown pathophysiological mechanisms of the disease (perhaps involving brain, immune and autonomic system dysfunction, and their interactions). Likewise, fatigue improvements may depend on whether chronic physical activity is a disease-modifying treatment.

Cognitive dysfunction in post-COVID-19 condition: Mechanisms, management, and rehabilitation

The long-term effects of COVID-19 on cognitive function have become an area of increasing concern. This paper provides an overview of characteristics, risk factors, possible mechanisms, and management strategies for cognitive dysfunction in post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). Prolonged cognitive dysfunction is one of the most common impairments in PCC, affecting between 17% and 28% of the individuals more than 12 weeks after the infection and persisting in some cases for several years. Cognitive dysfunctions can be manifested as a wide range of symptoms including memory impairment, attention deficit, executive dysfunction, and reduced processing speed. Risk factors for developing PCC, with or without cognitive impairments, include advanced age, preexisting medical conditions, and the severity of acute illness. The underlying mechanisms remain unclear, but proposed contributors include neuroinflammation, hypoxia, vascular damage, and latent virus reactivation not excluding the possibility of direct viral invasion of the central nervous system, illustrating complex viral pathology. As the individual variation of the cognitive impairments is large, a neuropsychological examination and a person-centered multidimensional approach are required. According to the World Health Organization, limited evidence on COVID-19-related cognitive impairments necessitates implementing rehabilitation interventions from established practices of similar conditions. Psychoeducation and compensatory skills training are recommended. Assistive products and environmental modifications adapted to individual needs might be helpful. In specific attention- and working memory dysfunctions, cognitive training-carefully monitored for intensity-might be effective for people who do not suffer from post-exertional malaise. Further research is crucial for evidence-based interventions specific to COVID-19-related cognitive impairments.

The importance of patient-partnered research in addressing long COVID: Takeaways for biomedical research study design from the RECOVER Initiative's Mechanistic Pathways taskforce

The NIH-funded RECOVER study is collecting clinical data on patients who experience a SARS-CoV-2 infection. As patient representatives of the RECOVER Initiative's Mechanistic Pathways task force, we offer our perspectives on patient motivations for partnering with researchers to obtain results from mechanistic studies. We emphasize the challenges of balancing urgency with scientific rigor. We recognize the importance of such partnerships in addressing post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), which includes 'long COVID,' through contrasting objective and subjective narratives. Long COVID's prevalence served as a call to action for patients like us to become actively involved in efforts to understand our condition. Patient-centered and patient-partnered research informs the balance between urgency and robust mechanistic research. Results from collaborating on protocol design, diverse patient inclusion, and awareness of community concerns establish a new precedent in biomedical research study design. With a public health matter as pressing as the long-term complications that can emerge after SARS-CoV-2 infection, considerate and equitable stakeholder involvement is essential to guiding seminal research. Discussions in the RECOVER Mechanistic Pathways task force gave rise to this commentary as well as other review articles on the current scientific understanding of PASC mechanisms.

Long COVID: what is known and what gaps need to be addressed

INTRODUCTION

Long COVID is a chronic condition that follows after acute COVID-19 and is characterized by a wide range of persistent, cyclic symptoms.

SOURCES OF DATA

PubMed search for publications featuring 'Long COVID' or 'post-acute sequelae of COVID-19'.

AREAS OF AGREEMENT

Long COVID occurs frequently post-acute COVID-19, with a majority of people experiencing at least one symptom (such as cough, fatigue, myalgia, anosmia and dyspnoea) 4 weeks after infection.

AREAS OF CONTROVERSY

The specific symptoms and the minimum duration of symptoms required to be defined as Long COVID.

GROWING POINTS

There is a consistent reduction in Long COVID incidence amongst vaccinated individuals, although the extent of this effect remains unclear.

AREAS TIMELY FOR DEVELOPING RESEARCH

There is an urgent need to understand the causes of Long COVID, especially extreme fatigue more than 6 months after infection. We must understand who is at risk and whether reinfections similarly risk Long COVID.

Shared Pathogenicity Features and Sequences between EBV, SARS-CoV-2, and HLA Class I Molecule-binding Motifs with a Potential Role in Autoimmunity

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are extraordinary in their ability to activate autoimmunity as well as to induce diverse autoimmune diseases. Here we reviewed the current knowledge on their relation. Further, we suggested that molecular mimicry could be a possible common mechanism of autoimmunity induction in the susceptible individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. Molecular mimicry between SARS-CoV-2 and human proteins, and EBV and human proteins, are present. Besides, relation of the pathogenicity associated with both coronavirus diseases and EBV supports the notion. As a proof-of-the-concept, we investigated 8mer sequences with shared 5mers of SARS-CoV-2, EBV, and human proteins, which were predicted as epitopes binding to the same human leukocyte antigen (HLA) supertype representatives. We identified significant number of human peptide sequences with predicted-affinities to the HLA-A*02:01 allele. Rest of the peptide sequences had predicted-affinities to the HLA-A*02:01, HLA-B*40:01, HLA-B*27:05, HLA-A*01:01, and HLA-B*39:01 alleles. Carriers of these serotypes can be under a higher risk of autoimmune response induction upon getting infected, through molecular mimicry-based mechanisms common to SARS-CoV-2 and EBV infections. We additionally reviewed established associations of the identified proteins with the EBV-related pathogenicity and with the autoimmune diseases.

Prevalence of Chronic Fatigue in Post COVID-19 Patients in Twin Cities

COVID-19 is linked to clinically severe symptoms despite the initial infection has subsided. The acute symptoms and recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are mainly in the headlines. However, many people who have recovered deal with ongoing physical, mental, and psychological issues long beyond the acute stage. The most persistent and debilitating of these symptoms is fatigue. Objective: To determine the prevalence of chronic fatigue in post COVID-19 patients living in Twin cities (Rawalpindi and Islamabad). Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted and the data were collected from the population living in Islamabad and Rawalpindi using a non-probability convenient sampling technique. The study was completed within 6 months after the approval from the ethical committee. Data were collected through a self-structured questionnaire containing demographics and a fatigue severity scale was used to assess chronic fatigue. Results: There were 382 participants enrolled in total. Out of which 54.2% were females and 45.8% were males. According to the results of the fatigue severity scale 65.4% participants reported chronic fatigue. Out of the 207 female participants, 148 (71.5%) reported chronic Fatigue while 159 (28.5%) were non-fatigued. The results also showed that out of 175 males, 102 (58.3%) reported chronic fatigue and 59 (41.7%) were non-fatigued. Conclusions: The current study concluded that most of the population in the Twin cities (Rawalpindi and Islamabad) had a prevalence of chronic fatigue in post COVID-19 patients.

A review of cytokine-based pathophysiology of Long COVID symptoms

The Long COVID/Post Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) group includes patients with initial mild-to-moderate symptoms during the acute phase of the illness, in whom recovery is prolonged, or new symptoms are developed over months. Here, we propose a description of the pathophysiology of the Long COVID presentation based on inflammatory cytokine cascades and the p38 MAP kinase signaling pathways that regulate cytokine production. In this model, the SARS-CoV-2 viral infection is hypothesized to trigger a dysregulated peripheral immune system activation with subsequent cytokine release. Chronic low-grade inflammation leads to dysregulated brain microglia with an exaggerated release of central cytokines, producing neuroinflammation. Immunothrombosis linked to chronic inflammation with microclot formation leads to decreased tissue perfusion and ischemia. Intermittent fatigue, Post Exertional Malaise (PEM), CNS symptoms with "brain fog," arthralgias, paresthesias, dysautonomia, and GI and ophthalmic problems can consequently arise as result of the elevated peripheral and central cytokines. There are abundant similarities between symptoms in Long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). DNA polymorphisms and viral-induced epigenetic changes to cytokine gene expression may lead to chronic inflammation in Long COVID patients, predisposing some to develop autoimmunity, which may be the gateway to ME/CFS.

Epidemiology, Symptomatology, and Risk Factors for Long COVID Symptoms: Population-Based, Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Long COVID induces a substantial global burden of disease. The pathogenesis, complications, and epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with COVID-19 in the acute phase have been evaluated, while few studies have characterized the epidemiology, symptomatology, and risk factors of long COVID symptoms. Its characteristics among patients with COVID-19 in the general population remain unaddressed.

OBJECTIVE

We examined the prevalence of long COVID symptoms, its symptom patterns, and its risk factors in 4 major Chinese cities in order to fill the knowledge gap.

METHODS

We performed a population-based, multicenter survey using a representative sampling strategy via the Qualtrics platform in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong in June 2022. We included 2712 community-dwelling patients with COVID-19 and measured the prevalence of long COVID symptoms defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), and their risk factors. The primary outcomes were the symptoms of long COVID, with various levels of impact. A descriptive analysis of the prevalence and distribution of long COVID symptoms according to disease severity was conducted. A sensitivity analysis of increasing the number of long COVID symptoms was also conducted. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to examine the risk factors of severe long COVID symptoms, including age, gender, marital status, current occupation, educational level, living status, smoking habits, monthly household income, self-perceived health status, the presence of chronic diseases, the use of chronic medication, COVID-19 vaccination status, and the severity of COVID-19.

RESULTS

The response rate was 63.6% (n=2712). The prevalence of long COVID, moderate or severe long COVID, and severe long COVID was 90.4% (n=2452), 62.4% (n=1692), and 31.0% (n=841), respectively. Fatigue (n=914, 33.7%), cough (n=865, 31.9%), sore throat (n=841, 31.0%), difficulty in concentrating (n=828, 30.5%), feeling of anxiety (n=817, 30.2%), myalgia (n=811, 29.9%), and arthralgia (n=811, 29.9%) were the most common severe long COVID symptoms. From multivariate regression analysis, female gender (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.49, 95% CI 1.13-1.95); engagement in transportation, logistics, or the discipline workforce (aOR=2.52, 95% CI 1.58-4.03); living with domestic workers (aOR=2.37, 95% CI 1.39-4.03); smoking (aOR=1.55, 95% CI 1.17-2.05); poor or very poor self-perceived health status (aOR=15.4, 95% CI 7.88-30.00); ≥3 chronic diseases (aOR=2.71, 95% CI 1.54-4.79); chronic medication use (aOR=4.38, 95% CI 1.66-11.53); and critical severity of COVID-19 (aOR=1.52, 95% CI 1.07-2.15) were associated with severe long COVID. Prior vaccination with ≥2 doses of COVID-19 vaccines was a protective factor (aOR=0.35-0.22, 95% CI 0.08-0.90).

CONCLUSIONS

We examined the prevalence of long COVID symptoms in 4 Chinese cities according to the severity of COVID-19. We also evaluated the pattern of long COVID symptoms and their risk factors. These findings may inform early identification of patients with COVID-19 at risk of long COVID and planning of rehabilitative services.

Expert guidance on the management and challenges of long-COVID syndrome: a systematic review

INTRODUCTION

Long-COVID is a condition characterized by the permanence of symptoms beyond 4 weeks after an initial infection. It affects 1 out of 5 people and is loosely related to the severity of acute infection and pathological mechanisms, which are yet to be understood.

AREAS COVERED

This article looks at currently available and under-studied therapies for long-COVID syndrome. It particularly gives focus to ongoing trials and reviews the underlying mechanisms. A comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed and clincaltrial.gov of clinical trials concerning the management of long-COVID syndrome.

EXPERT OPINION

'Long-COVID' syndrome is a new emergency characterized by several symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, cognitive and attention disorders, sleep disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, muscle pain, and concentration problems. Despite the many guidelines available to date, there are no established treatments of long-COVID. Pharmacological research is studying known drugs that act on the reduction or modulation of systemic inflammation, or innovative drugs used in similar pathologies. Rehabilitation now seems to be the safest treatment to offer, whereas we will have to wait for the pharmacological research trials in progress as well as plan new trials based on a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms.

Long COVID active case detection initiative among COVID-19 patients in Port Dickson, Malaysia: a retrospective study on the positive outcomes, the proportion of patients with long COVID and its associated factors

Background

Long COVID is new or ongoing symptoms at four weeks or more after the start of acute COVID-19. However, the prevalence and factors associated with long COVID are largely unknown in Malaysia. We aim to determine the proportion and factors associated with long COVID among COVID-19 patients in Port Dickson, Malaysia. The positive outcomes of our long COVID active detection initiative were also described.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of long COVID data collected by the Port Dickson District Health Office between 1 September 2021 to 31 October 2021. Monitoring long COVID symptoms was our quality improvement initiative to safeguard residents' health in the district. The study population was patients previously diagnosed with COVID-19 who resided in Port Dickson. The inclusion criteria were adults aged 18 years and above and were in the fifth week (day 29 to 35) post-COVID-19 diagnosis during the data collection period. We called all consecutive eligible patients to inquire regarding long COVID symptoms. Long COVID was defined as new or ongoing symptoms lasting more than 28 days from the date of positive SARS-CoV-2 by polymerase chain reaction test. Binary multivariate logistic regression was conducted to determine factors associated with long COVID.

Results

Among 452 patients, they were predominantly male (54.2%), Malays (68.8%) and aged 18-29 years (58.6%). A total of 27.4% (95% CI [23.4-31.8]) of patients experienced long COVID symptoms and were referred to government clinics. The most frequent long COVID symptoms experienced were fatigue (54.0%), cough (20.2%), muscle pain (18.5%), headache (17.7%) and sleep disturbance (16.1%). Females, patients with underlying cardiovascular disease, asthma and chronic obstructive airway disease, those who received symptomatic care, and patients with myalgia and headaches at COVID-19 diagnosis were more likely to have long COVID. Three patients with suspected severe mental health problems were referred to the district psychologist, and ten patients with no/incomplete vaccination were referred for vaccination.

Conclusion

Long COVID is highly prevalent among COVID-19 patients in Port Dickson, Malaysia. Long-term surveillance and management of long COVID, especially among the high-risk groups, are needed as we transition to living with COVID-19.

Risk factors for suicidal ideation in a chronic illness

Suicide is an urgent concern for people with chronic illnesses, particularly for those with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Prior work has examined suicide risk in this illness, but few studies have examined specific risk factors. This study uses binary logistic regression to identify physical, social, and demographic risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation in ME/CFS (N = 559). The results indicate sleep-related symptoms, stigma, disability status, physical functioning, and marital status as risk factors for suicidal ideation in this group. These findings highlight the importance of education, de-stigmatization, and the search for effective disease-modifying treatments for ME/CFS.

Pediatric Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Aim

Youth who have not recovered from COVID-19 have been referred to as having Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC). The goal of this study was to better understand which symptoms persisted since onset of infection and how these symptoms compare to symptoms experienced by those with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).

Method

A sample of 19 parents who had a child with PASC were recruited using social media to fill out a questionnaire detailing symptoms at two time points. The first time point included their child's current symptoms and the second captured symptoms at initial infection. These participants were compared to a sample of 19 youth with ME/CFS.

Results

Findings indicated significant decreases among several immune, neuroendocrine, pain, post-exertional malaise (PEM), and COVID-19 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) domain symptoms from time of acute infection to time of current reporting. Fatigue remained at a high level as did several symptoms within the sleep and PEM domains. Participants with ME/CFS had overall worse symptomatology when compared to participants with PASC, especially in the neurocognitive domain.

Conclusion

Most symptoms of those with PASC decline over time, but several remain at high levels, including fatigue. These findings are helpful in better understanding common symptom presentation profiles for youth with PASC and can be used to more adequately tailor diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies for youth.

The contribution of gut-brain axis to development of neurological symptoms in COVID-19 recovered patients: A hypothesis and review of literature

The gut microbiota undergoes significant alterations in response to viral infections, particularly the novel SARS-CoV-2. As impaired gut microbiota can trigger numerous neurological disorders, we suggest that the long-term neurological symptoms of COVID-19 may be related to intestinal microbiota disorders in these patients. Thus, we have gathered available information on how the virus can affect the microbiota of gastrointestinal systems, both in the acute and the recovery phase of the disease, and described several mechanisms through which this gut dysbiosis can lead to long-term neurological disorders, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, chronic fatigue, psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety, and even neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. These mechanisms may be mediated by inflammatory cytokines, as well as certain chemicals such as gastrointestinal hormones (e.g., CCK), neurotransmitters (e.g., 5-HT), etc. (e.g., short-chain fatty acids), and the autonomic nervous system. In addition to the direct influences of the virus, repurposed medications used for COVID-19 patients can also play a role in gut dysbiosis. In conclusion, although there are many dark spots in our current knowledge of the mechanism of COVID-19-related gut-brain axis disturbance, based on available evidence, we can hypothesize that these two phenomena are more than just a coincidence and highly recommend large-scale epidemiologic studies in the future.

Cognitive Impairment after Post-Acute COVID-19 Infection: A Systematic Review of the Literature

The present study aims to provide a critical overview of the literature on the relationships between post-acute COVID-19 infection and cognitive impairment, highlighting the limitations and confounding factors. A systematic search of articles published from 1 January 2020 to 1 July 2022 was performed in PubMed/Medline. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Only studies using validated instruments for the assessment of cognitive impairment were included. Out of 5515 screened records, 72 studies met the inclusion criteria. The available evidence revealed the presence of impairment in executive functions, speed of processing, attention and memory in subjects recovered from COVID-19. However, several limitations of the literature reviewed should be highlighted: most studies were performed on small samples, not stratified by severity of disease and age, used as a cross-sectional or a short-term longitudinal design and provided a limited assessment of the different cognitive domains. Few studies investigated the neurobiological correlates of cognitive deficits in individuals recovered from COVID-19. Further studies with an adequate methodological design are needed for an in-depth characterization of cognitive impairment in individuals recovered from COVID-19.

Brain fog of post-COVID-19 condition and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, same medical disorder?

BACKGROUND

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is characterized by persistent physical and mental fatigue. The post-COVID-19 condition patients refer physical fatigue and cognitive impairment sequelae. Given the similarity between both conditions, could it be the same pathology with a different precipitating factor?

OBJECTIVE

To describe the cognitive impairment, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and general symptomatology in both groups, to find out if it is the same pathology. As well as verify if the affectation of smell is related to cognitive deterioration in patients with post-COVID-19 condition.

METHODS

The sample included 42 ME/CFS and 73 post-COVID-19 condition patients. Fatigue, sleep quality, anxiety and depressive symptoms, the frequency and severity of different symptoms, olfactory function and a wide range of cognitive domains were evaluated.

RESULTS

Both syndromes are characterized by excessive physical fatigue, sleep problems and myalgia. Sustained attention and processing speed were impaired in 83.3% and 52.4% of ME/CFS patients while in post-COVID-19 condition were impaired in 56.2% and 41.4% of patients, respectively. Statistically significant differences were found in sustained attention and visuospatial ability, being the ME/CFS group who presented the worst performance. Physical problems and mood issues were the main variables correlating with cognitive performance in post-COVID-19 patients, while in ME/CFS it was anxiety symptoms and physical fatigue.

CONCLUSIONS

The symptomatology and cognitive patterns were similar in both groups, with greater impairment in ME/CFS. This disease is characterized by greater physical and neuropsychiatric problems compared to post-COVID-19 condition. Likewise, we also propose the relevance of prolonged hyposmia as a possible marker of cognitive deterioration in patients with post-COVID-19.

Pathophysiology and mechanism of long COVID: a comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

After almost 2 years of fighting against SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the number of patients enduring persistent symptoms long after acute infection is a matter of concern. This set of symptoms was referred to as "long COVID", and it was defined more recently as "Post COVID-19 condition" by the World health Organization (WHO). Although studies have revealed that long COVID can manifest whatever the severity of inaugural illness, the underlying pathophysiology is still enigmatic.

AIM

To conduct a comprehensive review to address the putative pathophysiology underlying the persisting symptoms of long COVID.

METHOD

We searched 11 bibliographic databases (Cochrane Library, JBI EBP Database, Medline, Embase, PsycInfo, CINHAL, Ovid Nursing Database, Journals@Ovid, SciLit, EuropePMC, and CoronaCentral). We selected studies that put forward hypotheses on the pathophysiology, as well as those that encompassed long COVID patients in their research investigation.

RESULTS

A total of 98 articles were included in the systematic review, 54 of which exclusively addressed hypotheses on pathophysiology, while 44 involved COVID patients. Studies that included patients displayed heterogeneity with respect to the severity of initial illness, timing of analysis, or presence of a control group. Although long COVID likely results from long-term organ damage due to acute-phase infection, specific mechanisms following the initial illness could contribute to the later symptoms possibly affecting many organs. As such, autonomic nervous system damage could account for many symptoms without clear evidence of organ damage. Immune dysregulation, auto-immunity, endothelial dysfunction, occult viral persistence, as well as coagulation activation are the main underlying pathophysiological mechanisms so far.

CONCLUSION

Evidence on why persistent symptoms occur is still limited, and available studies are heterogeneous. Apart from long-term organ damage, many hints suggest that specific mechanisms following acute illness could be involved in long COVID symptoms. KEY MESSAGESLong-COVID is a multisystem disease that develops regardless of the initial disease severity. Its clinical spectrum comprises a wide range of symptoms.The mechanisms underlying its pathophysiology are still unclear. Although organ damage from the acute infection phase likely accounts for symptoms, specific long-lasting inflammatory mechanisms have been proposed, as well.Existing studies involving Long-COVID patients are highly heterogeneous, as they include patients with various COVID-19 severity levels and different time frame analysis, as well.

Mindfulness Meditation Interventions for Long COVID: Biobehavioral Gene Expression and Neuroimmune Functioning

Some individuals infected with SARS CoV-2 have developed Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection (PASC) or what has been referred to as Long COVID. Efforts are underway to find effective treatment strategies for those with Long COVID. One possible approach involves alternative medical interventions, which have been widely used to treat and manage symptoms of a variety of medical problems including post-viral infections. Meditation has been found to reduce fatigue and unrefreshing sleep, and for those with post-viral infections, it has enhanced immunity, and reduced inflammatory-driven pathogenesis. Our article summarizes the literature on what is known about mindfulness meditation interventions, and reviews evidence on how it may apply to those with Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). Evidence is reviewed suggesting effective and sustainable outcomes may be achieved for symptomatology and underlying pathology of post-viral fatigue (PASC and ME/CFS).

Quality of Life in COVID-19 Outpatients: A Long-Term Follow-Up Study

Background: The long-term issues faced by COVID-19 survivors remain unclear. Symptoms may persist for several months, even in non-hospitalized patients, probably impacting the quality of life. Objective: To assess the health-related quality of life of outpatients one year after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Design, Settings, and Participants: This prospective multicentre study, conducted in France from February 2020 to February 2022, compared 150 COVID-19 cases (PCR+ and/or CT scan+) and 260 controls (PCR-) selected from a database of four COVID centres. Main outcomes: Health-related quality of life assessed using the EQ-5D-5L scale. Results: COVID-19 outpatients (n = 96) had significantly lower health-related quality of life than controls (n = 81) one year after SARS-CoV-2 infection: the EQ-5D-5L index averaged 0.87 in cases and 0.95 in controls (p = 0.002); the EQ- VAS averaged 78 in cases and 86.7 in controls (p < 0.001). This alteration in quality of life was more intense in the areas of pain or discomfort and daily activities. Conclusions: This study is the first to show an alteration in the quality of life of COVID-19 outpatients after one year. Appropriate guidance and community rehabilitation programs are required for outpatients with persistent symptoms of COVID-19. Research must continue to confirm these results in larger cohorts.

Estimated Global Proportions of Individuals With Persistent Fatigue, Cognitive, and Respiratory Symptom Clusters Following Symptomatic COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021

Importance

Some individuals experience persistent symptoms after initial symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection (often referred to as Long COVID).

Objective

To estimate the proportion of males and females with COVID-19, younger or older than 20 years of age, who had Long COVID symptoms in 2020 and 2021 and their Long COVID symptom duration.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Bayesian meta-regression and pooling of 54 studies and 2 medical record databases with data for 1.2 million individuals (from 22 countries) who had symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Of the 54 studies, 44 were published and 10 were collaborating cohorts (conducted in Austria, the Faroe Islands, Germany, Iran, Italy, the Netherlands, Russia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the US). The participant data were derived from the 44 published studies (10 501 hospitalized individuals and 42 891 nonhospitalized individuals), the 10 collaborating cohort studies (10 526 and 1906), and the 2 US electronic medical record databases (250 928 and 846 046). Data collection spanned March 2020 to January 2022.

Exposures

Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Proportion of individuals with at least 1 of the 3 self-reported Long COVID symptom clusters (persistent fatigue with bodily pain or mood swings; cognitive problems; or ongoing respiratory problems) 3 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection in 2020 and 2021, estimated separately for hospitalized and nonhospitalized individuals aged 20 years or older by sex and for both sexes of nonhospitalized individuals younger than 20 years of age.

Results

A total of 1.2 million individuals who had symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection were included (mean age, 4-66 years; males, 26%-88%). In the modeled estimates, 6.2% (95% uncertainty interval [UI], 2.4%-13.3%) of individuals who had symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection experienced at least 1 of the 3 Long COVID symptom clusters in 2020 and 2021, including 3.2% (95% UI, 0.6%-10.0%) for persistent fatigue with bodily pain or mood swings, 3.7% (95% UI, 0.9%-9.6%) for ongoing respiratory problems, and 2.2% (95% UI, 0.3%-7.6%) for cognitive problems after adjusting for health status before COVID-19, comprising an estimated 51.0% (95% UI, 16.9%-92.4%), 60.4% (95% UI, 18.9%-89.1%), and 35.4% (95% UI, 9.4%-75.1%), respectively, of Long COVID cases. The Long COVID symptom clusters were more common in women aged 20 years or older (10.6% [95% UI, 4.3%-22.2%]) 3 months after symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection than in men aged 20 years or older (5.4% [95% UI, 2.2%-11.7%]). Both sexes younger than 20 years of age were estimated to be affected in 2.8% (95% UI, 0.9%-7.0%) of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections. The estimated mean Long COVID symptom cluster duration was 9.0 months (95% UI, 7.0-12.0 months) among hospitalized individuals and 4.0 months (95% UI, 3.6-4.6 months) among nonhospitalized individuals. Among individuals with Long COVID symptoms 3 months after symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection, an estimated 15.1% (95% UI, 10.3%-21.1%) continued to experience symptoms at 12 months.

Conclusions and Relevance

This study presents modeled estimates of the proportion of individuals with at least 1 of 3 self-reported Long COVID symptom clusters (persistent fatigue with bodily pain or mood swings; cognitive problems; or ongoing respiratory problems) 3 months after symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Orthostatic Intolerance in Long-Haul COVID after SARS-CoV-2: A Case-Control Comparison with Post-EBV and Insidious-Onset Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Patients

Background: As complaints of long-haul COVID patients are similar to those of ME/CFS patients and as orthostatic intolerance (OI) plays an important role in the COVID infection symptomatology, we compared 14 long-haul COVID patients with 14 ME/CFS patients with a post-viral Ebstein-Barr (EBV) onset and 14 ME/CFS patients with an insidious onset of the disease. Methods: In all patients, OI analysis by history taking and OI assessed during a tilt test, as well as cerebral blood flow measurements by extracranial Doppler, and cardiac index measurements by suprasternal Doppler during the tilt test were obtained in all patients. Results: Except for disease duration no differences were found in clinical characteristics. The prevalence of POTS was higher in the long-haul patients (100%) than in post-EBV (43%) and in insidious-onset (50%) patients (p = 0.0002). No differences between the three groups were present in the prevalence of OI, heart rate and blood pressure changes, changes in cerebral blood flow or in cardiac index during the tilt test. Conclusion: OI symptomatology and objective abnormalities of OI (abnormal cerebral blood flow and cardiac index reduction during tilt testing) are comparable to those in ME/CFS patients. It indicates that long-haul COVID is essentially the same disease as ME/CFS.

Neurological Complications of COVID-19 in the Elderly

SARS-CoV-2 virus is a β-coronavirus and produces a severe viral pneumonia which can be complicated by acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiorgan failure. As knowledge of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) increases, it has become known that SARS-CoV-2 has pronounced neurotropism, producing a wide spectrum of neurological complications. This article addresses the characteristics of the neurological complications of COVID-19 in elderly people.

Post-COVID-19 fatigue: the contribution of cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms

Fatigue in its many forms of physical, mental, and psychosocial exhaustion is a common symptom of post-COVID-19 condition, also known as "Long COVID." Persistent fatigue in COVID-19 patients is frequently accompanied by cognitive dysfunction and neuropsychiatric symptoms; however, less is known about the relationships between these components of post-COVID-19 condition and fatigue itself. Consequently, the present study sought to (1) distinguish the types of fatigue experienced by participants, and (2) investigate whether cognitive deficits across various domains and neuropsychiatric conditions predicted these different types of fatigue. The study included 136 COVID-19 patients referred for neuropsychological evaluation due to cognitive complaints 8 months on average after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Measures included self-reported fatigue (physical, cognitive, and psychosocial), neuropsychiatric questionnaires (assessing symptoms of depression, anxiety, apathy, and executive functioning), a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment, and self-reported quality of life and everyday functioning. Results showed that reports of clinical significant fatigue were pervasive in our sample (82.3% of participants), with physical fatigue rated highest on average relative to the subscale maximum. Elevated levels of apathy, anxiety, and executive dysfunction in neuropsychiatric measures along with executive and attentional difficulties on cognitive tests were found to be consistently important predictors among different types of fatigue. This implicates both cognitive and neuropsychiatric symptoms as predictors of fatigue in post-COVID-19 condition, and stresses the importance of a holistic approach in assessing and considering potential treatment for COVID-19 patients experiencing fatigue.

Aromatherapy blend of thyme, orange, clove bud, and frankincense boosts energy levels in post-COVID-19 female patients: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

A large proportion of individuals who have recovered from an acute COVID-19 infection continue to experience symptoms months later. Post-acute COVID-19 (long-haul COVID-19) can range from serious complications to quality of life symptoms such as fatigue or insomnia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential for inhalation of essential oils to improve energy levels among otherwise healthy female survivors of acute COVID-19 who experience a lack of energy more than five months after recovery. This study was conducted in the United States in late 2021.

METHOD

This was a randomized double blind, placebo controlled trial to evaluate the potential for inhalation of Longevity™, a proprietary essential oil blend manufactured by Young Living Essential Oils (Lehi, Utah, USA), on energy levels among female survivors of COVID-19 who continue to experience fatigue more than 5 months recovery from the acute infection. Forty women were randomized to two groups: intervention and placebo. Both groups inhaled the assigned product twice daily for fourteen consecutive days. Fatigue scores were measured using the Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory (MFSI). Secondary outcomes included scores on each of the MFSI's ten subscales.

RESULTS

Individuals who inhaled the essential oil blend for 2 weeks had significantly lower fatigue scores after controlling for baseline scores, employment status, BMI, olfactory function, and time since diagnosis, with a large effect size (F (1,39) = 6.15, p = .020, partial eta squared = 0.198). Subscale analysis identified subscales of vigor, as well as global, behavioral, general, and mental fatigue as benefiting from the intervention. This study provides evidence that a proprietary aromatherapy blend can significantly improve energy levels among women who are experiencing fatigue after recovering from COVID-19.

Post-COVID-19 condition is not only a question of persistent symptoms: structured screening including health-related quality of life reveals two separate clusters of post-COVID

Purpose

Some patients experience long-term sequelae after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, despite a present post-COVID condition, defined as “any symptom lasting longer than 12 weeks,” only a subset of patients search for medical help and therapy.

Method

We invited all adults with a positive real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2 between March 2020 and September 2021 (n = 4091) in the city of Jena to answer a standardized questionnaire including demographic information, the course of the acute infection and current health status. K-means-clustering of quality of life (QoL) was used to explore post-COVID subgroups.

Results

A total of 909 participants at a median interval of 367 (IQR 291/403) days after acute infection were included in the analysis. Of those, 643 (70.7%) complained of having experienced persistent symptoms at the time of the survey. Cluster analysis based on QoL revealed two subgroups of people with persistent post-COVID symptoms. Whereas 189/643 participants (29.4%) showed markedly diminished QoL, normal QoL was detected in 454/643 individuals (70.6%).

Conclusion

Despite persistent symptoms being reported by nearly three quarters of participants, only one-third of these described a significant reduction in QoL (cluster 1), whereas the other two-thirds reported a near-normal QoL (cluster 2), thus indicating a differentiation between “post-COVID disease” and “post-COVID condition”. The prevalence of clinically relevant post-COVID disease was at least 20.7%. Health policies should focus on this subset.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s15010-022-01886-9.

An Unexpected Journey: The Lived Experiences of Patients with Long-Term Cognitive Sequelae After Recovering from COVID-19

This current study explored the lived experiences of patients with long-term cognitive sequelae after recovering from COVID-19. A qualitative design with in-depth interviews and an analysis inspired by Ricoeur's interpretation theory was utilised. Contracting COVID-19 and suffering long-term sequelae presented as a life-altering event with significant consequences for one's social, psychological and vocational being in the world in the months following the infection. Patients living with long-term cognitive sequelae after COVID-19 were in an unknown life situation characterised by feelings of anxiety, uncertainty and concerns about the future, significantly disrupting their life trajectory and forcing them to change their ways of life. While awaiting studies on treatment, symptom management and recovery after persistent sequelae of COVID-19, clinicians and researchers may find inspiration in experiences of other health conditions with similar phenomenology, such as ME/chronic fatigue syndrome and chronic headaches.

Association Between the LZTFL1 rs11385942 Polymorphism and COVID-19 Severity in Colombian Population

Genetic and non-genetic factors are responsible for the high interindividual variability in the response to SARS-CoV-2. Although numerous genetic polymorphisms have been identified as risk factors for severe COVID-19, these remain understudied in Latin-American populations. This study evaluated the association of non-genetic factors and three polymorphisms: ACE rs4646994, ACE2 rs2285666, and LZTFL1 rs11385942, with COVID severity and long-term symptoms by using a case-control design. The control group was composed of asymptomatic/mild cases (n = 61) recruited from a private laboratory, while the case group was composed of severe/critical patients (n = 63) hospitalized in the Hospital Universitario Mayor-Méderi, both institutions located in Bogotá, Colombia. Clinical follow up and exhaustive revision of medical records allowed us to assess non-genetic factors. Genotypification of the polymorphism of interest was performed by amplicon size analysis and Sanger sequencing. In agreement with previous reports, we found a statistically significant association between age, male sex, and comorbidities, such as hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and worst outcomes. We identified the polymorphism LZTFL1 rs11385942 as an important risk factor for hospitalization (p < 0.01; OR = 5.73; 95% CI = 1.2-26.5, under the allelic test). Furthermore, long-term symptoms were common among the studied population and associated with disease severity. No association between the polymorphisms examined and long-term symptoms was found. Comparison of allelic frequencies with other populations revealed significant differences for the three polymorphisms investigated. Finally, we used the statistically significant genetic and non-genetic variables to develop a predictive logistic regression model, which was implemented in a Shiny web application. Model discrimination was assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC = 0.86; 95% confidence interval 0.79-0.93). These results suggest that LZTFL1 rs11385942 may be a potential biomarker for COVID-19 severity in addition to conventional non-genetic risk factors. A better understanding of the impact of these genetic risk factors may be useful to prioritize high-risk individuals and decrease the morbimortality caused by SARS-CoV2 and future pandemics.

Post-COVID-19 fatigue as a major health problem: a cross-sectional study from Missouri, USA

BACKGROUND

Fatigue following acute viral illnesses is a major issue that complicates the clinical course of several epidemic and non-epidemic viral infections. There is a noticeably higher trend of patients with symptoms that persist after initial recovery from acute COVID-19. This study seeks to obtain more data about the prevalence of post-COVID-19 fatigue and the factors associated with higher fatigue frequency among patients who had COVID-19.

METHODS

A single center cross-sectional study was performed between May 2021 and January 2022 at University Health, Kansas City, Missouri, USA. The Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS) was utilized to measure post-COVID-19 fatigue. Descriptive and comparative statistics were used to describe clinical and sociodemographic features of patients. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), the chi-square test, and Fisher's exact test were used to examine the statistical association between the FAS score and other clinical and sociodemographic factors.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-seven patients who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 and diagnosed at University Health were enrolled in our study. Overall, 72% of patients (n = 113) were female. The mean ± standard deviation of the FAS score was 21.2 ± 9.0. The prevalence of post-COVID-19 fatigue among our studied sample was 43.3%. The findings of this study suggest that female patients have a significantly higher fatigue score compared with male patients (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-COVID-19 fatigue is a major issue following the initial acute illness with COVID-19, with a prevalence of 43.3%. We recommend implementing standardized measures to screen for post-COVID-19 fatigue, especially among female patients.

Impact of the loss of smell on the sleep quality and fatigue level in COVID‑19 survivors

Purpose

Patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are reported to have symptoms such as shortness of breath, dry cough, headache, fatigue, and diarrhea. Loss of smell is a symptom that some patients have suffered from due to inflammation of olfactory epithelium and neuroinvasion of COVID-19 resulting in damage to the olfactory nerves and olfactory bulb. Losing an important sense such as smell might have unfavorable consequences on the lives of COVID-19 survivors; however, these unfavorable consequences have not been sufficiently investigated.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional descriptive study, 81 COVID-19 survivors (51.85% male) answered the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Fatigue Severity Scale, and Patient Health Questionnaire.

Results

COVID-19 survivors who lost their smell were more likely to have poor sleep quality, high fatigue severity, and depression symptoms compared to others who did not lose their smell. Most COVID-19 survivors who lost their smell were women and had breathing difficulties.

Conclusion

Our knowledge of this relationship will assist in establishing more efficient treatment regimens that consider both psychological and physiological factors. Future research is needed to investigate the causality relationship between poor sleep quality, increased fatigue, and depression symptoms in COVID-19 survivors who experienced loss of the sense of smell.

An overview of post COVID sequelae

After healing from COVID-19, patients often experience a slew of symptoms known as post COVID-19 sequelae. Despite the fact that the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is still ongoing, post-Covid-19 syndrome is already a difficult problem to address: long-term multiorgan sequelae, while frequently described, have yet to be systematized. As a result, post-Covid-19 syndrome can have a major influence on surviving patients' working capacity as well as their personal lives. The clinical spectrum and long-term course of this clinical entity must be better understood. Post-Covid syndrome affects a wide spectrum of individuals (16-87%), with pneumological and cognitive symptoms being the most common. Pulmonary fibrosis was the most common organic consequence seen in post-Covid patients. In conclusion, post-Covid-19 syndrome can have a major impact on the health of survivors. Working-age patients should seek rehabilitation and follow-up in interdisciplinary rehabilitation programmes. Given the pandemic's global extent, it's obvious that COVID-19-related healthcare demands will continue to climb for the foreseeable future. For COVID-19 survivors' long-term mental and physical health, present outpatient infrastructure will be utilised, scalable healthcare models will be built, and cross-disciplinary collaboration will be required.

Oropharyngeal Dysphagia After Hospitalization for COVID-19 Disease: Our Screening Results

A high percentage of patients suffered symptoms also after recovery from the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) infection. It is not well clear what are the specific long-term sequelae (complications and symptoms). During the acute phase the patients may develop a multi-organ system pathology including aerodigestive tract. As the pathophysiology of COVID-19 emerges, the aim of our study was to describe the prevalence of oropharyngeal dysphagia after COVID-19 disease. From March to July 2020 we enrolled patients recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection who had been previously hospitalized for the disease. They were screened for dysphagia by mean of the Eating Assessment Tool-10 (EAT-10). The cases with EAT-10 score > 3 were graded for the aspiration risk by applying the Gugging Swallowing Screen (GUSS) and were submitted to the Swal-QoL questionnaire. The cases with a GUSS score > 19 were subjected to FEES. 8/117 (7%) patients had positive screening result. 4/8 (50%) revealed an abnormal health related quality of life in oropharyngeal dysphagia with a mean Swal-QoL score of 69.73. The most affected domain was the "time of meals" (mean score 65) following by the "sleep" (mean score 66) and "eating desire" (mean score 72). 1/8 cases showed increased risk for aspiration and did not showed endoscopic signs of oropharyngeal dysphagia. Our results showed that the prevalence of upper dysphagia after hospitalization for SARS-CoV-2 is not anecdotal and that probably this long-lasting sequela has a psychogenic etiology.

A CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FOR POST-ACUTE SEQUELAE OF SARS CoV-2 INFECTION

This study aimed to contribute to the development of a research case definition for post-acute sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection (PASC) using a PASC data set and experiences from case definitions developed for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).  Our database included patients with PASC who provided self-report symptomology during the onset of infection and the time of survey completion (post-infection).  We found that we could distinguish between those with mild, moderate, and severe PASC.  Regarding the proportion meeting an ME/CFS case definition, we found 0% in the mildly impaired group, 30.6% to 62.6% in the moderately impaired group, and 74.3% to 89.0% in the severely impaired group. Based on these preliminary data, we propose a 5-part classification system for PASC.  Axis 1 involves the variant of the COVID infection and the type of documentation of the infection. Axis 2 involves the time elapsed since infection. Axis 3 involves the type of medical collateral damage to different organs. Axis 4 involves functional impairment classified into three categories: mild, moderate, or severe.  Finally, Axis 5 is the identified symptoms. Finally, if the patient has been sick for 6 or more months, it is important to determine whether the person has met the ME/CFS criteria.  This proposed 5-part classification system for PASC might bring considerable clarity to diagnosing PASC.   

[Persistent fatigue symptoms following COVID-19 infection in healthcare workers: risk factors and impact on quality of life]

Hintergrund und Ziel

Durch ihre Tätigkeit sind Menschen aus medizinisch-pflegerischen Berufen einem erhöhten Risiko für eine SARS-CoV-2-Infektion ausgesetzt und dadurch öfter von Krankheitsfolgen betroffen. In bisherigen Studien wurde als häufigste Krankheitsfolge die postvirale Fatigue (Erschöpfungssyndrom nach viraler Infektion) identifiziert. Das Ziel der Studie war die Untersuchung von Risikofaktoren für anhaltende Fatiguesymptome infolge einer COVID-19-Infektion und deren Auswirkungen bei Beschäftigten im Gesundheitswesen.

Methoden

Im Frühjahr 2021 wurden 4315 Versicherte der Berufsgenossenschaft für Gesundheitsdienst und Wohlfahrtspflege (BGW) für eine schriftliche Befragung zu ihrer COVID-19-Erkrankung im Jahr 2020 und den Krankheitsfolgen angeschrieben. Dabei wurden Symptome der Akutinfektion, Krankheitsfolgen, mögliche Risikofaktoren sowie der körperliche und psychische Gesundheitszustand nach der SARS-CoV-2-Infektion erhoben. Als Fatiguescreening wurde die Skala „Allgemeine Erschöpfung“ des Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) eingesetzt. Zur Datenanalyse wurden Regressionsanalysen und multivariate Varianzanalysen berechnet.

Ergebnisse

10,7 % der Befragten wiesen schwere Fatiguewerte auf. Als Risikofaktoren für eine klinische Fatiguesymptomatik konnten u. a. Vorerkrankungen der Psyche und Atemwege sowie die Schwere der Akutinfektion identifiziert werden. Weiterhin war eine schwere Long‑/Post-COVID-Fatigue mit einer höheren psychischen Belastung, einer niedrigeren gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität sowie mit einer häufigeren Arbeitsunfähigkeit assoziiert.

Diskussion

Von schwerer Long‑/Post-COVID-Fatigue geht ein hoher Leidensdruck aus, der spezifische Rehabilitationsansätze erfordert und Sozialversicherungsträger sowie Unfallversicherer vor die Herausforderung stellt, geeignete Rehabilitationskonzepte zu entwickeln.

Zusatzmaterial online

Zusätzliche Informationen sind in der Online-Version dieses Artikels (10.1007/s00103-022-03511-4) enthalten.

Long COVID: post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 with a cardiovascular focus

Emerging as a new epidemic, long COVID or post-acute sequelae of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a condition characterized by the persistence of COVID-19 symptoms beyond 3 months, is anticipated to substantially alter the lives of millions of people globally. Cardiopulmonary symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and autonomic manifestations such as postural orthostatic tachycardia are common and associated with significant disability, heightened anxiety, and public awareness. A range of cardiovascular (CV) abnormalities has been reported among patients beyond the acute phase and include myocardial inflammation, myocardial infarction, right ventricular dysfunction, and arrhythmias. Pathophysiological mechanisms for delayed complications are still poorly understood, with a dissociation seen between ongoing symptoms and objective measures of cardiopulmonary health. COVID-19 is anticipated to alter the long-term trajectory of many chronic cardiac diseases which are abundant in those at risk of severe disease. In this review, we discuss the definition of long COVID and its epidemiology, with an emphasis on cardiopulmonary symptoms. We further review the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying acute and chronic CV injury, the range of post-acute CV sequelae, and impact of COVID-19 on multiorgan health. We propose a possible model for referral of post-COVID-19 patients to cardiac services and discuss future directions including research priorities and clinical trials that are currently underway to evaluate the efficacy of treatment strategies for long COVID and associated CV sequelae.