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Vogel JM, Pollack B, Spier E, McCorkell L, Jaudon TW, Fitzgerald M, Davis H, Cohen AK. Designing and optimizing clinical trials for long COVID. Life Sci 2024; 355:122970. [PMID: 39142505 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122970] [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: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 08/07/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Long COVID is a debilitating, multisystemic illness following a SARS-CoV-2 infection whose duration may be indefinite. Over four years into the pandemic, little knowledge has been generated from clinical trials. We analyzed the information available on ClinicalTrials.gov, and found that the rigor and focus of trials vary widely, and that the majority test non-pharmacological interventions with insufficient evidence. We highlight promising trials underway, and encourage the proliferation of clinical trials for treating Long COVID and other infection-associated chronic conditions and illnesses (IACCIs). We recommend several guidelines for Long COVID trials: First, pharmaceutical trials with potentially curative, primary interventions should be prioritized, and both drug repurposing and new drug development should be pursued. Second, study designs should be both rigorous and accessible, e.g., triple-blinded randomized trials that can be conducted remotely, without participants needing to leave their homes. Third, studies should have multiple illness comparator cohorts for IACCIs such as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) and dysautonomia, and screen for the full spectrum of symptomatology and pathologies of these illnesses. Fourth, studies should consider inclusion/exclusion criteria with an eye towards equity and breadth of representation, including participants of all races, ethnicities, and genders most impacted by COVID-19, and including all levels of illness severity. Fifth, involving patient-researchers in all aspects of studies brings immensely valuable perspectives that will increase the impact of trials. We also encourage the development of efficient clinical trial designs including methods to study several therapies in parallel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Moore Vogel
- Scripps Research Translational Institute, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, United States of America; Patient-Led Research Collaborative, United States of America.
| | - Beth Pollack
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, United States of America; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Ezra Spier
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, United States of America
| | - Lisa McCorkell
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, United States of America
| | - Toni Wall Jaudon
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, United States of America; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States of America
| | | | - Hannah Davis
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, United States of America
| | - Alison K Cohen
- Patient-Led Research Collaborative, United States of America; University of California San Francisco, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics and Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, 550 16th street, 2nd floor, San Francisco, CA 94158, United States of America
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2
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Ng HW, Scott DAR, Danesh-Meyer HV, Smith JR, McGhee CN, Niederer RL. Ocular manifestations of COVID-19. Prog Retin Eye Res 2024; 102:101285. [PMID: 38925508 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2024.101285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
There is an increasing body of knowledge regarding how COVID-19 may be associated with ocular disease of varying severity and duration. This article discusses the literature on the ocular manifestations associated with COVID-19, including appraisal of the current evidence, suggested mechanisms of action, associated comorbidities and risk factors, timing from initial infection to diagnosis and clinical red flags. The current literature primarily comprises case reports and case series which inevitably lack control groups and evidence to support causality. However, these early data have prompted the development of larger population-based and laboratory studies that are emerging. As new data become available, a better appraisal of the true effects of COVID-19 on the eye will be possible. While the COVID-19 pandemic was officially declared no longer a "global health emergency" by the World Health Organization (WHO) in May 2023, case numbers continue to rise. Reinfection with different variants is predicted to lead to a growing cumulative burden of disease, particularly as more chronic, multi-organ sequelae become apparent with potentially significant ocular implications. COVID-19 ocular manifestations are postulated to be due to three main mechanisms: firstly, there is a dysregulated immune response to the initial infection linked to inflammatory eye disease; secondly, patients with COVID-19 have a greater tendency towards a hypercoagulable state, leading to prothrombotic events; thirdly, patients with severe COVID-19 requiring hospitalisation and are immunosuppressed due to administered corticosteroids or comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus are at an increased risk of secondary infections, including endophthalmitis and rhino-orbital-mucormycosis. Reported ophthalmic associations with COVID-19, therefore, include a range of conditions such as conjunctivitis, scleritis, uveitis, endogenous endophthalmitis, corneal graft rejection, retinal artery and vein occlusion, non-arteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy, glaucoma, neurological and orbital sequelae. With the need to consider telemedicine consultation in view of COVID-19's infectivity, understanding the range of ocular conditions that may present during or following infection is essential to ensure patients are appropriately triaged, with prompt in-person ocular examination for management of potentially sight-threatening and life-threatening diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah W Ng
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, NZ, New Zealand
| | - Daniel A R Scott
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, NZ, New Zealand
| | - Helen V Danesh-Meyer
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, NZ, New Zealand
| | - Justine R Smith
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Charles Nj McGhee
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, NZ, New Zealand
| | - Rachael L Niederer
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, NZ, New Zealand.
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3
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Wu M, Fletcher EL, Chinnery HR, Downie LE, Mueller SN. Redefining our vision: an updated guide to the ocular immune system. Nat Rev Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41577-024-01064-y. [PMID: 39215057 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-01064-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
Balanced immune responses in the eyes are crucial to preserve vision. The ocular immune system has long been considered distinct, owing to the so-called 'immune privilege' of its component tissues. More recently, intravital imaging and transcriptomic techniques have reshaped scientific understanding of the ocular immune landscape, such as revealing the specialization of immune cell populations in the various tissues of the eye. As knowledge of the phenotypes of corneal and retinal immune cells has evolved, links to both the systemic immune system, and the central and peripheral nervous systems, have been identified. Using intravital imaging, T cells have recently been found to reside in, and actively patrol, the healthy human cornea. Disease-associated retinal microglia with links to retinal degeneration have also been identified. This Review provides an updated guide to the ocular immune system, highlighting current knowledge of the immune cells that are present in steady-state and specific diseased ocular tissues, as well as evidence for their relationship to systemic disease. In addition, we discuss emerging intravital imaging techniques that can be used to visualize immune cell morphology and dynamics in living human eyes and how these could be applied to advance understanding of the human immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengliang Wu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Erica L Fletcher
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Holly R Chinnery
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
- Lions Eye Institute, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia.
- Optometry, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia.
| | - Laura E Downie
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Scott N Mueller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, at The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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4
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Cozma A, Sitar-Tăut AV, Orășan OH, Leucuța DC, Pocol TC, Sălăgean O, Crișan C, Sporiș ND, Lazar AL, Mălinescu TV, Ganea AM, Vlad CV, Horvat M, Lupșe MS, Briciu V. The Impact of Long COVID on the Quality of Life. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:1359. [PMID: 39202641 PMCID: PMC11356039 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60081359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The term long COVID refers to patients with a history of confirmed COVID-19 infection, who present symptoms that last for at least 2 months and cannot be explained by another diagnosis. Objectives: The present study aims to determine the most common symptoms of the long COVID syndrome and their impact on the quality of life. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on patients diagnosed with mild and moderate COVID-19 (based on a positive SARS-CoV-2 molecular diagnostic or rapid antigen test and severity form definition) at the Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases, Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Clinical examinations with detailed questions about symptoms were performed at the time of the diagnosis of COVID-19 and the six-month follow-up. Two years after COVID-19 infection, patients were invited to complete an online quality-of-life questionnaire regarding long COVID symptoms. Results: A total of 103 patients (35.92% males) with a mean age of 41.56 ± 11.77 were included in this study. Of the total number of patients, 65.04% presented mild forms of COVID-19. Data regarding the vaccination status showed that 83.5% were vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2. The most common symptoms at diagnosis were cough (80.6%), fatigue (80.4%), odynophagia (76.7%), and headaches (67.6%), with female patients being statistically more likely to experience it (p = 0.014). Patients with moderate forms of the disease had higher levels of both systolic (p = 0.008) and diastolic (p = 0.037) blood pressure at diagnosis, but no statistical difference was observed in the 6-month follow-up. The most common symptoms at 2 years (in 29 respondent subjects) were represented by asthenia (51.7%), headache (34.5%), memory disorders (27.6%), abdominal meteorism (27.6%), and arthralgia (27.6%). In terms of cardiovascular symptoms, fluctuating blood pressure values (20.7%), palpitations (17.2%), and increased heart rate values (17.2%) were recorded. Conclusions: If at the time of diagnosis, the most frequent manifestations of the disease were respiratory, together with headache and fatigue, at re-evaluation, asthenia, decreased effort tolerance, and neuropsychiatric symptoms prevailed. Regarding the cardiovascular changes as part of the long COVID clinical picture, some patients developed prehypertension, palpitations, and tachycardia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Cozma
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.C.); (A.-V.S.-T.); (T.-C.P.); (O.S.); (C.C.); (C.V.V.)
| | - Adela-Viviana Sitar-Tăut
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.C.); (A.-V.S.-T.); (T.-C.P.); (O.S.); (C.C.); (C.V.V.)
| | - Olga Hilda Orășan
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.C.); (A.-V.S.-T.); (T.-C.P.); (O.S.); (C.C.); (C.V.V.)
| | - Daniel Corneliu Leucuța
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Tinca-Codruța Pocol
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.C.); (A.-V.S.-T.); (T.-C.P.); (O.S.); (C.C.); (C.V.V.)
| | - Octavia Sălăgean
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.C.); (A.-V.S.-T.); (T.-C.P.); (O.S.); (C.C.); (C.V.V.)
| | - Camil Crișan
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.C.); (A.-V.S.-T.); (T.-C.P.); (O.S.); (C.C.); (C.V.V.)
| | - Nicolae-Dan Sporiș
- Department of Medical Oncology, Prof. Dr. I. Chiricuța Oncology Institute, 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Andrada-Luciana Lazar
- Department of Dermatology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Toma-Vlad Mălinescu
- Department of Cardiology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (T.-V.M.); (A.-M.G.)
| | - Andreea-Maria Ganea
- Department of Cardiology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (T.-V.M.); (A.-M.G.)
| | - Călin Vasile Vlad
- Department of Internal Medicine, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.C.); (A.-V.S.-T.); (T.-C.P.); (O.S.); (C.C.); (C.V.V.)
| | - Melinda Horvat
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.H.); (M.S.L.); (V.B.)
| | - Mihaela Sorina Lupșe
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.H.); (M.S.L.); (V.B.)
| | - Violeta Briciu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Epidemiology, “Iuliu Hațieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400348 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (M.H.); (M.S.L.); (V.B.)
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Bandinelli F, Nassini R, Gherardi E, Chiocchetti B, Manetti M, Cincotta M, Nozzoli F, Nucci E, De Logu F, Pimpinelli N. Small Fiber Neuropathy Associated with Post-COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 Vaccination Arthritis: A Rare Post-Infective Syndrome or a New-Onset Disease? J Pers Med 2024; 14:789. [PMID: 39201981 PMCID: PMC11355276 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14080789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Post-COVID-19 (PC) and post-COVID-19 vaccination (PCV) syndromes are considered emergent multidisciplinary disorders. PC/PCV small fiber neuropathy (SFN) was rarely described and its association with undifferentiated arthritis (UA) was never defined. We aimed to evaluate PC/PCV-UA associated with the recent onset of severe lower limb paresthesia, compare SFN positive (+) to negative (-) patients, and evaluate changes in biomarkers in SFN+ during treatments. Nineteen PC/PCV-UA-patients with possible SFN underwent skin biopsy at the Usl Tuscany Center (Florence) early arthritis outpatient clinic from September 2021 to March 2024. Eight selected SFN+ were compared to ten SFN- patients. In SFN+ patients, baseline joint ultrasound (US), electromyography (EMG), optical coherence tomography (OCT), and skin biopsy were repeated at six months. Moreover, SFN+ patients were clinically assessed by a 0-10 numeric rating scale for neurological symptoms and DAS28/ESR up to 12 months follow-up. SFN+ patients showed a lower intraepidermal nerve fiber density at histopathological examination of skin biopsies and a higher frequency of OCT and EMG abnormalities in comparison to SFN- patients. In SFN+ patients, US and DAS28/ESR significantly improved, while intraepidermal nerve fiber density did not significantly change at the six-month follow-up. Fatigue, motor impairment, burning pain, brain fog, and sensitivity disorders decreased at long-term follow-up (12 months).
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Bandinelli
- Rheumatology Department, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Usl Tuscany Center, 50143 Florence, Italy
| | - Romina Nassini
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (R.N.)
- Headache Center and Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Gherardi
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50125 Florence, Italy (N.P.)
| | - Barbara Chiocchetti
- Neurology Department, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Usl Tuscany Center, 50143 Florence, Italy (M.C.)
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Massimo Cincotta
- Neurology Department, San Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Usl Tuscany Center, 50143 Florence, Italy (M.C.)
| | - Filippo Nozzoli
- Section of Pathological Anatomy, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Nucci
- Histopathology and Molecular Diagnostics Unit, Careggi University Hospital, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco De Logu
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy; (R.N.)
| | - Nicola Pimpinelli
- Section of Dermatology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, 50125 Florence, Italy (N.P.)
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6
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Szalai E, Nagy K, Kolkedi Z, Csutak A. Corneal nerve fiber morphology following COVID-19 infection in vaccinated and non-vaccinated population. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16801. [PMID: 39039160 PMCID: PMC11263336 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67967-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
To examine corneal subbasal nerve changes in patients who received vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 virus and underwent COVID-19 infection compared to infected non-vaccinated patients and healthy controls. Twenty-nine eyes of 29 vaccinated patients (mean age: 36.66 ± 12.25 years) within six months after PCR or Ag test proven COVID-19 infection and twenty-eight eyes of 28 age-matched infected, non-vaccinated patients (mean age: 42.14 ± 14.17 years) were enrolled. Twenty-five age-matched healthy individuals (mean age: 47.52 ± 18.45 years) served as controls. In vivo confocal microscopy (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II Rostock Cornea Module, Germany) was performed in each group. Corneal subbasal nerve plexus morphology and corneal dendritic cells (DC) were evaluated. Significantly higher corneal nerve fiber density (P < 0.001), nerve branch density (P < 0.001), nerve fiber length (P < 0.001), total branch density (P = 0.007), nerve fiber area (P = 0.001) and fractal dimension (P < 0.001) values were observed in vaccinated patients after COVID-19 infection compared to the non-vaccinated group. Significantly higher DC density was observed in the non-vaccinated group compared to the control group (P = 0.05). There was a statistically significant difference in the size of mature DCs (P < 0.0001) but the size of immature DCs did not differ significantly among the 3 groups (P = 0.132). Our results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 vaccination may have a protective effect against the complications of COVID-19 disease on the corneal subbasal nerve fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Szalai
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Rákóczi U. 2, Pécs, 7623, Hungary.
| | - Katalin Nagy
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Rákóczi U. 2, Pécs, 7623, Hungary
| | - Zsofia Kolkedi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Rákóczi U. 2, Pécs, 7623, Hungary
| | - Adrienne Csutak
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pécs Medical School, Rákóczi U. 2, Pécs, 7623, Hungary
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7
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Jagst M, Pottkämper L, Gömer A, Pitarokoili K, Steinmann E. Neuroinvasion and neurotropism of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Curr Opin Microbiol 2024; 79:102474. [PMID: 38615394 DOI: 10.1016/j.mib.2024.102474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of coronavirus disease 2019, contributes to neurological pathologies in nearly 30% of patients, extending beyond respiratory symptoms. These manifestations encompass disorders of both the peripheral and central nervous systems, causing among others cerebrovascular issues and psychiatric manifestations during the acute and/or post-acute infection phases. Despite ongoing research, uncertainties persist about the precise mechanism the virus uses to infiltrate the central nervous system and the involved entry portals. This review discusses the potential entry routes, including hematogenous and anterograde transport. Furthermore, we explore variations in neurotropism, neurovirulence, and neurological manifestations among pandemic-associated variants of concern. In conclusion, SARS-CoV-2 can infect numerous cells within the peripheral and central nervous system, provoke inflammatory responses, and induce neuropathological changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Jagst
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; Institute of Virology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lilli Pottkämper
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - André Gömer
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kalliopi Pitarokoili
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Eike Steinmann
- Department of Molecular and Medical Virology, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), External Partner Site, Bochum, Germany.
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8
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Ruan F, Kong WJ, Fan Q, Dong HW, Zhang W, Wei WB, Jie Y. Evaluation of dry eye disease symptomatology and mental health status among patients with different COVID-19 statuses. Int J Ophthalmol 2024; 17:822-830. [PMID: 38766352 PMCID: PMC11074193 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2024.05.05] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
AIM To evaluate dry eye disease (DED) symptomatology and mental health status in different COVID-19 patients. METHODS A cross-sectional observational design was used. Totally 123 eligible adults (46.34% of men, age range, 18-59y) with COVID-19 included in the study from August to November, 2022. Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), Five-item Dry Eye Questionnaire (DEQ-5), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used in this study. RESULTS OSDI scores were 6.82 (1.25, 15.91) in asymptomatic carriers, 7.35 (2.50, 18.38) in mild cases, and 16.67 (4.43, 28.04) in recurrent cases, with 30.00%, 35.56%, and 57.89%, respectively evaluated as having DED symptoms (χ2=7.049, P=0.029). DEQ-5 score varied from 2.00 (0, 6.00) in asymptomatic carriers, 3.00 (0, 8.00) in mild cases, and 8.00 (5.00, 10.00) in recurrent cases, with 27.50%, 33.33%, and 55.26%, respectively assessed as having DED symptoms (χ2=8.532, P=0.014). The prevalence of clinical anxiety (50.00%) and depression (47.37%) symptoms were also significantly higher in patients with recurrent infection (χ2=24.541, P<0.001; χ2=30.871, P<0.001). Recurrent infection was a risk factor for high OSDI scores [odds ratio, 2.562; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.631-7.979; P=0.033] and DEQ-5 scores (odds ratio, 3.353; 95%CI, 1.038-8.834; P=0.043), whereas having a fixed occupation was a protective factor for OSDI scores (odds ratio, 0.088; 95%CI, 0.022-0.360; P=0.001) and DEQ-5 scores (odds ratio, 0.126; 95%CI, 0.039-0.405; P=0.001). CONCLUSION Patients with recurrent COVID-19 have more severe symptoms of DED, anxiety, and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Ruan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Infectious Eye Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing 100069, China
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Wen-Jun Kong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Infectious Eye Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Qian Fan
- Tianjin Eye Hospital, Tianjin Key Lab of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Tianjin Eye Institute, Nankai University Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nankai University Eye Institute, Nankai University, Clinical College of Ophthalmology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300020, China
| | - Hong-Wei Dong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Infectious Eye Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Infectious Eye Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Beijing 100069, China
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Wen-Bin Wei
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Ying Jie
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Ophthalmology, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Key Lab, Beijing 100730, China
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9
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Dalakas MC. Post-COVID Small Fiber Neuropathy, Implications of Innate Immunity, and Challenges on IVIG Therapy. NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2024; 11:e200248. [PMID: 38630951 PMCID: PMC11087046 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000200248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Marinos C Dalakas
- From the Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA; and Neuroimmunology Unit National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens Greece
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10
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Dash N, Choudhury D. Dry Eye Disease: An Update on Changing Perspectives on Causes, Diagnosis, and Management. Cureus 2024; 16:e59985. [PMID: 38854318 PMCID: PMC11162257 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.59985] [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: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Dry eye disease is a common clinical problem encountered by ophthalmologists worldwide. Interest in this entity has increased in recent years due to the consequences it has on the ocular surface after any surface procedure. With changing times, several new factors have come to light that can influence this disease. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has also been greatly felt, with a range of causes, starting from increased screen work to inflammatory processes, exacerbating the condition in many. With changes in the concepts of the etiopathogenesis of the disease, a paradigm shift has taken place in the approaches to treatment. More researchers are in favor of a new tear film-oriented approach that tries to localize the disease to a single component in the tear film. Innovation of newer techniques for the treatment of meibomian gland disease has also made its foray into clinical ophthalmology. Newer drug formulations and molecules are underway to better treat the inflammatory component of the disease. Many other receptors and targets for the treatment of dry eyes are being researched. This review hopes to provide a succinct, narrative summary of the relevant research on dry eye disease to date to increase awareness about the nature and future course of this disease and its management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita Dash
- Ophthalmology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, IND
| | - Deepak Choudhury
- Ophthalmology, Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gajapati (MKCG) Medical College, Berhampur, IND
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11
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Huang Y, Chen T, Chen X, Wan L, Hou X, Zhuang J, Jiang J, Li Y, Qiu J, Yu K, Zhuang J. Corneal Stroma Analysis and Related Ocular Manifestations in Recovered COVID-19 Patients. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2024; 65:14. [PMID: 38713483 PMCID: PMC11086707 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.65.5.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) on corneal stroma characteristics, ocular manifestations, and post-recovery refractive surgery outcomes after varying recovery durations. Methods Fresh corneal lenticules from patients with post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; recovered within 135 days) and healthy controls (HCs) after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) surgery were obtained for experimental validation of SARS-CoV-2 susceptibility, morphological changes, and immune response of the corneal stroma. Corneal optical density (CD) was measured using the Pentacam HR. Corneal epithelium thickness (ET) and endothelium parameters were evaluated by wide-field optical coherence tomography (OCT) and non-contact specular microscopy (SP-1P), respectively. All the patients were assessed after SMILE surgery until 3 month of follow-up. Results The cornea was susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 with the presence of SARS-CoV-2 receptors (CD147 and ACE2) and spike protein remnants (4 out of 58) in post-recovery corneal lenticules. Moreover, SARS-CoV-2 infection triggered immune responses in the corneal stroma, with elevated IL-6 levels observed between 45 and 75 days post-recovery, which were then lower at around day 105. Concurrently, corneal mid-stromal nerve length and branching were initially higher in the 60D to 75D group and returned to control levels by day 135. A similar trend was observed in CD within zones 0 to 2 and 2 to 6 and in the hexagonal cells (HEX) ratio in endothelial cells, whereas ET remained consistent. Notably, these changes did not affect the efficacy, safety, or predictability of post-recovery SMILE surgery. Conclusions SARS-CoV-2 induces temporal alterations in corneal stromal morphology and function post-recovery. These findings provided a theoretical basis for corneal health and refractive surgery management in the post-COVID-19 milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuke Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Taiwei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Linxi Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangtao Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiejie Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingyi Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Keming Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Ocular Diseases, Guangzhou, China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Schmitz F, Klimas R, Spenner M, Schumacher A, Hieke A, Greiner T, Enax-Krumova E, Sgodzai M, Fels M, Brünger J, Huckemann S, Stude P, Tegenthoff M, Gold R, Philipps J, Fisse AL, Grüter T, Pitarokoili K, Motte J, Sturm D. Morphological Differentiation of Corneal Inflammatory Cells: Proposal of Pragmatic Protocol. Cornea 2024:00003226-990000000-00534. [PMID: 38588437 DOI: 10.1097/ico.0000000000003543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Corneal confocal microscopy is a noninvasive imaging technique to analyze corneal nerve fibers and corneal inflammatory cells (CICs). The amount of CICs is a potential biomarker of disease activity in chronic autoinflammatory diseases. To date, there are no standardized criteria for the morphological characterization of CICs. The aim was to establish a protocol for a standardized morphological classification of CICs based on a literature search and to test this protocol for applicability and reliability. METHODS A systematic review of the literature about definitions of CICs was conducted. Existing morphological descriptions were translated into a structured algorithm and applied by raters. Subsequently, the protocol was optimized by reducing and defining the criteria of the cell types. The optimized algorithm was applied by 4 raters. The interrater reliability was calculated using Fleiss kappa (K). RESULTS A systematic review of the literature revealed no uniform morphological criteria for the differentiation of the individual cell types in CICs. Our first protocol achieved only a low level of agreement between 3 raters (K = 0.09; 1062 rated cells). Our revised protocol was able to achieve a higher interrater reliability with 3 (K = 0.64; 471 rated cells) and 4 (K = 0.61; 628 rated cells) raters. CONCLUSIONS The indirect use of criteria from the literature leads to a high error rate. By clearly defining the individual cell types and standardizing the protocol, reproducible results were obtained, allowing the introduction of this protocol for the future evaluation of CICs in the corneal confocal microscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fynn Schmitz
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Rafael Klimas
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marie Spenner
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Aurelian Schumacher
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Alina Hieke
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Tineke Greiner
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Elena Enax-Krumova
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Melissa Sgodzai
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Miriam Fels
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jil Brünger
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sophie Huckemann
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Philipp Stude
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Martin Tegenthoff
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Ralf Gold
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jörg Philipps
- Department of Neurology and Neurogeriatrics, Johannes Wesling Klinikum Minden, Minden, Germany
| | - Anna Lena Fisse
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Grüter
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Kalliopi Pitarokoili
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jeremias Motte
- Department of Neurology, St. Josef-Hospital, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Dietrich Sturm
- Immune-mediated Neuropathies Biobank (INHIBIT), Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil, Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Agaplesion Bethesda Krankenhaus, Wuppertal, Germany; and
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Gheorghita R, Soldanescu I, Lobiuc A, Caliman Sturdza OA, Filip R, Constantinescu – Bercu A, Dimian M, Mangul S, Covasa M. The knowns and unknowns of long COVID-19: from mechanisms to therapeutical approaches. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1344086. [PMID: 38500880 PMCID: PMC10944866 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1344086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been defined as the greatest global health and socioeconomic crisis of modern times. While most people recover after being infected with the virus, a significant proportion of them continue to experience health issues weeks, months and even years after acute infection with SARS-CoV-2. This persistence of clinical symptoms in infected individuals for at least three months after the onset of the disease or the emergence of new symptoms lasting more than two months, without any other explanation and alternative diagnosis have been named long COVID, long-haul COVID, post-COVID-19 conditions, chronic COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Long COVID has been characterized as a constellation of symptoms and disorders that vary widely in their manifestations. Further, the mechanisms underlying long COVID are not fully understood, which hamper efficient treatment options. This review describes predictors and the most common symptoms related to long COVID's effects on the central and peripheral nervous system and other organs and tissues. Furthermore, the transcriptional markers, molecular signaling pathways and risk factors for long COVID, such as sex, age, pre-existing condition, hospitalization during acute phase of COVID-19, vaccination, and lifestyle are presented. Finally, recommendations for patient rehabilitation and disease management, as well as alternative therapeutical approaches to long COVID sequelae are discussed. Understanding the complexity of this disease, its symptoms across multiple organ systems and overlapping pathologies and its possible mechanisms are paramount in developing diagnostic tools and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Gheorghita
- Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Iuliana Soldanescu
- Integrated Center for Research, Development and Innovation for Advanced Materials, Nanotechnologies, Manufacturing and Control Distributed Systems (MANSiD), University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Andrei Lobiuc
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Olga Adriana Caliman Sturdza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Suceava Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Suceava, Romania
| | - Roxana Filip
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Suceava Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Suceava, Romania
| | - Adela Constantinescu – Bercu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Hemostasis Research Unit, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Mihai Dimian
- Integrated Center for Research, Development and Innovation for Advanced Materials, Nanotechnologies, Manufacturing and Control Distributed Systems (MANSiD), University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Department of Computer, Electronics and Automation, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Serghei Mangul
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mihai Covasa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pomona, CA, United States
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14
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Wong NSQ, Liu C, Lin MTY, Lee IXY, Tong L, Liu YC. Neuropathic Corneal Pain after Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Infection. Diseases 2024; 12:37. [PMID: 38391784 PMCID: PMC10887979 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12020037] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This is a case report of a patient with neuropathic corneal pain after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. METHODS A previously healthy 27-year-old female presented with bilateral eye pain accompanied by increased light sensitivity 5 months after COVID-19 infection. She was diagnosed with neuropathic corneal pain based on clear corneas without fluorescein staining, alongside the presence of microneuromas, dendritic cells, and activated stromal keratocytes identified bilaterally on in vivo confocal microscopy. RESULTS The patient's tear nerve growth factor, substance P, and calcitonin gene-related peptide levels were 5.9 pg/mL, 2978.7 pg/mL, and 1.1 ng/mL, respectively, for the right eye and 23.1 pg/mL, 4798.7 pg/mL, and 1.2 ng/mL, respectively, for the left eye, suggesting corneal neuroinflammatory status. After 6 weeks of topical 0.1% flurometholone treatment, decreased microneuroma size, less extensive dendritic cells, and reduced tear nerve growth factor and substance P levels were observed. The scores on the Ocular Pain Assessment Survey showed an improvement in burning sensation and light sensitivity, decreasing from 80% and 70% to 50% for both. CONCLUSIONS Neuropathic corneal pain is a potential post-COVID-19 complication that warrants ophthalmologists' and neurologists' attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Shi Qi Wong
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Chang Liu
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
| | | | | | - Louis Tong
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Yu-Chi Liu
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, Singapore
- Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore
- Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
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15
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Passos V, Henkel LM, Wang J, Zapatero-Belinchón FJ, Möller R, Sun G, Waltl I, Schneider T, Wachs A, Ritter B, Kropp KA, Zhu S, Deleidi M, Kalinke U, Schulz TF, Höglinger G, Gerold G, Wegner F, Viejo-Borbolla A. Innate immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection contributes to neuronal damage in human iPSC-derived peripheral neurons. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29455. [PMID: 38323709 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes neurological disease in the peripheral and central nervous system (PNS and CNS, respectively) of some patients. It is not clear whether SARS-CoV-2 infection or the subsequent immune response are the key factors that cause neurological disease. Here, we addressed this question by infecting human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived CNS and PNS neurons with SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 infected a low number of CNS neurons and did not elicit a robust innate immune response. On the contrary, SARS-CoV-2 infected a higher number of PNS neurons. This resulted in expression of interferon (IFN) λ1, several IFN-stimulated genes and proinflammatory cytokines. The PNS neurons also displayed alterations characteristic of neuronal damage, as increased levels of sterile alpha and Toll/interleukin receptor motif-containing protein 1, amyloid precursor protein and α-synuclein, and lower levels of cytoskeletal proteins. Interestingly, blockade of the Janus kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription pathway by Ruxolitinib did not increase SARS-CoV-2 infection, but reduced neuronal damage, suggesting that an exacerbated neuronal innate immune response contributes to pathogenesis in the PNS. Our results provide a basis to study coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related neuronal pathology and to test future preventive or therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vania Passos
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Virology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lisa M Henkel
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jiayi Wang
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Virology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Francisco J Zapatero-Belinchón
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence-Resolving Infection Susceptibility (RESIST), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Rebecca Möller
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Guorong Sun
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Virology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Inken Waltl
- Institute for Experimental Infection Research, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and the Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Talia Schneider
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Virology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Amelie Wachs
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Virology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Birgit Ritter
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Virology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kai A Kropp
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Virology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Shuyong Zhu
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Virology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michela Deleidi
- Center of Neurology, Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Kalinke
- Cluster of Excellence-Resolving Infection Susceptibility (RESIST), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Experimental Infection Research, TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture between the Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research and the Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas F Schulz
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Virology, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence-Resolving Infection Susceptibility (RESIST), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Günter Höglinger
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence-Resolving Infection Susceptibility (RESIST), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Gisa Gerold
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence-Resolving Infection Susceptibility (RESIST), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine (WCMM), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Florian Wegner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Abel Viejo-Borbolla
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Virology, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence-Resolving Infection Susceptibility (RESIST), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Ponirakis G, Odriozola A, Ortega L, Martinez L, Odriozola S, Torrens A, Coroleu D, Martínez S, Sanz X, Ponce M, Meije Y, Clemente M, Duarte A, Odriozola MB, Malik RA. Quantitative sensory testing defines the trajectory of sensory neuropathy after severe COVID-19. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2024; 207:111029. [PMID: 38007044 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2023.111029] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To assess sensory neuropathy development after severe COVID-19. METHODS Patients with severe COVID-19 underwent assessment of neuropathic symptoms, tendon reflexes, and quantitative sensory testing to evaluate vibration (VPT), cold (CPT), warm (WPT) and heat perception thresholds (HPT) within 1-3 weeks of admission and after 1-year. RESULTS 32 participants with severe COVID-19 aged 68.6 ± 12.4 (18.8 % diabetes) were assessed. At baseline, numbness and neuropathic pain were present in 56.3 % and 43.8 % of participants, respectively. On the feet, VPT, WPT, and HPT were abnormal in 81.3 %, CPT was abnormal in 50.0 % and HPT on the face was abnormal in 12.5 % of patients. At 1-year follow-up, the prevalence of abnormal VPT (81.3 % vs 50.0 %, P < 0.01), WPT (81.3 % vs 43.8 %, P < 0.01), and HPT (81.3 % vs 50.0 %, P < 0.01) decreased, with no change in CPT (P = 0.21) on the feet or HPT on the face (P = 1.0). Only participants without diabetes recovered from an abnormal VPT, CPT, and WPT. Patients with long-COVID (37.5 %) had comparable baseline VPT, WPT and CPT with those without long-COVID (P = 0.07-0.69). CONCLUSIONS Severe COVID-19 is associated with abnormal vibration and thermal thresholds which are sustained for up to 1 year in patients with diabetes. Abnormal sensory thresholds have no association with long-COVID development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Ponirakis
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xavier Sanz
- Hospital of Barcelona SCIAS, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Rayaz A Malik
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
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17
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Corrêa BDC, Santos EGR, Belgamo A, Pinto GHL, Xavier SS, Silva CC, Dias ÁRN, Paranhos ACM, Cabral ADS, Callegari B, Costa e Silva ADA, Quaresma JAS, Falcão LFM, Souza GS. Smartphone-based evaluation of static balance and mobility in long-lasting COVID-19 patients. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1277408. [PMID: 38148981 PMCID: PMC10750373 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1277408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background SARS-CoV-2 infection can lead to a variety of persistent sequelae, collectively known as long COVID-19. Deficits in postural balance have been reported in patients several months after COVID-19 infection. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the static balance and balance of individuals with long COVID-19 using inertial sensors in smartphones. Methods A total of 73 participants were included in this study, of which 41 had long COVID-19 and 32 served as controls. All participants in the long COVID-19 group reported physical complaints for at least 7 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Participants were evaluated using a built-in inertial sensor of a smartphone attached to the low back, which recorded inertial signals during a static balance and mobility task (timed up and go test). The parameters of static balance and mobility obtained from both groups were compared. Results The groups were matched for age and BMI. Of the 41 participants in the long COVID-19 group, 22 reported balance impairment and 33 had impaired balance in the Sharpened Romberg test. Static balance assessment revealed that the long COVID-19 group had greater postural instability with both eyes open and closed than the control group. In the TUG test, the long COVID-19 group showed greater acceleration during the sit-to-stand transition compared to the control group. Conclusion The smartphone was feasible to identify losses in the balance motor control and mobility of patients with long-lasting symptomatic COVID-19 even after several months or years. Attention to the balance impairment experienced by these patients could help prevent falls and improve their quality of life, and the use of the smartphone can expand this monitoring for a broader population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Stanley Soares Xavier
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | - Camilla Costa Silva
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | - Alna Carolina Mendes Paranhos
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | - Bianca Callegari
- Instituto de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
| | | | - Juarez Antônio Simões Quaresma
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade do Estado do Pará, Belém, Brazil
- School of Medicine, São Paulo University, São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Givago Silva Souza
- Núcleo de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, Brazil
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18
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Martínez-Lavín M, Miguel-Álvarez A. Hypothetical framework for post-COVID 19 condition based on a fibromyalgia pathogenetic model. Clin Rheumatol 2023; 42:3167-3171. [PMID: 37707639 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-023-06743-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
There is a clear clinical overlap between fibromyalgia, myalgic encephalomyelitis, and post-COVID 19 condition. Chronic fatigue, cognitive impairment, and widespread pain characterize these 3 syndromes. A steady line of investigation posits fibromyalgia as stress-evoked sympathetically maintained neuropathic pain syndrome and places dorsal root ganglia dysregulation with the ensuing small fiber neuropathy at the epicenter of fibromyalgia pathogenesis. This article discusses emerging evidence suggesting that similar mechanism may operate in post-COVID 19 condition.
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19
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Marwaha B. Role of Tau protein in long COVID and potential therapeutic targets. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1280600. [PMID: 37953801 PMCID: PMC10634420 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1280600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Long COVID is an emerging public health burden and has been defined as a syndrome with common symptoms of fatigue, shortness of breath, cognitive dysfunction, and others impacting day-to-day life, fluctuating or relapsing over, occurring for at least two months in patients with a history of probable or confirmed SARS CoV-2 infection; usually three months from the onset of illness and cannot be explained by an alternate diagnosis. The actual prevalence of long-term COVID-19 is unknown, but it is believed that more than 17 million patients in Europe may have suffered from it during pandemic. Pathophysiology Currently, there is limited understanding of the pathophysiology of this syndrome, and multiple hypotheses have been proposed. Our literature review has shown studies reporting tau deposits in tissue samples of the brain from autopsies of COVID-19 patients compared to the control group, and the in-vitro human brain organoid model has shown aberrant phosphorylation of tau protein in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Tauopathies, a group of neurodegenerative disorders with the salient features of tau deposits, can manifest different symptoms based on the anatomical region of brain involvement and have been shown to affect the peripheral nervous system as well and explained even in rat model studies. Long COVID has more than 203 symptoms, with predominant symptoms of fatigue, dyspnea, and cognitive dysfunction, which tauopathy-induced CNS and peripheral nervous system dysfunction can explain. There have been no studies up till now to reveal the pathophysiology of long COVID. Based on our literature review, aberrant tau phosphorylation is a promising hypothesis that can be explored in future studies. Therapeutic approaches for tauopathies have multidimensional aspects, including targeting post-translational modifications, tau aggregation, and tau clearance through the autophagy process with the help of lysosomes, which can be potential targets for developing therapeutic interventions for the long COVID. In addition, future studies can attempt to find the tau proteins in CSF and use those as biomarkers for the long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharat Marwaha
- Department of Cardiology, Adena Health System, Chillicothe, OH, United States
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20
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Cañadas P, Gonzalez-Vides L, Alberquilla García-Velasco M, Arriola P, Guemes-Villahoz N, Hernández-Verdejo JL. Neuroinflammatory Findings of Corneal Confocal Microscopy in Long COVID-19 Patients, 2 Years after Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3188. [PMID: 37892009 PMCID: PMC10605628 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13203188] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe corneal confocal microscopy findings in patients with long COVID-19 with persistent symptoms over 20 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. DESIGN A descriptive cross-sectional study that included a total of 88 patients; 60 patients with Long COVID-19 and 28 controls. Long COVID-19 diagnosis was established according to the World Health Organization criteria. Corneal confocal microscopy using a Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II (Heidelberg Engineering, Heidelberg, Germany) was performed to evaluate sub-basal nerve plexus morphology (corneal nerve fiber density, nerve fiber length, nerve branch density, nerve fiber total branch density, nerve fiber area, and nerve fiber width). Dendritic cell density and area, along with microneuromas and other morphological changes of the nerve fibers were recorded. RESULTS Long COVID-19 patients presented with reduced corneal nerve density and branch density as well as shorter corneal nerves compared to the control group. Additionally, Long COVID-19 patients showed an increased density of dendritic cells also with a greater area than that found in the control group of patients without systemic diseases. Microneuromas were detected in 15% of Long COVID-19 patients. CONCLUSIONS Long COVID-19 patients exhibited altered corneal nerve parameters and increased DC density over 20 months after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings are consistent with a neuroinflammatory condition hypothesized to be present in patients with Long COVID-19, highlighting the potential role of corneal confocal microscopy as a promising noninvasive technique for the study of patients with Long COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Cañadas
- Optometry and Vision Department, School of Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.-V.); (M.A.G.-V.)
| | - Leonela Gonzalez-Vides
- Optometry and Vision Department, School of Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.-V.); (M.A.G.-V.)
- Education Faculty, University of Costa Rica, San José 11501-2060, Costa Rica
| | - Marta Alberquilla García-Velasco
- Optometry and Vision Department, School of Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.-V.); (M.A.G.-V.)
| | - Pedro Arriola
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jose Luis Hernández-Verdejo
- Optometry and Vision Department, School of Optometry, Complutense University of Madrid, 28037 Madrid, Spain; (L.G.-V.); (M.A.G.-V.)
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21
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Tajbakhsh Z, Golebiowski B, Stapleton F, Salouti R, Nowroozzadeh MH, Zamani M, Briggs N, Jalbert I. Dendritic Cell Density and Morphology Can Be Used to Differentiate Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis from Allergic Conjunctivitis. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1469. [PMID: 37892151 PMCID: PMC10605082 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101469] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to compare the distribution of corneal and conjunctival epithelial dendritic cells (DCs) in vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), allergic conjunctivitis (AC), and non-allergic controls to examine if the allergy type causes differences in immune cell activation. The prospective study included 60 participants: 20 with VKC, 20 with AC, and 20 non-allergic controls. In vivo confocal microscopy was performed on the right eye. The locations scanned included the corneal centre, inferior whorl, corneal periphery, corneal limbus, and bulbar conjunctiva. The DCs were counted manually, and their morphology was assessed for the largest cell body size, the presence of dendrites, and the presence of long and thick dendrites. The DC density was higher in VKC and AC compared to non-allergic group at all locations (p ≤ 0.01) except at the inferior whorl. The DC density in VKC participants was significantly higher than in AC at the limbus (p < 0.001) but not at other locations. Both the AC and the VKC group had larger DC bodies at the corneal periphery and limbus compared to the non-allergic group (p ≤ 0.03). The study found a higher proportion of participants with DCs exhibiting long dendrites at both the corneal periphery in AC (p = 0.01) and at the corneal centre, periphery, and limbus in VKC, compared to the non-allergic group (p ≤ 0.001). In conclusion, a higher DC density at the limbus may be a marker of more severe VKC. DCs with larger cell bodies and a greater proportion of participants with DCs displaying long dendrites can be potential markers to differentiate allergy from non-allergy, and more severe forms of allergy from milder forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Tajbakhsh
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (B.G.); (F.S.); (I.J.)
- Department of Optometry, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Blanka Golebiowski
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (B.G.); (F.S.); (I.J.)
| | - Fiona Stapleton
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (B.G.); (F.S.); (I.J.)
| | - Ramin Salouti
- Salouti Cornea Research Center, Salouti Eye Clinic, Shiraz 71839-33636, Iran; (R.S.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran;
| | - M. Hosein Nowroozzadeh
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348-14336, Iran;
| | - Mohammad Zamani
- Salouti Cornea Research Center, Salouti Eye Clinic, Shiraz 71839-33636, Iran; (R.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Nancy Briggs
- Stats Central, Mark Wainwright Analytical Centre, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia;
| | - Isabelle Jalbert
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia; (B.G.); (F.S.); (I.J.)
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22
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Salvetat ML, Musa M, Pellegrini F, Salati C, Spadea L, Zeppieri M. Considerations of COVID-19 in Ophthalmology. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2220. [PMID: 37764064 PMCID: PMC10538084 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its emergence in early 2020, the SARS-CoV-2 infection has had a significant impact on the entire eye care system. Ophthalmologists have been categorized as a high-risk group for contracting the virus due to the belief that the eye may be a site of inoculation and transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. As a result, clinical ophthalmologists, optometrists, and eyecare professionals have had to familiarize themselves with the ocular manifestations of COVID-19, as well as its treatments and vaccines. The implementation of measures to prevent the transmission of the virus, such as restrictions, lockdowns, telemedicine, and artificial intelligence (AI), have led to substantial and potentially irreversible changes in routine clinical practice, education, and research. This has resulted in the emergence of a new mode of managing patients in a routine clinical setting. This brief review aims to provide an overview of various aspects of COVID-19 in ophthalmology, including the ocular manifestations related to the disease, the modes of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection, precautions taken in ophthalmic practice to prevent the spread of the virus, drugs, and vaccines used in the treatment of COVID-19, the impact of the pandemic on patients, clinicians, and the eye care system as a whole, and the future of ophthalmology conditioned by this global pandemic experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Letizia Salvetat
- Department of Ophthalmology, Azienda Sanitaria Friuli Occidentale, 33170 Pordenone, Italy
| | - Mutali Musa
- Department of Optometry, University of Benin, Benin City 300238, Edo State, Nigeria
| | - Francesco Pellegrini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Azienda Sanitaria Friuli Occidentale, 33170 Pordenone, Italy
| | - Carlo Salati
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Leopoldo Spadea
- Eye Clinic, Policlinico Umberto I, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00142 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Zeppieri
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
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23
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Downie LE, Zhang X, Wu M, Karunaratne S, Loi JK, Senthil K, Arshad S, Bertram K, Cunningham AL, Carnt N, Mueller SN, Chinnery HR. Redefining the human corneal immune compartment using dynamic intravital imaging. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2217795120. [PMID: 37487076 PMCID: PMC10400993 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2217795120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The healthy human cornea is a uniquely transparent sensory tissue where immune responses are tightly controlled to preserve vision. The cornea contains immune cells that are widely presumed to be intraepithelial dendritic cells (DCs). Corneal immune cells have diverse cellular morphologies and morphological alterations are used as a marker of inflammation and injury. Based on our imaging of corneal T cells in mice, we hypothesized that many human corneal immune cells commonly defined as DCs are intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs). To investigate this, we developed functional in vivo confocal microscopy (Fun-IVCM) to investigate cell dynamics in the human corneal epithelium and stroma. We show that many immune cells resident in the healthy human cornea are T cells. These corneal IELs are characterized by rapid, persistent motility and interact with corneal DCs and sensory nerves. Imaging deeper into the corneal stroma, we show that crawling macrophages and rare motile T cells patrol the tissue. Furthermore, we identify altered immune cell behaviors in response to short-term contact lens wear (acute inflammatory stimulus), as well as in individuals with allergy (chronic inflammatory stimulus) that was modulated by therapeutic intervention. These findings redefine current understanding of immune cell subsets in the human cornea and reveal how resident corneal immune cells respond and adapt to chronic and acute stimuli.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura E. Downie
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC3053, Australia
| | - Xinyuan Zhang
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC3053, Australia
| | - Mengliang Wu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC3053, Australia
| | - Senuri Karunaratne
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC3053, Australia
| | - Joon Keit Loi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC3010, Australia
| | - Kirthana Senthil
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC3053, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC3010, Australia
| | - Sana Arshad
- The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW2145, Australia
| | - Kirstie Bertram
- The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW2145, Australia
| | - Anthony L. Cunningham
- The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW2145, Australia
| | - Nicole Carnt
- The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW2145, Australia
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW2052, Australia
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, LondonEC1V 9EL, United Kingdom
| | - Scott N. Mueller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC3010, Australia
| | - Holly R. Chinnery
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC3053, Australia
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24
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Sansone F, Pellegrino GM, Caronni A, Bonazza F, Vegni E, Lué A, Bocci T, Pipolo C, Giusti G, Di Filippo P, Di Pillo S, Chiarelli F, Sferrazza Papa GF, Attanasi M. Long COVID in Children: A Multidisciplinary Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:1990. [PMID: 37370884 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13121990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID syndrome has emerged as a long-lasting consequence of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults. In addition, children may be affected by Long COVID, with potential clinical issues in different fields, including problems in school performance and daily activities. Yet, the pathophysiologic bases of Long COVID in children are largely unknown, and it is difficult to predict who will develop the syndrome. In this multidisciplinary clinical review, we summarise the latest scientific data regarding Long COVID and its impact on children. Special attention is given to diagnostic tests, in order to help the physicians to find potential disease markers and quantify impairment. Specifically, we assess the respiratory, upper airways, cardiac, neurologic and motor and psychological aspects. Finally, we also propose a multidisciplinary clinical approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonio Caronni
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale San Luca, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Bonazza
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Psychology, University of Milan, Via di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Vegni
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Psychology, University of Milan, Via di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychology, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Via di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Lué
- Service of Digestive Diseases, University Clinic Hospital Lozano Blesa, IIS Aragón, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Tommaso Bocci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20146 Milan, Italy
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo e Carlo", University of Milan, 20146 Milan, Italy
| | - Carlotta Pipolo
- Department of Health Sciences, Otorhinolaryngology Department, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliano Giusti
- Paediatric Cardiology Unit, Niguarda Hospital, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Di Filippo
- Paediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Unit, Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Sabrina Di Pillo
- Paediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Unit, Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Chiarelli
- Paediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Unit, Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Marina Attanasi
- Paediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Unit, Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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25
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Komaroff AL, Lipkin WI. ME/CFS and Long COVID share similar symptoms and biological abnormalities: road map to the literature. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1187163. [PMID: 37342500 PMCID: PMC10278546 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1187163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 69.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Some patients remain unwell for months after "recovering" from acute COVID-19. They develop persistent fatigue, cognitive problems, headaches, disrupted sleep, myalgias and arthralgias, post-exertional malaise, orthostatic intolerance and other symptoms that greatly interfere with their ability to function and that can leave some people housebound and disabled. The illness (Long COVID) is similar to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) as well as to persisting illnesses that can follow a wide variety of other infectious agents and following major traumatic injury. Together, these illnesses are projected to cost the U.S. trillions of dollars. In this review, we first compare the symptoms of ME/CFS and Long COVID, noting the considerable similarities and the few differences. We then compare in extensive detail the underlying pathophysiology of these two conditions, focusing on abnormalities of the central and autonomic nervous system, lungs, heart, vasculature, immune system, gut microbiome, energy metabolism and redox balance. This comparison highlights how strong the evidence is for each abnormality, in each illness, and helps to set priorities for future investigation. The review provides a current road map to the extensive literature on the underlying biology of both illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony L. Komaroff
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - W. Ian Lipkin
- Center for Infection and Immunity, Mailman School of Public Health, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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26
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Kal M, Płatkowska-Adamska B, Zarębska-Michaluk D, Rzymski P. Reduced Vessel Density and Enlarged Foveal Avascular Zone in the Macula as a Result of Systemic Hypoxia Caused by SARS-CoV-2 Infection. J Pers Med 2023; 13:926. [PMID: 37373915 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13060926] [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: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with SARS-CoV-2 can lead to various long-term consequences, including those of an ophthalmic nature. This paper reviews the results of optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) performed among COVID-19 patients. The review included papers evaluating short- and long-term outcomes following the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Some differentiated the obtained retinal and choroidal vascularization parameters according to gender. Following COVID-19, patients reveal changes in retinal and choroidal vascular parameters based on OCTA, such as reduced vascular density and an increased foveal avascular zone, which can persist for several months. Routine ophthalmic follow-up with OCTA should be considered in patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection to assess the effects of inflammation and systemic hypoxia in COVID-19. Further research is needed to understand whether infection with particular viral variants/subvariants may vary in the risk of effects on retinal and choroidal vascularization and whether and to what extent these risks may also differ in relation to reinfected and vaccinated individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kal
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
- Ophthalmic Clinic, Voivodeship Hospital, 25-736 Kielce, Poland
| | | | - Dorota Zarębska-Michaluk
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
- Department of Infectious Disease, Provincial Hospital, 25-317 Kielce, Poland
| | - Piotr Rzymski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, Poznań University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
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27
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Bocci T, Bertini A, Campiglio L, Botta S, Libelli G, Guidetti M, Priori A. Not myopathic, but autonomic changes in patients with long-COVID syndrome: a case series. Neurol Sci 2023; 44:1147-1153. [PMID: 36735149 PMCID: PMC9896447 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-023-06637-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Neurological sequelae following SARS-CoV-2 infection still represent a serious concern both for neurologists and neuroscientists. In our paper, we investigated pain, myalgia, and fatigue as symptoms in long-COVID patients with an electrophysiological approach, comprising the evaluation of sympathetic skin responses (SSRs) and quantitative electromyography (qEMG). MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve patients were enrolled (mean age, 47.7 ± 11.6 years), referred to our attention because of myalgia, pain, or muscle cramps, which persisted about 6 months after the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. They underwent conventional electroneurography (ENG), needle electromyography (EMG), and SSRs; moreover, qEMG was performed by sampling at least 20 motor unit potentials (20-30 MUPs) during weak voluntary contraction in deltoid and tibialis anterior muscles. The mean duration, amplitude, and percentage of polyphasic potentials were assessed and compared with healthy and age-matched volunteers. RESULTS ENG did not disclose significant changes compared to healthy subjects; needle EMG did not reveal denervation activity. In addition, qEMG showed MUPs similar to those recorded in healthy volunteers in terms of polyphasia (deltoid: p = 0.24; TA: p = 0.35), MUP area (deltoid: p = 0.45; TA: p = 0.44), mean duration (deltoid: p = 0.06; TA: p = 0.45), and amplitude (deltoid: p = 0.27; TA: p = 0.63). SSRs were not recordable from lower limbs in seven patients (58%) and from the upper ones in three of them (25%). CONCLUSION Our data suggest an involvement of the autonomic system, with a focus on cholinergic efferent sympathetic activity, without any evidence of myopathic changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tommaso Bocci
- ''Aldo Ravelli'' Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.
- ''Aldo Ravelli'' Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20100, Milano, Italy.
- Clinical Neurology Unit, "Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo E Carlo" and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio Di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Bertini
- ''Aldo Ravelli'' Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
- Clinical Neurology Unit, "Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo E Carlo" and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio Di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Campiglio
- Clinical Neurology Unit, "Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo E Carlo" and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio Di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Botta
- Clinical Neurology Unit, "Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo E Carlo" and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio Di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgia Libelli
- ''Aldo Ravelli'' Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Neurology Unit, University of Parma, Via Gramsci 14, 43126, Parma, Italy
| | - Matteo Guidetti
- ''Aldo Ravelli'' Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico Di Milano, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- ''Aldo Ravelli'' Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
- Clinical Neurology Unit, "Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo E Carlo" and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Via Antonio Di Rudinì 8, 20142, Milan, Italy
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28
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Stapleton F, Abad JC, Barabino S, Burnett A, Iyer G, Lekhanont K, Li T, Liu Y, Navas A, Obinwanne CJ, Qureshi R, Roshandel D, Sahin A, Shih K, Tichenor A, Jones L. TFOS lifestyle: Impact of societal challenges on the ocular surface. Ocul Surf 2023; 28:165-199. [PMID: 37062429 PMCID: PMC10102706 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtos.2023.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Societal factors associated with ocular surface diseases were mapped using a framework to characterize the relationship between the individual, their health and environment. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and mitigating factors on ocular surface diseases were considered in a systematic review. Age and sex effects were generally well-characterized for inflammatory, infectious, autoimmune and trauma-related conditions. Sex and gender, through biological, socio-economic, and cultural factors impact the prevalence and severity of disease, access to, and use of, care. Genetic factors, race, smoking and co-morbidities are generally well characterized, with interdependencies with geographical, employment and socioeconomic factors. Living and working conditions include employment, education, water and sanitation, poverty and socioeconomic class. Employment type and hobbies are associated with eye trauma and burns. Regional, global socio-economic, cultural and environmental conditions, include remoteness, geography, seasonality, availability of and access to services. Violence associated with war, acid attacks and domestic violence are associated with traumatic injuries. The impacts of conflict, pandemic and climate are exacerbated by decreased food security, access to health services and workers. Digital technology can impact diseases through physical and mental health effects and access to health information and services. The COVID-19 pandemic and related mitigating strategies are mostly associated with an increased risk of developing new or worsening existing ocular surface diseases. Societal factors impact the type and severity of ocular surface diseases, although there is considerable interdependence between factors. The overlay of the digital environment, natural disasters, conflict and the pandemic have modified access to services in some regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Stapleton
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Juan Carlos Abad
- Department of Ophthalmology, Antioquia Ophthalmology Clinic-Clofan, Medellin, Antioquia, Colombia
| | - Stefano Barabino
- ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Ospedale L. Sacco-University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anthea Burnett
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Geetha Iyer
- C. J. Shah Cornea Services, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kaevalin Lekhanont
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tianjing Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Yang Liu
- Ophthalmology Department, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Alejandro Navas
- Conde de Valenciana, National Autonomous University of Mexico UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Riaz Qureshi
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Danial Roshandel
- Centre for Ophthalmology and Visual Science (incorporating Lions Eye Institute), The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Afsun Sahin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Koc University Medical School, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Kendrick Shih
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Anna Tichenor
- School of Optometry, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Lyndon Jones
- Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE), School of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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29
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Immune Dynamics Involved in Acute and Convalescent COVID-19 Patients. IMMUNO 2023. [DOI: 10.3390/immuno3010007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a viral disease that has caused millions of deaths around the world since 2020. Many strategies have been developed to manage patients in critical conditions; however, comprehension of the immune system is a key factor in viral clearance, tissue repairment, and adaptive immunity stimulus. Participation of immunity has been identified as a major factor, along with biomarkers, prediction of clinical outcomes, and antibody production after infection. Immune cells have been proposed not only as a hallmark of severity, but also as a predictor of clinical outcomes, while dynamics of inflammatory molecules can also induce worse consequences for acute patients. For convalescent patients, mild disease was related to higher antibody production, although the factors related to the specific antibodies based on a diversity of antigens were not clear. COVID-19 was explored over time; however, the study of immunological predictors of outcomes is still lacking discussion, especially in convalescent patients. Here, we propose a review using previously published studies to identify immunological markers of COVID-19 outcomes and their relation to antibody production to further contribute to the clinical and laboratorial management of patients.
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30
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Davis HE, McCorkell L, Vogel JM, Topol EJ. Long COVID: major findings, mechanisms and recommendations. Nat Rev Microbiol 2023; 21:133-146. [PMID: 36639608 PMCID: PMC9839201 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-022-00846-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1279] [Impact Index Per Article: 1279.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Long COVID is an often debilitating illness that occurs in at least 10% of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections. More than 200 symptoms have been identified with impacts on multiple organ systems. At least 65 million individuals worldwide are estimated to have long COVID, with cases increasing daily. Biomedical research has made substantial progress in identifying various pathophysiological changes and risk factors and in characterizing the illness; further, similarities with other viral-onset illnesses such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome have laid the groundwork for research in the field. In this Review, we explore the current literature and highlight key findings, the overlap with other conditions, the variable onset of symptoms, long COVID in children and the impact of vaccinations. Although these key findings are critical to understanding long COVID, current diagnostic and treatment options are insufficient, and clinical trials must be prioritized that address leading hypotheses. Additionally, to strengthen long COVID research, future studies must account for biases and SARS-CoV-2 testing issues, build on viral-onset research, be inclusive of marginalized populations and meaningfully engage patients throughout the research process.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julia Moore Vogel
- Scripps Research Translational Institute, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric J Topol
- Scripps Research Translational Institute, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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31
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Ferrara F, Zovi A, Masi M, Langella R, Trama U, Boccellino M, Vitiello A. Long COVID could become a widespread post-pandemic disease? A debate on the organs most affected. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023:10.1007/s00210-023-02417-5. [PMID: 36773054 PMCID: PMC9918819 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02417-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Long COVID is an emerging problem in the current health care scenario. It is a syndrome with common symptoms of shortness of breath, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and other conditions that have a high impact on daily life. They are fluctuating or relapsing states that occur in patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection for at least 2 months. They are usually conditions that at 3 months after onset cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Currently very little is known about this syndrome. A thorough review of the literature highlights that the cause is attributable to deposits of tau protein. Massive phosphorylation of tau protein in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in brain samples from autopsies of people previously affected with COVID-19. The neurological disorders resulting from this clinical condition are termed tauopathies and can give different pathological symptoms depending on the involved anatomical region of the brain. Peripheral small-fiber neuropathies are also evident among patients with Long COVID leading to fatigue, which is the main symptom of this syndrome. Certainly more research studies could confirm the association between tau protein and Long COVID by defining the main role of tau protein as a biomarker for the diagnosis of this syndrome that is widespread in the post-pandemic period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Ferrara
- Pharmaceutical Department, Asl Napoli 3 Sud, Dell’amicizia street 22, 80035 Nola, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Zovi
- Ministry of Health, Viale Giorgio Ribotta 5, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Masi
- Pharmaceutical Department, Asl Napoli 3 Sud, Dell’amicizia street 22, 80035 Nola, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Langella
- Italian Society of Hospital Pharmacy (SIFO), SIFO Secretariat of the Lombardy Region, Via Carlo Farini, 81, 20159 Milan, Italy
- Pharmacy Department, Agency for Health Protection (ATS) of Milan, Via Ippocrate, 45, 20161 Milan, Italy
| | - Ugo Trama
- General Direction for Health Protection and Coordination of the Campania Regional Health System, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariarosaria Boccellino
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
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32
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Gemignani F, Bellanova MF, Saccani E. Long-COVID phenotypes and small fiber neuropathy. J Neurol Sci 2023; 444:120490. [PMID: 36462223 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2022.120490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maria F Bellanova
- Laboratory of Neuromuscular Histopathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Italy
| | - Elena Saccani
- Neurology Unit, Department of Specialized Medicine, University Hospital of Parma, Italy
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Corneal Langerhans cells in children with celiac disease. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18289. [PMID: 36316419 PMCID: PMC9622884 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-22376-w] [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: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Celiac disease (CeD) is a common small bowel enteropathy characterized by an altered adaptive immune system and increased mucosal antigen presenting cells. This study aims to establish if quantification of corneal Langerhans cells (LCs) using corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) could act as a surrogate marker for antigen presenting cell status and hence disease activity in children with CeD. Twenty children with stable CeD and 20 age-matched controls underwent CCM and quantification of central corneal total, mature and immature LC density. There was no difference in age (11.78 ± 1.7 vs. 12.83 ± 1.91; P = 0.077) or height (1.38 ± 0.14 vs. 1.44 ± 0.13; P = 0.125). BMI (18.81 ± 3.90 vs. 22.26 ± 5.47; P = 0.031) and 25 OHD levels (43.50 ± 13.36 vs. 59.77 ± 22.45; P = 0.014) were significantly lower in children with CeD compared to controls. The total (33.33(16.67-59.37) vs. 51.56(30.21-85.42); P = 0.343), immature (33.33(16.67-52.08) vs. 44.79(29.17-82.29); P = 0.752) and mature (1.56(0-5) vs. 1.56(1.04-8.33); P = 0.752) LC density did not differ between the CeD and control groups. However, immature (r = 0.535, P = 0.015), mature (r = 0.464, P = 0.039), and total (r = 0.548, P = 0.012) LC density correlated with age. Immature (r = 0.602, P = 0.038) and total (r = 0.637, P = 0.026) LC density also correlated with tissue transglutaminase antibody (Anti-TtG) levels assessed in 12/20 subjects with CeD. There was no difference in corneal LC density between children with CeD and controls. However, the correlation between corneal LC density and anti-TtG levels suggests a relationship with disease activity in CeD and requires further study.
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34
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Eitner L, Maier C, Brinkmann F, Schlegtendal A, Knoke L, Enax-Krumova E, Lücke T. Somatosensory abnormalities after infection with SARS-CoV-2 - A prospective case-control study in children and adolescents. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:977827. [PMID: 36263148 PMCID: PMC9574195 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.977827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Long-term neurological complaints after SARS-CoV-2 infection occur in 4-66% of children and adolescents. Controlled studies on the integrity of the peripheral nerve system are scarce. Therefore, we examined the somatosensory function in children and adolescents after SARS-CoV-2 infection in a case-control study compared with age-matched individuals. Materials and Methods Eighty-one subjects after SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 44 female, 11.4 ± 3.5 years, n = 75 SARS-CoV-2 seropositive, n = 6 PCR positive during infection and SARS-CoV-2 seronegative at the time point of study inclusion, n = 47 asymptomatic infection) were compared to 38 controls without SARS-CoV-2 infection (26 female, 10.3 ± 3.4 years, n = 15 with other infection within last 6 months). After standardised interviews and neurological examinations, large fibre (tactile and vibration detection thresholds) and small fibre (cold and warm detection thresholds, paradoxical heat sensation) functions were assessed on both feet following a validated protocol. After z-transformation of all values, all participants were compared to published reference values regarding the number of abnormal results. Additionally, the mean for all sensory parameters values of both study groups were compared to an ideal healthy population (with z-value 0 ± 1), as well as with each other, as previously described. Statistical analyses: t-test, Chi-squared test, and binominal test. Findings None of the controls, but 27 of the 81 patients (33%, p < 0.001) reported persistent complaints 2.7 ± 1.9 (0.8-8.5) months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, most often reduced exercise capacity (16%), fatigue (13%), pain (9%), or paraesthesia (6%). Reflex deficits or paresis were missing, but somatosensory profiles showed significantly increased detection thresholds for thermal (especially warm) and vibration stimuli compared to controls. Approximately 36% of the patients after SARS-CoV-2, but none of the controls revealed an abnormal sensory loss in at least one parameter (p < 0.01). Sensory loss was characterised in 26% by large and 12% by small fibre dysfunction, the latter appearing more frequently in children with prior symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Myalgia/paraesthesia was indicative of somatosensory dysfunction. In all eight re-examined children, the nerve function recovered after 2-4 months. Interpretation This study provides evidence that in a subgroup of children and adolescents previously infected with SARS-CoV-2, regardless of their complaints, the function of large or small nerve fibres is presumably reversibly impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Eitner
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children’s Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- University Children’s Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Christoph Maier
- University Children’s Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Folke Brinkmann
- University Children’s Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Anne Schlegtendal
- University Children’s Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Leona Knoke
- University Children’s Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Elena Enax-Krumova
- Department of Neurology, BG University Hospital Bergmannsheil gGmbH, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Lücke
- Department of Neuropediatrics, University Children’s Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
- University Children’s Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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35
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Jadali Z, Jalil AT. Long COVID and ophthalmology: New insights into underlying disease mechanisms. Taiwan J Ophthalmol 2022; 12:499-500. [PMID: 36660118 PMCID: PMC9843575 DOI: 10.4103/2211-5056.354536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Jadali
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Address for correspondence: Dr. Zohreh Jadali, Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box: 6446, Tehran 14155, Iran. E-mail: ,
| | - Abduladheem Turki Jalil
- Department of Medical Laboratories Techniques, Al-Mustaqbal University College, Babylon, Hilla, Iraq
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36
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Neuroimmune crosstalk in the cornea: The role of immune cells in corneal nerve maintenance during homeostasis and inflammation. Prog Retin Eye Res 2022; 91:101105. [PMID: 35868985 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2022.101105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In the cornea, resident immune cells are in close proximity to sensory nerves, consistent with their important roles in the maintenance of nerves in both homeostasis and inflammation. Using in vivo confocal microscopy in humans, and ex vivo immunostaining and fluorescent reporter mice to visualize corneal sensory nerves and immune cells, remarkable progress has been made to advance our understanding of the physical and functional interactions between corneal nerves and immune cells. In this review, we summarize and discuss recent studies relating to corneal immune cells and sensory nerves, and their interactions in health and disease. In particular, we consider how disrupted corneal nerve axons can induce immune cell activity, including in dendritic cells, macrophages and other infiltrating cells, directly and/or indirectly by releasing neuropeptides such as substance P and calcitonin gene-related peptide. We summarize growing evidence that the role of corneal intraepithelial immune cells is likely different in corneal wound healing versus other inflammatory-dominated conditions. The role of different types of macrophages is also discussed, including how stromal macrophages with anti-inflammatory phenotypes communicate with corneal nerves to provide neuroprotection, while macrophages with pro-inflammatory phenotypes, along with other infiltrating cells including neutrophils and CD4+ T cells, can be inhibitory to corneal re-innervation. Finally, this review considers the bidirectional interactions between corneal immune cells and corneal nerves, and how leveraging this interaction could represent a potential therapeutic approach for corneal neuropathy.
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37
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Zaghloul H, Malik RA. COVID-19 and the hidden threat of diabetic microvascular complications. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2022; 13:20420188221110708. [PMID: 35847423 PMCID: PMC9277425 DOI: 10.1177/20420188221110708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected at least 200 million individuals worldwide and resulted in nearly 5 million deaths as of October 2021. According to the latest data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) in 2021, the diabetes pandemic has affected 537 million people and is associated with 6.7 million deaths. Given the high prevalence of both diabetes and COVID-19 and common pathological outcomes, a bidirectional relationship could have a catastrophic outcome. The increased risk of COVID-19 in those with obesity and diabetes and higher morbidity and mortality has received considerable attention. However, little attention has been given to the relationship between COVID-19 and microvascular complications. Indeed, microvascular complications are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in diabetes. This review assesses the evidence for an association between diabetic microvascular complications (neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy) and COVID-19. It draws parallels between the pathological changes occurring in the microvasculature in both diseases and assesses whether microvascular disease is a prognostic factor for COVID-19 outcomes in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rayaz A. Malik
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine
– Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, P.O. Box 24144, Doha, Qatar
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, The
University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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38
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Woltsche JN, Horwath-Winter J, Dorn C, Boldin I, Steinwender G, Heidinger A, Woltsche N. Neuropathic Corneal Pain as Debilitating Manifestation of LONG-COVID. Ocul Immunol Inflamm 2022:1-3. [PMID: 35797498 DOI: 10.1080/09273948.2022.2090963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This report illustrates the case of a female patient suffering from severe ocular discomfort, tinnitus and ageusia, 7 months after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. The medical history implicated a diagnosis of LONG-COVID with ocular pain as the most debilitating symptom. In-vivo confocal microscopy revealed corneal microneuromas with hyperreflectivity and irregular enlargement of nerve endings in both eyes, which led to the diagnosis of neuropathic corneal pain. The aim of this report is to increase awareness that COVID-19 induced neuropathic pain can also occur in the cornea representing the human body's most richly innervated tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Christian Dorn
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Ingrid Boldin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | | | - Astrid Heidinger
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Nora Woltsche
- Department of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
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39
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Zhao SS, Holmes MV, Alam U. Chronic pain is associated with higher risk of developing and being hospitalized for COVID-19: a Mendelian randomization study. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2022; 61:SI189-SI190. [PMID: 35253865 PMCID: PMC9383504 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sizheng Steven Zhao
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool
| | - Michael V Holmes
- MRC Population Health Research Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford
| | - Uazman Alam
- Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Liverpool University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Gastroenterology, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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40
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Zhang XY, Wu M, Chinnery HR, Downie LE. Defining an Optimal Sample Size for Corneal Epithelial Immune Cell Analysis Using in vivo Confocal Microscopy Images. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:848776. [PMID: 35721066 PMCID: PMC9199001 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.848776] [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: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose In vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) images are frequently used to quantify corneal epithelial immune cell (IC) density in clinical studies. There is currently limited evidence to inform the selection of a representative image sample size to yield a reliable IC density estimate, and arbitrary numbers of images are often used. The primary aim of this study was to determine the number of randomly selected, unique IVCM images required to achieve an acceptable level of accuracy when quantifying epithelial IC density, in both the central and peripheral cornea. The secondary aim was to evaluate the consistency and precision of an image selection approach where corneal epithelial IC density was quantified from "three representative images" selected independently by three experienced observers. Methods All combinations of two to 15 non-overlapping IVCM images were used for deriving IC density estimates, for both the central and peripheral cornea, in 20 healthy participants; the density value from averaging quantifications in the 16 images was defined as the "true mean". IC density estimates were compared with the true mean in each corneal region using a mean ratio. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to evaluate the consistency of the mean ratios of IC density estimates derived from the method involving the manual selection of "three representative images" by the observers. The precision of the IC density estimates was compared to a scenario involving three randomly selected images. Results A total of 12 randomly selected, non-overlapping IVCM images were found to be required to produce a corneal epithelial IC density estimate that was within 30% of the true mean, 95% of the time, for the central cornea; seven such images produced an equivalent level of precision in the peripheral cornea. Mean ratios of corneal IC density estimates derived from "three representative images" methods had poor consistency between observers (ICC estimates <0.5) and similar levels of precision when compared with using three randomly selected images (p > 0.05 for all comparisons), in both the central and peripheral cornea. Conclusions Data presented in this study can inform image selection methods, and the sample size required for a preferred level of accuracy, when quantifying IC densities in the central and peripheral corneal epithelium using IVCM images.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yuan Zhang
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Mengliang Wu
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Holly R Chinnery
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Laura E Downie
- Department of Optometry and Vision Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Safavi F, Gustafson L, Walitt B, Lehky T, Dehbashi S, Wiebold A, Mina Y, Shin S, Pan B, Polydefkis M, Oaklander AL, Nath A. Neuropathic symptoms with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2022:2022.05.16.22274439. [PMID: 35611338 PMCID: PMC9128783 DOI: 10.1101/2022.05.16.22274439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Various peripheral neuropathies, particularly those with sensory and autonomic dysfunction may occur during or shortly after acute COVID-19 illnesses. These appear most likely to reflect immune dysregulation. If similar manifestations can occur with the vaccination remains unknown. Results In an observational study, we studied 23 patients (92% female; median age 40years) reporting new neuropathic symptoms beginning within 1 month after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. 100% reported sensory symptoms comprising severe face and/or limb paresthesias, and 61% had orthostasis, heat intolerance and palpitations. Autonomic testing in 12 identified seven with reduced distal sweat production and six with positional orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Among 16 with lower-leg skin biopsies, 31% had diagnostic/subthreshold epidermal neurite densities (≤5%), 13% were borderline (5.01-10%) and 19% showed abnormal axonal swelling. Biopsies from randomly selected five patients that were evaluated for immune complexes showed deposition of complement C4d in endothelial cells. Electrodiagnostic test results were normal in 94% (16/17). Together, 52% (12/23) of patients had objective evidence of small-fiber peripheral neuropathy. 58% patients (7/12) treated with oral corticosteroids had complete or near-complete improvement after two weeks as compared to 9% (1/11) of patients who did not receive immunotherapy having full recovery at 12 weeks. At 5-9 months post-symptom onset, 3 non-recovering patients received intravenous immunoglobulin with symptom resolution within two weeks. Conclusions This observational study suggests that a variety of neuropathic symptoms may manifest after SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations and in some patients might be an immune-mediated process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farinaz Safavi
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Lindsey Gustafson
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Brian Walitt
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Tanya Lehky
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Sara Dehbashi
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Amanda Wiebold
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Yair Mina
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Susan Shin
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Baohan Pan
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Michael Polydefkis
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Anne Louise Oaklander
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA
- Department of Pathology (Neuropathology), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - Avindra Nath
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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Wan KH, Lui GCY, Poon KCF, Ng SSS, Young AL, Hui DSC, Tham CCY, Chan PKS, Pang CP, Chong KKL. Ocular surface disturbance in patients after acute COVID-19. Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2022; 50:398-406. [PMID: 35218134 PMCID: PMC9111848 DOI: 10.1111/ceo.14066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background We investigated the ocular surface disturbances in COVID‐19 patients discharged from the hospital. Methods One hundred and seventy‐nine eyes of 109 healthy participants and 456 eyes of 228 post‐COVID‐19 patients received comprehensive eye examinations; the latter were interviewed with questionnaires on ocular symptoms before and after COVID‐19 diagnosis. Associations of ocular surface manifestations with virological and ophthalmic parameters were evaluated by multivariable mixed linear or logistic regression models. Results Mean interval between COVID‐19 diagnosis and ophthalmic evaluation was 52.23 ± 16.12 days. The severity of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) based on clinical staging was higher in post‐COVID‐19 than healthy eyes (1.14 ± 0.67 vs. 0.92 ± 0.68, p = 0.002) and so was ocular surface staining score (0.60 ± 0.69 vs. 0.49 ± 0.68, p = 0.044). Patients requiring supplementary oxygen during hospitalisation had shorter tear break‐up time (β −1.63, 95% CI ‐2.61 to −0.65). Cycle threshold (Ct) value from upper respiratory samples (inversely correlated with viral load) at diagnosis had an OR = 0.91 (95% CI 0.84–0.98) with new ocular surface symptoms 4 weeks after diagnosis. The presence of ocular surface symptoms 1 week prior to COVID‐19 diagnosis showed an OR of 20.89 (95% CI 6.35–68.66) of persistent or new ocular symptoms 4 weeks afterward. Conclusions MGD and ocular surface staining are more common and severe in post‐COVID‐19 patients. Patients with higher viral loads have greater risks of ocular surface symptoms. Patients requiring supplementary oxygen are more likely to show tear film instability. Ocular surface evaluation should be considered 1–3 months following hospital discharge for any COVID‐19 patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin H Wan
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Grace C Y Lui
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ken C F Poon
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Susanna S S Ng
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alvin L Young
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - David S C Hui
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Clement C Y Tham
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Paul K S Chan
- Department of Microbiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chi Pui Pang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kelvin K L Chong
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Oaklander AL, Mills AJ, Kelley M, Toran LS, Smith B, Dalakas MC, Nath A. Peripheral Neuropathy Evaluations of Patients With Prolonged Long COVID. NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2022; 9:9/3/e1146. [PMID: 35232750 PMCID: PMC8889896 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000001146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Recovery from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection appears exponential, leaving a tail of patients reporting various long COVID symptoms including unexplained fatigue/exertional intolerance and dysautonomic and sensory concerns. Indirect evidence links long COVID to incident polyneuropathy affecting the small-fiber (sensory/autonomic) axons. METHODS We analyzed cross-sectional and longitudinal data from patients with World Health Organization (WHO)-defined long COVID without prior neuropathy history or risks who were referred for peripheral neuropathy evaluations. We captured standardized symptoms, examinations, objective neurodiagnostic test results, and outcomes, tracking participants for 1.4 years on average. RESULTS Among 17 patients (mean age 43.3 years, 69% female, 94% Caucasian, and 19% Latino), 59% had ≥1 test interpretation confirming neuropathy. These included 63% (10/16) of skin biopsies, 17% (2/12) of electrodiagnostic tests and 50% (4/8) of autonomic function tests. One patient was diagnosed with critical illness axonal neuropathy and another with multifocal demyelinating neuropathy 3 weeks after mild COVID, and ≥10 received small-fiber neuropathy diagnoses. Longitudinal improvement averaged 52%, although none reported complete resolution. For treatment, 65% (11/17) received immunotherapies (corticosteroids and/or IV immunoglobulins). DISCUSSION Among evaluated patients with long COVID, prolonged, often disabling, small-fiber neuropathy after mild SARS-CoV-2 was most common, beginning within 1 month of COVID-19 onset. Various evidence suggested infection-triggered immune dysregulation as a common mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Louise Oaklander
- From the Nerve Unit (A.L.O., A.J.M.), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Department of Pathology (Neuropathology) (A.L.O.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Dell Medical School, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas; Department of Neurology (L.S.T.), Confluence Health, Wenatchee; Section of Infections of the Nervous System (B.S., A.N.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland; and Neuromuscular Division (M.C.D.), Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Greece.
| | - Alexander J Mills
- From the Nerve Unit (A.L.O., A.J.M.), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Department of Pathology (Neuropathology) (A.L.O.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Dell Medical School, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas; Department of Neurology (L.S.T.), Confluence Health, Wenatchee; Section of Infections of the Nervous System (B.S., A.N.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland; and Neuromuscular Division (M.C.D.), Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Greece
| | - Mary Kelley
- From the Nerve Unit (A.L.O., A.J.M.), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Department of Pathology (Neuropathology) (A.L.O.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Dell Medical School, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas; Department of Neurology (L.S.T.), Confluence Health, Wenatchee; Section of Infections of the Nervous System (B.S., A.N.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland; and Neuromuscular Division (M.C.D.), Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Greece
| | - Lisa S Toran
- From the Nerve Unit (A.L.O., A.J.M.), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Department of Pathology (Neuropathology) (A.L.O.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Dell Medical School, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas; Department of Neurology (L.S.T.), Confluence Health, Wenatchee; Section of Infections of the Nervous System (B.S., A.N.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland; and Neuromuscular Division (M.C.D.), Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Greece
| | - Bryan Smith
- From the Nerve Unit (A.L.O., A.J.M.), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Department of Pathology (Neuropathology) (A.L.O.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Dell Medical School, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas; Department of Neurology (L.S.T.), Confluence Health, Wenatchee; Section of Infections of the Nervous System (B.S., A.N.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland; and Neuromuscular Division (M.C.D.), Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Greece
| | - Marinos C Dalakas
- From the Nerve Unit (A.L.O., A.J.M.), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Department of Pathology (Neuropathology) (A.L.O.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Dell Medical School, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas; Department of Neurology (L.S.T.), Confluence Health, Wenatchee; Section of Infections of the Nervous System (B.S., A.N.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland; and Neuromuscular Division (M.C.D.), Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Greece
| | - Avindra Nath
- From the Nerve Unit (A.L.O., A.J.M.), Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston; Department of Pathology (Neuropathology) (A.L.O.), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Neurology (M.K.), Dell Medical School, The University of Texas, Austin, Texas; Department of Neurology (L.S.T.), Confluence Health, Wenatchee; Section of Infections of the Nervous System (B.S., A.N.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland; and Neuromuscular Division (M.C.D.), Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Greece
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Sanyaolu A, Marinkovic A, Prakash S, Zhao A, Balendra V, Haider N, Jain I, Simic T, Okorie C. Post-acute Sequelae in COVID-19 Survivors: an Overview. SN COMPREHENSIVE CLINICAL MEDICINE 2022; 4:91. [PMID: 35411333 PMCID: PMC8985741 DOI: 10.1007/s42399-022-01172-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In the acute phase of SARS-CoV-2 infection, varying degrees of clinical manifestations have been noticed in patients. Some patients who recovered from the infection developed long-term effects which have become of interest to the scientific and medical communities, as it relates to pathogenesis and the multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Long COVID (long-term or long-haul) is the collective term used to define recovered individuals of SARS-CoV-2 infection who have presented with persistent COVID symptoms, as well as the emergence of disorders and complications. Following the review of literature from major scientific databases, this paper investigated long COVID and the resulting post-sequela effects on survivors, regardless of initial disease severity. The clinical manifestations and multisystem complications of the disease specifically, cardiovascular, neurologic and psychologic, hematologic, pulmonary, dermatologic, and other ailments were discussed. Patients with chronic COVID-19 were found to experience heart thrombosis leading to myocardial infarction, inflammation, lung fibrosis, stroke, venous thromboembolism, arterial thromboembolism, "brain fog", general mood dysfunctions, dermatological issues, and fatigue. As the disease continues to progress and spread, and with the emergence of new variants the management of these persisting symptoms will pose a challenge for healthcare providers and medical systems in the next period of the pandemic. However, more information is needed about long COVID, particularly concerning certain patient populations, variability in follow-up times, the prevalence of comorbidities, and the evolution of the spread of infection. Thus, continued research needs to be conducted concerning the disease pathology to develop preventative measures and management strategies to treat long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Anne Zhao
- Stanford Health Care, Palo Alto, CA USA
| | | | - Nafees Haider
- All Saints University School of Medicine, Roseau, Dominica
| | - Isha Jain
- Windsor University School of Medicine, Kitts, Cayon Saint Kitts and Nevis
| | - Teodora Simic
- DePaul University, Lincoln Park Campus, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Chuku Okorie
- Union County College, Plainfield Campus, Plainfield, NJ USA
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45
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Abnormal quantitative pupillary light responses following COVID-19. Int Ophthalmol 2022; 42:2847-2854. [PMID: 35380318 PMCID: PMC8980787 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-022-02275-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To characterize alterations in pupillary light reflex responses in subjects following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), especially those with long-COVID. Methods Thirty-five subjects with previous COVID-19 and 30 healthy control participants were enrolled in this cross-sectional comparative study. An infrared dynamic pupillometry system (MonPack One; Metrovision, France) was used to quantify pupillary light responses. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) long-COVID questionnaire was used to identify persisting symptoms at least 4 weeks after acute COVID-19. Results The median time after the diagnosis of acute COVID-19 was 4.0 (2.0–5.0) months. There was an increase in the latency of pupil contraction (P = 0.001) and a reduction in the duration of pupil contraction (P = 0.039) in post-COVID-19 subjects compared to healthy controls. No significant differences were observed in the initial pupil diameter, amplitude and velocity of pupil contraction or latency, velocity and duration of pupil dilation. Long-COVID was present in 25/35 (71%) subjects and their duration of pupil contraction was reduced compared to subjects without long-COVID (P = 0.009). The NICE long-COVID questionnaire total score (ρ = − 0.507; P = 0.002) and neurological score (ρ = − 0.412; P = 0.014) correlated with the duration of pupil contraction and the total score correlated with the latency of dilation (ρ = − 0.352; P = 0.038). Conclusion Dynamic pupillometry reveals significant alterations in contractile pupillary light responses, indicative of parasympathetic dysfunction after COVID-19.
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Clinical profile of keratitis treated within 3 months of acute COVID-19 illness at a tertiary care eye centre. Int Ophthalmol 2022; 42:3027-3035. [PMID: 35362809 PMCID: PMC8972709 DOI: 10.1007/s10792-022-02288-4] [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: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To report the spectrum of keratitis treated within 3 months of acute COVID-19 infection. Methods Retrospective, descriptive case series study of 19 eyes of 16 patients who presented at tertiary eye care centre in Southern India. Results Median age of the patients was 43(IQR 35–55.5) years. Majority (15/16, 93.75%) were males. Unilateral affliction was predominant (13/16, 81.25% patients). Nine had a history of hospitalization, five had received oxygen supplementation and five had been treated with steroids during COVID-19 illness. The median duration between COVID-19 diagnosis and the ocular symptoms in the eye was 29 (IQR 22–57) days. Microbiological diagnosis consisted of microsporidia in nine eyes of seven patients, fungus in six patients, Pythium in one patient, and herpes zoster ophthalmicus in one patient. One patient had neurotrophic keratitis. Therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty was performed in five patients, glue application in two patients and three were managed with tarsorrhaphy with/without amniotic membrane grafting or tenonplasty. There was medical and surgical cure in all patients. Conclusions Microsporidia was the commonest cause of keratitis, followed by fungal infection. Majority of the microsporidia infections were keratoconjunctivitis. The fungal isolates identified were Aspergillus and Mucor species. All patients responded to conventional management guidelines with favourable outcomes.
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Midena E, Cosmo E, Cattelan AM, Briani C, Leoni D, Capizzi A, Tabacchi V, Parrozzani R, Midena G, Frizziero L. Small Fibre Peripheral Alterations Following COVID-19 Detected by Corneal Confocal Microscopy. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12040563. [PMID: 35455679 PMCID: PMC9030195 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12040563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
A large spectrum of neurological manifestations has been associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and recently, the involvement of small fibers has been suggested. This study aims to investigate the involvement of small peripheral nervous fibers in recovered COVID-19 patients using in-vivo corneal confocal microscopy (CCM). Patients recovered from COVID-19 and a control group of healthy subjects underwent in-vivo CCM. Corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), corneal nerve branch density (CNBD), corneal nerve fiber length (CNFL), corneal nerve fiber total branch density (CTBD), corneal nerve fiber area (CNFA), corneal nerve fiber width (CNFW), fiber tortuosity (FT), number of beadings (NBe), and dendritic cells (DC) density were quantified. We enrolled 302 eyes of 151 patients. CNBD and FT were significantly higher (p = 0.0131, p < 0.0001), whereas CNFW and NBe were significantly lower (p = 0.0056, p = 0.0045) in the COVID-19 group compared to controls. Only CNBD and FT resulted significantly correlated to antiviral drugs (increased) and corticosteroids (decreased). No significant relationship with disease severity parameters was found. COVID-19 may induce peripheral neuropathy in small fibers even months after recovery, regardless of systemic conditions and therapy, and CCM may be a useful tool to identify and monitor these morphological changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Midena
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (V.T.); (R.P.); (L.F.)
- IRCCS—Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Rome, Italy; (E.C.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-821-2110
| | - Eleonora Cosmo
- IRCCS—Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Rome, Italy; (E.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Anna Maria Cattelan
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.M.C.); (D.L.)
| | - Chiara Briani
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| | - Davide Leoni
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (A.M.C.); (D.L.)
| | - Alfio Capizzi
- Department of Directional Hospital Management, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy;
| | - Vanessa Tabacchi
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (V.T.); (R.P.); (L.F.)
| | - Raffaele Parrozzani
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (V.T.); (R.P.); (L.F.)
| | - Giulia Midena
- IRCCS—Fondazione Bietti, 00198 Rome, Italy; (E.C.); (G.M.)
| | - Luisa Frizziero
- Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy; (V.T.); (R.P.); (L.F.)
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Petropoulos IN, Bitirgen G, Ferdousi M, Kalteniece A, Azmi S, D'Onofrio L, Lim SH, Ponirakis G, Khan A, Gad H, Mohammed I, Mohammadi YE, Malik A, Gosal D, Kobylecki C, Silverdale M, Soran H, Alam U, Malik RA. Corneal Confocal Microscopy to Image Small Nerve Fiber Degeneration: Ophthalmology Meets Neurology. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2022; 2:725363. [PMID: 35295436 PMCID: PMC8915697 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2021.725363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain has multiple etiologies, but a major feature is small fiber dysfunction or damage. Corneal confocal microscopy (CCM) is a rapid non-invasive ophthalmic imaging technique that can image small nerve fibers in the cornea and has been utilized to show small nerve fiber loss in patients with diabetic and other neuropathies. CCM has comparable diagnostic utility to intraepidermal nerve fiber density for diabetic neuropathy, fibromyalgia and amyloid neuropathy and predicts the development of diabetic neuropathy. Moreover, in clinical intervention trials of patients with diabetic and sarcoid neuropathy, corneal nerve regeneration occurs early and precedes an improvement in symptoms and neurophysiology. Corneal nerve fiber loss also occurs and is associated with disease progression in multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and dementia. We conclude that corneal confocal microscopy has good diagnostic and prognostic capability and fulfills the FDA criteria as a surrogate end point for clinical trials in peripheral and central neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gulfidan Bitirgen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Meram Faculty of Medicine, Necmettin Erbakan University, Konya, Turkey
| | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alise Kalteniece
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Shazli Azmi
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Luca D'Onofrio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sze Hway Lim
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Adnan Khan
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hoda Gad
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ibrahim Mohammed
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Ayesha Malik
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - David Gosal
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Kobylecki
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Monty Silverdale
- Department of Neurology, Salford Royal National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Handrean Soran
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Uazman Alam
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine, Clinical Sciences Centre, Pain Research Institute, Institute of Life Course and Medical Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool University Hospital National Health System (NHS) Foundation Trust, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar.,Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Cardiovascular Trials Unit, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Frutos-Rincón L, Gómez-Sánchez JA, Íñigo-Portugués A, Acosta MC, Gallar J. An Experimental Model of Neuro-Immune Interactions in the Eye: Corneal Sensory Nerves and Resident Dendritic Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062997. [PMID: 35328417 PMCID: PMC8951464 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The cornea is an avascular connective tissue that is crucial, not only as the primary barrier of the eye but also as a proper transparent refractive structure. Corneal transparency is necessary for vision and is the result of several factors, including its highly organized structure, the physiology of its few cellular components, the lack of myelinated nerves (although it is extremely innervated), the tightly controlled hydration state, and the absence of blood and lymphatic vessels in healthy conditions, among others. The avascular, immune-privileged tissue of the cornea is an ideal model to study the interactions between its well-characterized and dense sensory nerves (easily accessible for both focal electrophysiological recording and morphological studies) and the low number of resident immune cell types, distinguished from those cells migrating from blood vessels. This paper presents an overview of the corneal structure and innervation, the resident dendritic cell (DC) subpopulations present in the cornea, their distribution in relation to corneal nerves, and their role in ocular inflammatory diseases. A mouse model in which sensory axons are constitutively labeled with tdTomato and DCs with green fluorescent protein (GFP) allows further analysis of the neuro-immune crosstalk under inflammatory and steady-state conditions of the eye.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Frutos-Rincón
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández—Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (L.F.-R.); (A.Í.-P.); (M.C.A.); (J.G.)
- The European University of Brain and Technology-NeurotechEU, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - José Antonio Gómez-Sánchez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández—Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (L.F.-R.); (A.Í.-P.); (M.C.A.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-965-91-9594
| | - Almudena Íñigo-Portugués
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández—Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (L.F.-R.); (A.Í.-P.); (M.C.A.); (J.G.)
| | - M. Carmen Acosta
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández—Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (L.F.-R.); (A.Í.-P.); (M.C.A.); (J.G.)
- The European University of Brain and Technology-NeurotechEU, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Juana Gallar
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad Miguel Hernández—Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain; (L.F.-R.); (A.Í.-P.); (M.C.A.); (J.G.)
- The European University of Brain and Technology-NeurotechEU, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica y Sanitaria de Alicante, 03010 Alicante, Spain
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50
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Ponirakis G, Ghandi R, Ahmed A, Gad H, Petropoulos IN, Khan A, Elsotouhy A, Vattoth S, Alshawwaf MKM, Khoodoruth MAS, Ramadan M, Bhagat A, Currie J, Mahfoud Z, Al Hamad H, Own A, M Haddad P, Alabdulla M, Malik RA, Woodruff PW. Abnormal corneal nerve morphology and brain volume in patients with schizophrenia. Sci Rep 2022; 12:1870. [PMID: 35115592 PMCID: PMC8814184 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-05609-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative pathology occur in Schizophrenia. This study compared the utility of corneal confocal microscopy (CCM), an ophthalmic imaging technique with MRI brain volumetry in quantifying neuronal pathology and its relationship to cognitive dysfunction and symptom severity in schizophrenia. Thirty-six subjects with schizophrenia and 26 controls underwent assessment of cognitive function, symptom severity, CCM and MRI brain volumetry. Subjects with schizophrenia had lower cognitive function (P ≤ 0.01), corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD), length (CNFL), branch density (CNBD), CNBD:CNFD ratio (P < 0.0001) and cingulate gyrus volume (P < 0.05) but comparable volume of whole brain (P = 0.61), cortical gray matter (P = 0.99), ventricle (P = 0.47), hippocampus (P = 0.10) and amygdala (P = 0.68). Corneal nerve measures and cingulate gyrus volume showed no association with symptom severity (P = 0.35–0.86 and P = 0.50) or cognitive function (P = 0.35–0.86 and P = 0.49). Corneal nerve measures were not associated with metabolic syndrome (P = 0.61–0.64) or diabetes (P = 0.057–0.54). The area under the ROC curve distinguishing subjects with schizophrenia from controls was 88% for CNFL, 84% for CNBD and CNBD:CNFD ratio, 79% for CNFD and 73% for the cingulate gyrus volume. This study has identified a reduction in corneal nerve fibers and cingulate gyrus volume in schizophrenia, but no association with symptom severity or cognitive dysfunction. Corneal nerve loss identified using CCM may act as a rapid non-invasive surrogate marker of neurodegeneration in patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Ponirakis
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Reem Ghandi
- Psychiatry Hospital, Mental Health Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Amani Ahmed
- Psychiatry Hospital, Mental Health Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hoda Gad
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ioannis N Petropoulos
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Adnan Khan
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed Elsotouhy
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar.,Neuroradiology, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Surjith Vattoth
- Radiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | | | | | - Marwan Ramadan
- Geriatric, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Anjushri Bhagat
- Psychiatry Hospital, Mental Health Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - James Currie
- Psychiatry Hospital, Mental Health Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ziyad Mahfoud
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hanadi Al Hamad
- Geriatric, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed Own
- Neuroradiology, Hamad General Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Peter M Haddad
- Psychiatry Hospital, Mental Health Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.,Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Majid Alabdulla
- Psychiatry Hospital, Mental Health Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.,College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar.,Institute of Cardiovascular Science, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter W Woodruff
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Education City, Doha, Qatar. .,Psychiatry Hospital, Mental Health Service, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar. .,Department of Neuroscience, School of Medicine,, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, South Yorkshire, UK.
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