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Zheng C, Chen JJ, Dai ZH, Wan KW, Sun FH, Huang JH, Chen XK. Physical exercise-related manifestations of long COVID: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Exerc Sci Fit 2024; 22:341-349. [PMID: 39022666 PMCID: PMC11252993 DOI: 10.1016/j.jesf.2024.06.001] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aims to systematically assess physical exercise-related symptoms of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC or long COVID) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors. Methods Eight databases were systematically searched on March 03, 2024. Original studies that compared physical exercise-related parameters measured by exercise testing between COVID-19 survivors who recovered from SARS-CoV-2 infection over 3 months and non-COVID-19 controls were included. A random-effects model was utilized to determine the mean differences (MDs) or standardized MDs in the meta-analysis. Results A total of 40 studies with 6241 COVID-19 survivors were included. The 6-min walk test, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and anaerobic threshold were impaired in COVID-19 survivors 3 months post-infection compared with non-COVID-19 controls in exercise testing, while VO2 were comparable between the two groups at rest. In contrast, no differences were observed in SpO2, heart rate, blood pressure, fatigue, and dyspnea between COVID-19 survivors and non-COVID-19 controls in exercise testing. Conclusion The findings suggest an underestimation of the manifestations of PASC. COVID-19 survivors also harbor physical exercise-related symptoms of PASC that can be determined by the exercise testing and are distinct from those observed at rest. Exercise testing should be included while evaluating the symptoms of PASC in COVID-19 survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Zheng
- Department of Health and Physical Education, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, The Education University of Hong Kong, Ting Kok, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun-Jie Chen
- Department of Health and Physical Education, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, The Education University of Hong Kong, Ting Kok, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zi-Han Dai
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ke-Wen Wan
- Department of Sports Science and Physical Education, Faculty of Education, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Hong Kong, China
| | - Feng-Hua Sun
- Department of Health and Physical Education, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, The Education University of Hong Kong, Ting Kok, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jun-Hao Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Physical Activity and Health Promotion, Scientific Research Center, Guangzhou Sport University, Tian He, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiang-Ke Chen
- Division of Life Science, School of Science, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong, China
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2
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Haunhorst S, Dudziak D, Scheibenbogen C, Seifert M, Sotzny F, Finke C, Behrends U, Aden K, Schreiber S, Brockmann D, Burggraf P, Bloch W, Ellert C, Ramoji A, Popp J, Reuken P, Walter M, Stallmach A, Puta C. Towards an understanding of physical activity-induced post-exertional malaise: Insights into microvascular alterations and immunometabolic interactions in post-COVID condition and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Infection 2024:10.1007/s15010-024-02386-8. [PMID: 39240417 DOI: 10.1007/s15010-024-02386-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A considerable number of patients who contracted SARS-CoV-2 are affected by persistent multi-systemic symptoms, referred to as Post-COVID Condition (PCC). Post-exertional malaise (PEM) has been recognized as one of the most frequent manifestations of PCC and is a diagnostic criterion of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Yet, its underlying pathomechanisms remain poorly elucidated. PURPOSE AND METHODS In this review, we describe current evidence indicating that key pathophysiological features of PCC and ME/CFS are involved in physical activity-induced PEM. RESULTS Upon physical activity, affected patients exhibit a reduced systemic oxygen extraction and oxidative phosphorylation capacity. Accumulating evidence suggests that these are mediated by dysfunctions in mitochondrial capacities and microcirculation that are maintained by latent immune activation, conjointly impairing peripheral bioenergetics. Aggravating deficits in tissue perfusion and oxygen utilization during activities cause exertional intolerance that are frequently accompanied by tachycardia, dyspnea, early cessation of activity and elicit downstream metabolic effects. The accumulation of molecules such as lactate, reactive oxygen species or prostaglandins might trigger local and systemic immune activation. Subsequent intensification of bioenergetic inflexibilities, muscular ionic disturbances and modulation of central nervous system functions can lead to an exacerbation of existing pathologies and symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Haunhorst
- Department of Sports Medicine and Health Promotion, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Wöllnitzer Straße 42, 07749, Jena, Germany
- Center for Interdisciplinary Prevention of Diseases Related to Professional Activities, Jena, Germany
| | - Diana Dudziak
- Institute of Immunology, Jena University Hospital/ Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Martina Seifert
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Sotzny
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Finke
- Department of Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Uta Behrends
- Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Berlin, Germany
- AGV Research Unit Gene Vectors, Helmholtz Munich (HMGU), Munich, Germany
| | - Konrad Aden
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Kiel University and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefan Schreiber
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Kiel University and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Dirk Brockmann
- Center Synergy of Systems, TU Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Paul Burggraf
- mHealth Pioneers GmbH, Körtestraße 10, 10967, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Bloch
- Department for Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, Institute for Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Claudia Ellert
- , Landarztnetz Lahn-Dill, Wetzlar, Germany
- Initiative Long COVID Deutschland, Lemgo, Germany
| | - Anuradha Ramoji
- Institute of Physical Chemistry (IPC) and Abbe Center of Photonics (ACP), Member of the Leibniz Centre for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Member of the Leibniz Centre for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Jena, Germany
| | - Juergen Popp
- Institute of Physical Chemistry (IPC) and Abbe Center of Photonics (ACP), Member of the Leibniz Centre for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology, Member of Leibniz Health Technologies, Member of the Leibniz Centre for Photonics in Infection Research (LPI), Jena, Germany
| | - Philipp Reuken
- Department for Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Walter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena Center for Mental Health, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Partner Site Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Andreas Stallmach
- Department for Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Puta
- Department of Sports Medicine and Health Promotion, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Wöllnitzer Straße 42, 07749, Jena, Germany.
- Department for Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital/Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany.
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3
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Piamonti D, Panza L, Flore R, Baccolini V, Pellegrino D, Sanna A, Lecci A, Lo Muzio G, Angelone D, Mirabelli FM, Morviducci M, Onorati P, Messina E, Panebianco V, Catalano C, Bonini M, Palange P. Ventilatory efficiency in long-term dyspnoeic patients following COVID-19 pneumonia. Respir Physiol Neurobiol 2024; 327:104285. [PMID: 38825094 DOI: 10.1016/j.resp.2024.104285] [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: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long COVID is defined as persistency of symptoms, such as exertional dyspnea, twelve weeks after recovery from SARS-CoV-2 infection. OBJECTIVES To investigate ventilatory efficiency by the use of cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in patients with exertional dyspnea despite normal basal spirometry after 18 (T18) and 36 months (T36) from COVID-19 pneumonia. METHODS One hundred patients with moderate-critical COVID-19 were prospectively enrolled in our Long COVID program. Medical history, physical examination and lung high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) were obtained at hospitalization (T0), 3 (T3) and 15 months (T15). All HRCTs were revised using a semi-quantitative CT severity score (CSS). Pulmonary function tests were obtained at T3 and T15. CPET was performed in a subset of patients with residual dyspnea (mMRC ≥ 1), at T18 and at T36. RESULTS Remarkably, at CPET, ventilatory efficiency was reduced both at T18 (V'E/V'CO2 slope = 31.4±3.9 SD) and T36 (V'E/V'CO2 slope = 31.28±3.70 SD). Furthermore, we identified positive correlations between V'E/V'CO2 slope at T18 and T36 and both percentage of involvement and CSS at HRCT at T0, T3 and T15. Also, negative linear correlations were found between V'E/V'CO2 slope at T18 and T36 and DLCO at T3 and T15. CONCLUSIONS At eighteen months from COVID-19 pneumonia, 20 % of subjects still complains of exertional dyspnea. At CPET this may be explained by persistently reduced ventilatory efficiency, possibly related to the degree of lung parenchymal involvement in the acute phase of infection, likely reflecting a damage in the pulmonary circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Piamonti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - Luigi Panza
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Flore
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Baccolini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Pellegrino
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Arianna Sanna
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Altea Lecci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Lo Muzio
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Dario Angelone
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Morviducci
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Onorati
- Alghero City Hospital, Pulmonology and Respiratory Pathophysiology Service, Alghero, Italy
| | - Emanuele Messina
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Pathology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Panebianco
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Pathology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Catalano
- Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Pathology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Bonini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Palange
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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4
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Kennouche D, Foschia C, Brownstein CG, Lapole T, Rimaud D, Royer N, LE Mat F, Thiery G, Gauthier V, Giraux P, Oujamaa L, Sorg M, Verges S, Doutreleau S, Marillier M, Prudent M, Bitker L, Féasson L, Gergelé L, Stauffer E, Guichon C, Gondin J, Morel J, Millet GY. Factors Associated with Fatigue in COVID-19 ICU Survivors. Med Sci Sports Exerc 2024; 56:1563-1573. [PMID: 38742855 DOI: 10.1249/mss.0000000000003455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Approximately 30% of people infected with COVID-19 require hospitalization, and 20% of them are admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). Most of these patients experience symptoms of fatigue weeks post-ICU, so understanding the factors associated with fatigue in this population is crucial. METHODS Fifty-nine patients (38-78 yr) hospitalized in ICU for COVID-19 infection for 32 (6-80) d, including 23 (3-57) d of mechanical ventilation, visited the laboratory on two separate occasions. The first visit occurred 52 ± 15 d after discharge and was dedicated to questionnaires, blood sampling, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing, whereas measurements of the knee extensors neuromuscular function and performance fatigability were performed in the second visit 7 ± 2 d later. RESULTS Using the FACIT-F questionnaire, 56% of patients were classified as fatigued. Fatigued patients had worse lung function score than non-fatigued (i.e., 2.9 ± 0.8 L vs 3.6 ± 0.8 L; 2.4 ± 0.7 L vs 3.0 ± 0.7 L for forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 s, respectively), and forced vital capacity was identified as a predictor of being fatigued. Maximal voluntary activation was lower in fatigued patients than non-fatigued patients (82% ± 14% vs 91% ± 3%) and was the only neuromuscular variable that discriminated between fatigued and non-fatigued patients. Patient-reported outcomes also showed differences between fatigued and non-fatigued patients for sleep, physical activity, depression, and quality of life ( P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 survivors showed altered respiratory function 4 to 8 wk after discharge, which was further deteriorated in fatigued patients. Fatigue was also associated with lower voluntary activation and patient-reported impairments (i.e., sleep satisfaction, quality of life, or depressive state). The present study reinforces the importance of exercise intervention and rehabilitation to counteract cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular impairments of COVID-19 patients admitted in ICU, especially individuals experiencing fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djahid Kennouche
- Université Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne, Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, Saint-Etienne, FRANCE
| | - Clément Foschia
- Service de Physiologie Clinique et de l'Exercice, Hôpital Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, FRANCE
| | - Callum G Brownstein
- Université Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne, Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, Saint-Etienne, FRANCE
| | - Thomas Lapole
- Université Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne, Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, Saint-Etienne, FRANCE
| | - Diana Rimaud
- Université Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne, Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, Saint-Etienne, FRANCE
| | - Nicolas Royer
- Université Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne, Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, Saint-Etienne, FRANCE
| | - Franck LE Mat
- Université Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne, Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, Saint-Etienne, FRANCE
| | - Guillaume Thiery
- Service de médecine intensive réanimation, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, & Research on Healthcare Performance RESHAPE, INSERM U1290, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, FRANCE
| | | | - Pascal Giraux
- CHU Saint-Etienne, Service Médecine Physique et Réadaptation, Saint-Etienne, FRANCE
| | - Lydia Oujamaa
- Service de rééducation post-réanimation SRPR 42, Groupement de coopération sanitaire Fondation Partage et Vie & Centre hospitalier universitaire de Saint Etienne, Saint-Etienne, FRANCE
| | - Marine Sorg
- Service de Physiologie Clinique et de l'Exercice, Hôpital Universitaire de Saint-Etienne, Saint-Etienne, FRANCE
| | - Samuel Verges
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1300, CHU Grenoble Alpes, HP2 laboratory, Grenoble, FRANCE
| | - Stéphane Doutreleau
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1300, CHU Grenoble Alpes, HP2 laboratory, Grenoble, FRANCE
| | - Mathieu Marillier
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1300, CHU Grenoble Alpes, HP2 laboratory, Grenoble, FRANCE
| | - Mélanie Prudent
- Service d'Explorations Fonctionnelles Respiratoires-Médecine du sport et de l'activité physique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, FRANCE
| | - Laurent Bitker
- Service de Médecine Intensive - réanimation, hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France & Univ Lyon, INSA-Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, UJM-Saint Etienne, CNRS, Inserm, Villeurbanne, FRANCE
| | - Léonard Féasson
- Université Jean Monnet Saint-Etienne, Inter-university Laboratory of Human Movement Biology, Saint-Etienne, FRANCE
| | - Laurent Gergelé
- Ramsay Générale de Santé, Hôpital privé de la Loire, Saint-Etienne, FRANCE
| | - Emeric Stauffer
- Service d'Explorations Fonctionnelles Respiratoires-Médecine du sport et de l'activité physique, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, FRANCE
| | - Céline Guichon
- Département Anesthésie Réanimation, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, FRANCE
| | - Julien Gondin
- Univ Lyon, CNRS 5261, INSERM U1315, Institut NeuroMyoGène (INMG), Unité de Physiopathologie et Génétique du Neurone et du Muscle, Lyon, FRANCE
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5
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Holdsworth DA, Barker-Davies RM, Chamley RR, O'Sullivan O, Ladlow P, May S, Houston AD, Mulae J, Xie C, Cranley M, Sellon E, Naylor J, Halle M, Parati G, Davos C, Rider OJ, Bennett AB, Nicol ED. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing excludes significant disease in patients recovering from COVID-19. BMJ Mil Health 2024; 170:308-314. [PMID: 36442889 PMCID: PMC11287624 DOI: 10.1136/military-2022-002193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Post-COVID-19 syndrome presents a health and economic challenge affecting ~10% of patients recovering from COVID-19. Accurate assessment of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome is complicated by health anxiety and coincident symptomatic autonomic dysfunction. We sought to determine whether either symptoms or objective cardiopulmonary exercise testing could predict clinically significant findings. METHODS 113 consecutive military patients were assessed in a comprehensive clinical pathway. This included symptom reporting, history, examination, spirometry, echocardiography and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in all, with chest CT, dual-energy CT pulmonary angiography and cardiac MRI where indicated. Symptoms, CPET findings and presence/absence of significant pathology were reviewed. Data were analysed to identify diagnostic strategies that may be used to exclude significant disease. RESULTS 7/113 (6%) patients had clinically significant disease adjudicated by cardiothoracic multidisciplinary team (MDT). These patients had reduced fitness (V̇O2 26.7 (±5.1) vs 34.6 (±7.0) mL/kg/min; p=0.002) and functional capacity (peak power 200 (±36) vs 247 (±55) W; p=0.026) compared with those without significant disease. Simple CPET criteria (oxygen uptake (V̇O2) >100% predicted and minute ventilation (VE)/carbon dioxide elimination (V̇CO2) slope <30.0 or VE/V̇CO2 slope <35.0 in isolation) excluded significant disease with sensitivity and specificity of 86% and 83%, respectively (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) 0.89). The addition of capillary blood gases to estimate alveolar-arterial gradient improved diagnostic performance to 100% sensitivity and 78% specificity (AUC 0.92). Symptoms and spirometry did not discriminate significant disease. CONCLUSIONS In a population recovering from SARS-CoV-2, there is reassuringly little organ pathology. CPET and functional capacity testing, but not reported symptoms, permit the exclusion of clinically significant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Holdsworth
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
| | - R M Barker-Davies
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation, Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Loughborough, UK
| | - R R Chamley
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Centre for Clincal Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - O O'Sullivan
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation, Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Loughborough, UK
| | - P Ladlow
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation, Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Loughborough, UK
| | - S May
- Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Stanford Hall, Loughborough, UK
| | - A D Houston
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation, Defence Medical Services, Loughborough, UK
| | - J Mulae
- Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
| | - C Xie
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - M Cranley
- Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Stanford Hall, Loughborough, UK
| | - E Sellon
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
| | - J Naylor
- Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
| | - M Halle
- Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Munchen, Germany
| | - G Parati
- Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - C Davos
- Academy of Athens Biomedical Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - O J Rider
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Centre for Clincal Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - A B Bennett
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation, Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Loughborough, UK
- Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre Stanford Hall, Loughborough, UK
| | - E D Nicol
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College, London, UK
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6
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Staes M, Gyselinck I, Goetschalckx K, Troosters T, Janssens W. Identifying limitations to exercise with incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing: a scoping review. Eur Respir Rev 2024; 33:240010. [PMID: 39231595 PMCID: PMC11372471 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0010-2024] [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: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is a comprehensive and invaluable assessment used to identify the mechanisms that limit exercise capacity. However, its interpretation remains poorly standardised. This scoping review aims to investigate which limitations to exercise are differentiated by the use of incremental CPET in literature and which criteria are used to identify them. We performed a systematic, electronic literature search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science and Scopus. All types of publications that reported identification criteria for at least one limitation to exercise based on clinical parameters and CPET variables were eligible for inclusion. 86 publications were included, of which 57 were primary literature and 29 were secondary literature. In general, at the level of the cardiovascular system, a distinction was often made between a normal physiological limitation and a pathological one. Within the respiratory system, ventilatory limitation, commonly identified by a low breathing reserve, and gas exchange limitation, mostly identified by a high minute ventilation/carbon dioxide production slope and/or oxygen desaturation, were often described. Multiple terms were used to describe a limitation in the peripheral muscle, but all variables used to identify this limitation lacked specificity. Deconditioning was a frequently mentioned exercise limiting factor, but there was no consensus on how to identify it through CPET. There is large heterogeneity in the terminology, the classification and the identification criteria of limitations to exercise that are distinguished using incremental CPET. Standardising the interpretation of CPET is essential to establish an objective and consistent framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Staes
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Clinical Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Iwein Gyselinck
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Clinical Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kaatje Goetschalckx
- Research Unit Cardiovascular Imaging and Dynamics, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Clinical Department of Cardiology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thierry Troosters
- Clinical Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Janssens
- Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases and Thoracic Surgery, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Ageing, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Clinical Department of Respiratory Diseases, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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7
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Gomes-Neto M, Almeida KDO, Correia HF, Santos JC, Gomes VA, Serra JPC, Durães AR, Carvalho VO. Determinants of cardiorespiratory fitness measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing in COVID-19 survivors: a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta‑regression. Braz J Phys Ther 2024; 28:101089. [PMID: 38936313 PMCID: PMC11259933 DOI: 10.1016/j.bjpt.2024.101089] [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: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and its possible determinants in post-COVID-19 survivors has not been systematically assessed. OBJECTIVES To identify and summarize studies comparing cardiorespiratory fitness measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing in COVID-19 survivors versus non-COVID-19 controls, as well as to determine the influence of potential moderating factors. METHODS We conducted a systematic search of MEDLINE/PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Google Scholar, and SciELO since their inceptions until June 2022. Mean differences (MD), standard mean differences (SMD), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Subgroup and meta-regression analyses were used to evaluate potential moderating factors. RESULTS 48 studies (3372 participants, mean age 42 years, and with a mean testing time of 4 months post-COVID-19) were included, comprising a total of 1823 COVID-19 survivors and 1549 non-COVID-19 controls. After data pooling, VO2 peak (SMD=1.0 95% CI: 0.5, 1.5; 17 studies; N = 1273) was impaired in COVID-19 survivors. In 15 studies that reported VO2 peak values in mL/min/kg, non-COVID-19 controls had higher peak VO2 values than COVID-19 survivors (MD=6.2, 95% CI: 3.5, 8.8; N = 905; I2=84%). In addition, VO2 peak was associated with age, time post-COVID-19, disease severity, presence of dyspnea, and reduced exercise capacity. CONCLUSION This systematic review provides evidence that cardiorespiratory fitness may be impaired in COVID-19 survivors, especially for those with severe disease, presence of dyspnea, and reduced exercise capacity. Furthermore, the degree of reduction of VO2 peak is inversely associated with age and time post-COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansueto Gomes-Neto
- Physical Therapy Department, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Medicine and Health, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brazil.
| | - Katna de Oliveira Almeida
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine and Health, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Helena França Correia
- Physical Therapy Department, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Juliana Costa Santos
- Physical Therapy Department, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Afonso Gomes
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine and Health, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brazil; Hospital Especializado Otávio Mangabeira, Salvador, BA, Brazil
| | | | - André Rodrigues Durães
- Postgraduate Program in Medicine and Health, Universidade Federal da Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, BA, Brazil
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8
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Montoliu Nebot J, Iradi Casal A, Cepeda Madrigal S, Rissi G, Sanz Saz S, Molés Gimeno JD, Miravet Sorribes LM. [Physiological assessment and management of post-COVID patients with normal cardiopulmonary imaging and functional tests]. Semergen 2024; 50:102282. [PMID: 38936100 DOI: 10.1016/j.semerg.2024.102282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Contributing to elucidate the pathophysiology of dyspnoea and exertion intolerance in post-COVID syndrome patients with normal cardiopulmonary imaging and functional tests at rest, while determining their fitness and level of endurance in order to individualize working parameters for physical rehabilitation. MATERIAL AND METHODS After an anamnesis and clinical examination at rest, 27 subjects (50±11.9 years) (14 women) with post-COVID syndrome of more than 6 months of evolution performed a continuous maximal-incremental graded cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) with breath-by-breath gas-exchange monitoring and continuous ECG registration, on an electromagnetically braked cycle ergometer. The values obtained were compared with those of reference, gender or controls, using the Chi-square, t-Student or ANOVA test. RESULTS The clinical examination at rest and the CPET were clinically normal and without adverse events. Reasons for stopping exercise were leg discomfort. It is only worth noting a BMI=29.9±5.8kg/m2 and a basal lactate concentration of 2.1±0.7mmol/L. The physiological assessment of endurance showed the following results relative to predicted VO2máx: 1)peakVO2=80.5±18.6%; 2)VO2 at ventilatory threshold1 (VO2VT1): 46.0±12.9%; 3)VO2VT2: 57.2±16.4%; 4)working time in acidosis: 5.6±3,0minutes; and 5)maximum lactate concentration: 5.1±2.2mmol/L. CONCLUSIONS The CPET identified limited aerobic metabolism and early increase in glycolytic metabolism as causes of dyspnoea and exercise intolerance, determined fitness for physical rehabilitation, and individualized it based on the level of endurance.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Montoliu Nebot
- Unidad de Medicina Deportiva, Servicio de Rehabilitación, Consorcio Hospitalario Provincial de Castellón, Castellón, España
| | - A Iradi Casal
- Departamento de Fisiología, Universitat de València, Valencia, España
| | - S Cepeda Madrigal
- Sección de Neumología, Hospital Universitari de La Plana, Vila-real, Castellón, España
| | - G Rissi
- Sección de Neumología, Hospital Universitari de La Plana, Vila-real, Castellón, España
| | - S Sanz Saz
- Unidad de Medicina Deportiva, Servicio de Rehabilitación, Consorcio Hospitalario Provincial de Castellón, Castellón, España
| | - J D Molés Gimeno
- Unidad de Medicina Deportiva, Servicio de Rehabilitación, Consorcio Hospitalario Provincial de Castellón, Castellón, España
| | - L M Miravet Sorribes
- Sección de Neumología, Hospital Universitari de La Plana, Vila-real, Castellón, España.
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9
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Nantakool S, Sa-nguanmoo P, Konghakote S, Chuatrakoon B. Effects of Exercise Rehabilitation on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Long-COVID-19 Survivors: A Meta-Analysis. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3621. [PMID: 38930148 PMCID: PMC11204731 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13123621] [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: 04/22/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Poor cardiorespiratory fitness poses the highest risk of mortality. Long-COVID-19 survivors exhibit a reduced cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). While exercise rehabilitation, such as cardiopulmonary exercise, is used for long-COVID-19 survivors, the effects of exercise on CRF in this population remain inconclusive. In this study, we aim to systematically summarise and synthesise whether exercise rehabilitation improves CRF among long-COVID-19 survivors. Methods: A comprehensive search was performed through PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library (since their inception to November 2023) and study reference lists. Studies presenting the effects of exercise rehabilitation on CRF (peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) and six-minute walk distance (6MWD)) in long-COVID-19 survivors were identified. The standardised mean difference (SMD), mean difference (MD), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used for analyses. The certainty of evidence was measured using a Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Results: Twelve eligible studies (five RCTs and seven non-RCTs) with 682 participants were analysed. The meta-analysis showed significantly improved 6MWDs (MD 76.47, 95% CI 59.19-93.71, low certainty) and significantly greater 6MWDs (SMD 0.85, 95% CI 0.11-1.59, very low certainty) in the exercise rehabilitation group compared to the control group. A significantly improved 6MWD was found in subgroups of young to middle-aged adults and subgroups of patients who undertook aerobic exercise combined with resistance and respiratory exercise and centre-based training programs. Conclusions: Exercise rehabilitation is effective for improving CRF, as measured by the 6MWD in long-COVID-19 survivors. Improvements are likely to be more pronounced in specific subgroups of young to middle-aged adults and patients undertaking aerobic exercise combined with resistance and respiratory exercise and centre-based training programs. However, recommendations for clinical practice are limited due to the very low evidence certainty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sothida Nantakool
- Environmental-Occupational Health Sciences and Non Communicable Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
| | - Piangkwan Sa-nguanmoo
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (P.S.-n.); (S.K.)
| | - Supatcha Konghakote
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (P.S.-n.); (S.K.)
| | - Busaba Chuatrakoon
- Environmental-Occupational Health Sciences and Non Communicable Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand;
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (P.S.-n.); (S.K.)
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10
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Ortiz-Ortigosa L, Gálvez-Álvarez P, Viñolo-Gil MJ, Rodriguez-Huguet M, Góngora-Rodríguez J, Martín-Valero R. Effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation programmes and/or respiratory muscle training in patients with post-COVID conditions: a systematic review. Respir Res 2024; 25:248. [PMID: 38890699 PMCID: PMC11186160 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02857-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The term "post-COVID-19 condition" refers to the symptomatology that appears between four to twelve weeks after Covid-19 infection. These symptoms can persist for weeks or even months, significantly diminishing the quality of life for affected individuals. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation programs and/or respiratory muscle training on respiratory sequelae in patients with post-COVID condition. METHODS The literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, PEDro, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science. Randomized clinical trials were included in which participants were aged 18 years or older. Articles were excluded if at least one of the therapies did not involve pulmonary rehabilitation or respiratory muscle training, if the participants were COVID positive, if studies lacked results, and finally, if interventions were conducted without supervision or at home. This review only encompasses supervised non-virtual interventions. This study adheres to the PRISMA statement and has been registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023433843). RESULTS The outcomes obtained in the included studies are assessed across the following variables: Exercise capacity using the 6-minute walk test, Dyspnea, fatigue, Pulmonary function, Maximum inspiratory pressure, and Quality of life. CONCLUSION Despite the absence of a specific treatment at present, it was evident from this review that a well-structured pulmonary rehabilitation program that incorporates both aerobic and muscular strength exercises along with techniques and inspiratory muscle exercises was the most effective form of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Ortiz-Ortigosa
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, University of Malaga, Málaga, 29071, Spain
| | - Paula Gálvez-Álvarez
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, University of Malaga, Málaga, 29071, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Rocío Martín-Valero
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, University of Malaga, Málaga, 29071, Spain.
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11
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Gogoll C, Peters E, Köllner V, Koczulla R. [S1 guideline long/post-COVID syndrome]. UROLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024:10.1007/s00120-024-02373-9. [PMID: 38886205 DOI: 10.1007/s00120-024-02373-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Gogoll
- Ambulante Dienste, Ev. Lungenklinik Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland.
| | - Eva Peters
- Universitätsklinik Gießen und Marburg, Gießen und Marburg, Deutschland
- Schwerpunkt Psychoneuroimmunologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Volker Köllner
- Forschungsgruppe Psychosomatische Rehabilitation & Rehazentrum Seehof der Deutschen Rentenversicherung mit aktuell Entwicklung eines kardiopsychosomatischen ambulanten Rehakonzeptes für Post-COVID Patienten, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Rembert Koczulla
- Schön Klinik Berchtesgadener Land, Forschungsinstitut für Pneumologische Rehabilitation, Philipps-Universität Marburg, Marburg, Deutschland
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12
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Costa ACGD, Martins TF, da Silva VZM, Leite CF, Castro SSD, Cipriano G, Cipriano GFB. Standardization use of the international classification of functioning, disability and health in the determination of health status in patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. Disabil Rehabil 2024:1-13. [PMID: 38835177 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2024.2358897] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To propose a standardized method for the use of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to describe the health status in Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) and investigate interrater agreement in the linking process in instruments and clinical exams using the ICF categories. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cross-sectional and interrater agreement study that followed the Guidelines for Reporting Reliability and Agreement Studies. Two raters performed the linking coding process in instruments of quality of life, anxiety and depression, fatigue and pulmonary function, inspiratory muscle strength and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The codes were qualified by standards defined to each instrument and exams. RESULTS The instrument with the lowest Cohen's Kappa coefficient was anxiety and depression (k = 0.57). Forty ICF codes were linked to clinical instruments and exams. The fatigue instrument presented a higher degree of disability by the qualification process, from severe to complete, in the linked codes. CONCLUSION The study presents a standardized method for the assessment of the health status of patients with PACS through ICF. Restriction in work performance, socialization and family relationships as well as disabilities in physical endurance, fatigue and exercise tolerance were found in the sample. The agreement between the raters was moderate to perfect, demonstrating that the method can be reproducible.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Vinicius Zacarias Maldaner da Silva
- Physiotherapy department, University of Brasília, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Human Moviment and Rehabilitation, UniEVANGÉLICA, Anápolis, Brazil
| | - Camila Ferreira Leite
- Master Program in Physiotherapy and Functioning, Federal University of Ceara, Brazil
| | | | - Gerson Cipriano
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Brasília, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Science, University of Brasília, Brazil
- Physiotherapy department, University of Brasília, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Human Moviment and Rehabilitation, UniEVANGÉLICA, Anápolis, Brazil
| | - Graziella França Bernardelli Cipriano
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences and Technologies, University of Brasília, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Science, University of Brasília, Brazil
- Physiotherapy department, University of Brasília, Brazil
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13
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Prata TA, Leite AS, Augusto VM, Bretas DC, Andrade BH, Oliveira JDGF, Batista AP, Machado-Coelho GLL, Mancuzo E, Marinho CC. Lung function and quality of life one year after severe COVID-19 in Brazil. J Bras Pneumol 2024; 50:e20230261. [PMID: 38808823 PMCID: PMC11185156 DOI: 10.36416/1806-3756/e20230261] [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: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate symptoms, lung function, and quality of life of a cohort of patients hospitalized for severe COVID-19 12 months after hospital admission. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study. We included severe COVID-19 survivors hospitalized in one of three tertiary referral hospitals for COVID-19 in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Participants were submitted to lung function and six-minute walk tests and completed the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire. RESULTS The whole sample comprised 189 COVID-19 survivors (mean age = 59.6 ± 13.4 years) who had been admitted to a ward only (n = 96; 50.8%) or to an ICU (n = 93; 49.2%). At 12 months of follow-up, 43% of patients presented with dyspnea, 27% of whom had a restrictive ventilatory disorder and 18% of whom presented with impaired DLCO. There were no significant differences in FVC, FEV1, and TLC between the survivors with or without dyspnea. However, those who still had dyspnea had significantly more impaired DLCO (14.9% vs. 22.4%; p < 0.020) and poorer quality of life. CONCLUSIONS After one year, survivors of severe COVID-19 in a middle-income country still present with high symptom burden, restrictive ventilatory changes, and loss of quality of life. Ongoing follow-up is needed to characterize long COVID-19 and identify strategies to mitigate its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Daniel Cruz Bretas
- . Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG) Brasil
| | | | | | | | | | - Eliane Mancuzo
- . Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG - Belo Horizonte (MG) Brasil
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14
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Schoeffl I, Raming R, Tratzky JP, Regensburger AP, Kraus C, Waellisch W, Trollmann R, Woelfle J, Dittrich S, Heiss R, Knieling F, Weigelt A. Cardiopulmonary function in paediatric post-COVID-19: a controlled clinical trial. Eur J Pediatr 2024; 183:1645-1655. [PMID: 38193996 PMCID: PMC11001705 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05421-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Recently, the importance of post-COVID-19 in children has been recognized in surveys and retrospective chart analysis. However, objective data in the form of cardiopulmonary exercise test as performed in adults suffering from this condition are still lacking. This study aimed to investigate the cardiopulmonary effects of post-COVID-19 on children and adolescents. In this cross-sectional study (the FASCINATE study), children fulfilling the criteria of post-COVID-19 and an age- and sex-matched control group underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a treadmill and completed a questionnaire with regard to physical activity before, during and after the infection with SARS-CoV-2. We were able to recruit 20 children suffering from post-COVID-19 (mean age 12.8 ± 2.4 years, 60% females) and 28 control children (mean age 11.7 ± 3.5 years, 50% females). All participants completed a maximal treadmill test with a significantly lowerV ˙ O 2 peak in the post-COVID-19 group (37.4 ± 8.8 ml/kg/min vs. 43.0 ± 6.7 ml/kg/min. p = 0.019). This significance did not persist when comparing the achieved percentage of predictedV ˙ O 2 peak . There were no significant differences for oxygen pulse, heart rate, minute ventilation or breathing frequency. Conclusion: This is the first study to investigate post-COVID-19 in children using the cardiopulmonary exercise test. Although there was a significantly reducedV ˙ O 2 peak in the post-COVID-19 group, this was not true for the percent of predicted values. No pathological findings with respect to cardiac or pulmonary functions could be discerned. Deconditioning was the most plausible cause for the experienced symptoms. Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov, NCT054445531, Low-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Pediatric Post Covid-19-Full Text View-ClinicalTrials.gov. What is Known: • The persistence of symptoms after an infection with SARS-CoV 2, so-called post-COVID-19 exists also in children. • So far little research has been conducted to analyze this entity in the pediatric population. What is New: • This is the first study proving a significantly lower cardiopulmonary function in pediatric patients suffering from post-COVID-19 symptoms. • The cardiac and pulmonary function appear similar between children suffering from post-COVID-19 and those who don't, but the peripheral muscles seem affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle Schoeffl
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
- School of Clinical and Applied Sciences, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, LS13HE, UK.
| | - Roman Raming
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan-Philipp Tratzky
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Adrian P Regensburger
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Calvin Kraus
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Waellisch
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Regina Trollmann
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Joachim Woelfle
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sven Dittrich
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Rafael Heiss
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ferdinand Knieling
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Annika Weigelt
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Loschgestrasse 15, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
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15
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Longobardi I, Prado DMLD, de Andrade DCO, Goessler KF, de Oliveira Júnior GN, de Almeida Azevedo R, Leitão AE, Santos JVP, Pinto ALDS, Gualano B, Roschel H. Cardiorespiratory abnormalities in ICU survivors of COVID-19 with postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection are unrelated to invasive mechanical ventilation. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2024; 326:H907-H915. [PMID: 38334972 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00073.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Postacute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (PASC) often leads to exertional intolerance and reduced exercise capacity, particularly in individuals previously admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU). However, the impact of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) on PASC-associated cardiorespiratory abnormalities during exercise remains poorly understood. This single-center, cross-sectional study aimed to gather knowledge on this topic. Fifty-two patients with PASC recruited ∼6 mo after ICU discharge were clustered based on their need for IMV (PASC + IMV, n = 27) or noninvasive support therapy (PASC + NIS, n = 25). Patients underwent pulmonary function and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPX) and were compared with a reference group (CONTROL, n = 19) comprising individuals of both sexes with similar age, comorbidities, and physical activity levels but without a history of COVID-19 illness. Individuals with PASC, irrespective of support therapy, presented with higher rates of cardiorespiratory abnormalities than CONTROL, especially dysfunctional breathing patterns, dynamic hyperinflation, reduced oxygen uptake and oxygen pulse, and blunted heart rate recovery (all P < 0.05). Only the rate of abnormal oxygen pulse was greater among PASC + IMV group than PASC + NIS group (P = 0.05). Mean estimates for all CPX variables were comparable between PASC + IMV and PASC + NIS groups (all P > 0.05). These findings indicate significant involvement of both central and peripheral factors, leading to exertional intolerance in individuals with PASC previously admitted to the ICU, regardless of their need for IMV.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We found cardiorespiratory abnormalities in ICU survivors of severe-to-critical COVID-19 with PASC to be independent of IMV need. Overall, both group of patients experienced dysfunctional breathing patterns, dynamic hyperinflation, lower oxygen uptake and oxygen pulse, and blunted heart rate responses to CPX. PASC seems to impact exertional tolerance and exercise capacity due to ventilatory inefficiency, impaired aerobic metabolism, and potential systolic and autonomic dysfunction, all of these irrespective of support therapy during ICU stay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Longobardi
- Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, School of Physical Education and Sport, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Lifestyle Medicine, Laboratory of Assessment and Conditioning in Rheumatology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danilo Marcelo Leite do Prado
- Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, School of Physical Education and Sport, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Lifestyle Medicine, Laboratory of Assessment and Conditioning in Rheumatology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Karla Fabiana Goessler
- Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, School of Physical Education and Sport, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Lifestyle Medicine, Laboratory of Assessment and Conditioning in Rheumatology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gersiel Nascimento de Oliveira Júnior
- Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, School of Physical Education and Sport, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Lifestyle Medicine, Laboratory of Assessment and Conditioning in Rheumatology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rafael de Almeida Azevedo
- Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, School of Physical Education and Sport, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Lifestyle Medicine, Laboratory of Assessment and Conditioning in Rheumatology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alice Erwig Leitão
- Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, School of Physical Education and Sport, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Lifestyle Medicine, Laboratory of Assessment and Conditioning in Rheumatology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jhonnatan Vasconcelos Pereira Santos
- Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, School of Physical Education and Sport, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Lifestyle Medicine, Laboratory of Assessment and Conditioning in Rheumatology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana Lucia de Sá Pinto
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Gualano
- Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, School of Physical Education and Sport, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Lifestyle Medicine, Laboratory of Assessment and Conditioning in Rheumatology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hamilton Roschel
- Applied Physiology and Nutrition Research Group, School of Physical Education and Sport, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Center of Lifestyle Medicine, Laboratory of Assessment and Conditioning in Rheumatology, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Rheumatology Division, Hospital das Clinicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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16
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da Silveira AD, Scolari FL, Saadi MP, Brahmbhatt DH, Milani M, Milani JGPO, Junior GC, Sartor ITS, Zavaglia GO, Tonini ML, da Costa MSC, Scotta MC, Stein RT, Rosa RG. Long-term reduced functional capacity and quality of life in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 10:1289454. [PMID: 38516229 PMCID: PMC10957227 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1289454] [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: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Persistent symptoms and exercise intolerance have been reported after COVID-19, even months after the acute disease. Although, the long-term impact on exercise capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is still unclear. Research question To assess the long-term functional capacity and HRQoL in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19. Study design and methods This is a prospective cohort study, conducted at two centers in Brazil, that included post-discharge COVID-19 patients and paired controls. The cohort was paired by age, sex, body mass index and comorbidities, using propensity score matching in a 1:3 ratio. Patients were eligible if signs or symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 and pulmonary involvement on chest computed tomography. All patients underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and a HRQoL questionnaire (SF-36) 6 months after the COVID-19. The main outcome was the percentage of predicted peak oxygen consumption (ppVO2). Secondary outcomes included other CPET measures and HRQoL. Results The study sample comprised 47 post-discharge COVID-19 patients and 141 healthy controls. The mean age of COVID-19 patients was 54 ± 14 years, with 19 (40%) females, and a mean body mass index of 31 kg/m2 (SD, 6). The median follow-up was 7 months (IQR, 6.5-8.0) after hospital discharge. PpVO2 in COVID-19 patients was lower than in controls (83% vs. 95%, p = 0.002) with an effect size of 0.38 ([95%CI], 0.04-0.70). Mean peak VO2 (22 vs. 25 mL/kg/min, p = 0.04) and OUES (2,122 vs. 2,380, p = 0.027) were also reduced in the COVID-19 patients in comparison to controls. Dysfunctional breathing (DB) was present in 51%. HRQoL was significantly reduced in post COVID patients and positively correlated to peak exercise capacity. Interpretation Hospitalized COVID-19 patients presented, 7 months after discharge, with a reduction in functional capacity and HRQoL when compared to historical controls. HRQoL were reduced and correlated with the reduced peak VO2 in our population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Donelli da Silveira
- Division of Cardiology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Cardiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Fernando Luis Scolari
- Division of Cardiology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Cardiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Social Responsibility, Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marina Petersen Saadi
- Division of Cardiology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Cardiology, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Darshan H. Brahmbhatt
- Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mauricio Milani
- Hasselt University, REVAL/BIOMED, Hasselt, Belgium
- Health Sciences and Technologies Graduate Program, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | - Gerson Cipriano Junior
- Health Sciences and Technologies Graduate Program, University of Brasilia (UnB), Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maiko Luis Tonini
- General Coordination, Chronic and Airborne Disease Surveillance Coordination, Health Surveillance Secretariat, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Brasilia, Brazil
| | - Marcela Santos Correa da Costa
- General Coordination, National Immunization Program, Health Surveillance Secretariat, Brazilian Ministry of Health, Brasilia, Brazil
| | | | - Renato T. Stein
- Social Responsibility, Hospital Moinhos de Vento, Porto Alegre, Brazil
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17
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Faghy MA, Duncan R, Hume E, Gough L, Roscoe C, Laddu D, Arena R, Asthon REM, Dalton C. Developing effective strategies to optimize physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness in the long Covid population- The need for caution and objective assessment. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2024; 83:62-70. [PMID: 38460898 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2024.03.003] [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: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
The Post Covid-19 Condition (commonly known as Long Covid) has been defined by the World Health Organisation as occurring in individuals with a history of probable or confirmed SARS CoV 2 infection, usually within 3 months from the onset of acute Covid-19 infection with symptoms that last for at least two months which cannot be explained by an alternative diagnosis. Long Covid is associated with over two hundred recognised symptoms and affects tens of millions of people worldwide. Widely reported reductions in quality of life(QoL) and functional status are caused by extremely sensitive and cyclical symptom profiles that are augmented following exposure to physical, emotional, orthostatic, and cognitive stimuli. This manifestation prevents millions of people from engaging in routine activities of daily living (ADLs) and has important health and well-being, social and economic impacts. Post-exertional symptom exacerbation (PESE) (also known as post-exertional malaise) is an exacerbation in the severity of fatigue and other symptoms following physical, emotional, orthostatic and cognitive tasks. Typically, this will occur 24-72 h after "over-exertion" and can persist for several days and even weeks. It is a hallmark symptom of Long Covid with a reported prevalence of 86%. The debilitating nature of PESE prevents patients from engaging in physical activity which impacts functional status and QoL. In this review, the authors present an update to the literature relating to PESE in Long Covid and make the case for evidence-based guidelines that support the design and implementation of safe rehabilitation approaches for people with Long Covid. This review also considers the role of objective monitoring to quantify a patient's response to external stimuli which can be used to support the safe management of Long Covid and inform decisions relating to engagement with any stimuli that could prompt an exacerbation of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Faghy
- Biomedical and Clinical Exercise Science Research Theme, University of Derby, Derby, UK; Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection Network (HL-Pivot), Illinois, Chicago, USA.
| | - Rae Duncan
- Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle, UK
| | - Emily Hume
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University Newcastle, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Lewis Gough
- School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Clare Roscoe
- Biomedical and Clinical Exercise Science Research Theme, University of Derby, Derby, UK
| | - Deepika Laddu
- Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection Network (HL-Pivot), Illinois, Chicago, USA; Department of Physical Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Ross Arena
- Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection Network (HL-Pivot), Illinois, Chicago, USA; Department of Physical Therapy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, USA
| | - Ruth E M Asthon
- Biomedical and Clinical Exercise Science Research Theme, University of Derby, Derby, UK; Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection Network (HL-Pivot), Illinois, Chicago, USA
| | - Caroline Dalton
- Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, UK
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18
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Contreras AM, Newman DB, Cappelloni L, Niven AS, Mueller MR, Ganesh R, Squires RW, Bonikowske AR, Allison TG. Cardiopulmonary testing in long COVID-19 versus non-COVID-19 patients with undifferentiated Dyspnea on exertion. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2024; 83:71-76. [PMID: 37211198 PMCID: PMC10198738 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2023.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dyspnea and fatigue are characteristics of long SARS-CoV-2 (COVID)-19. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) can be used to better evaluate such patients. RESEARCH QUESTION How significantly and by what mechanisms is exercise capacity impaired in patients with long COVID who are coming to a specialized clinic for evaluation? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We performed a cohort study using the Mayo Clinic exercise testing database. Subjects included consecutive long COVID patients without prior history of heart or lung disease sent from the Post-COVID Care Clinic for CPET. They were compared to a historical group of non-COVID patients with undifferentiated dyspnea also without known cardiac or pulmonary disease. Statistical comparisons were performed by t-test or Pearson's chi2 test controlling for age, sex, and beta blocker use where appropriate. RESULTS We found 77 patients with long COVID and 766 control patients. Long COVID patients were younger (47 ± 15 vs 50 ± 10 years, P < .01) and more likely female (70% vs 58%, P < .01). The most prominent difference on CPETs was lower percent predicted peak V̇O2 (73 ± 18 vs 85 ± 23%, p < .0001). Autonomic abnormalities (resting tachycardia, CNS changes, low systolic blood pressure) were seen during CPET more commonly in long COVID patients (34 vs 23%, P < .04), while mild pulmonary abnormalities (mild desaturation, limited breathing reserve, elevated V̇E/V̇CO2) during CPET were similar (19% in both groups) with only 1 long COVID patient showing severe impairment. INTERPRETATION We identified severe exercise limitation among long COVID patients. Young women may be at higher risk for these complications. Though mild pulmonary and autonomic impairment were common in long COVID patients, marked limitations were uncommon. We hope our observations help to untangle the physiologic abnormalities responsible for the symptomatology of long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Darrell B Newman
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Lucio Cappelloni
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Alexander S Niven
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Michael R Mueller
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Ravindra Ganesh
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Ray W Squires
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Amanda R Bonikowske
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America
| | - Thomas G Allison
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America; Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States of America.
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19
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O'Sullivan O, Houston A, Ladlow P, Barker-Davies RM, Chamley R, Bennett AN, Nicol ED, Holdsworth DA. Factors influencing medium- and long-term occupational impact following COVID-19. Occup Med (Lond) 2024; 74:53-62. [PMID: 37101240 DOI: 10.1093/occmed/kqad041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Significant numbers of individuals struggle to return to work following acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The UK Military developed an integrated medical and occupational pathway (Defence COVID-19 Recovery Service, DCRS) to ensure safe return to work for those with initially severe disease or persistent COVID-19 sequalae. Medical deployment status (MDS) is used to determine ability to perform job role without restriction ('fully deployable', FD) or with limitations ('medically downgraded', MDG). AIMS To identify which variables differ between those who are FD and MDG 6 months after acute COVID-19. Within the downgraded cohort, a secondary aim is to understand which early factors are associated with persistent downgrading at 12 and 18 months. METHODS Individuals undergoing DCRS had comprehensive clinical assessment. Following this, their electronic medical records were reviewed and MDS extracted at 6, 12 and 18 months. Fifty-seven predictors taken from DCRS were analysed. Associations were sought between initial and prolonged MDG. RESULTS Three hundred and twenty-five participants were screened, with 222 included in the initial analysis. Those who were initially downgraded were more likely to have post-acute shortness of breath (SoB), fatigue and exercise intolerance (objective and subjective), cognitive impairment and report mental health symptoms. The presence of fatigue and SoB, cognitive impairment and mental health symptoms was associated with MDG at 12 months, and the latter two, at 18 months. There were also modest associations between cardiopulmonary function and sustained downgrading. CONCLUSIONS Understanding the factors that are associated with initial and sustained inability to return to work allows individualized, targeted interventions to be utilized.
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Affiliation(s)
- O O'Sullivan
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation (ADMR), Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), Stanford Hall, Loughborough LE12 5QW, UK
- Academic Unit of Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Science, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - A Houston
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation (ADMR), Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), Stanford Hall, Loughborough LE12 5QW, UK
| | - P Ladlow
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation (ADMR), Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), Stanford Hall, Loughborough LE12 5QW, UK
- Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
| | - R M Barker-Davies
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation (ADMR), Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), Stanford Hall, Loughborough LE12 5QW, UK
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
| | - R Chamley
- Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham B15 2GW, UK
| | - A N Bennett
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation (ADMR), Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), Stanford Hall, Loughborough LE12 5QW, UK
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, UK
| | - E D Nicol
- Academic Department of Military Medicine, Birmingham B15 2GW, UK
- School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London WC2R 2LS, UK
| | - D A Holdsworth
- Royal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham B15 2GW, UK
- Academic Department of Military Medicine, Birmingham B15 2GW, UK
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
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20
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Santos KSDC, de Brito GMG, de Melo EV, Sousa ACS, Martins-Filho PR, Campos MDSB. Cardiorespiratory optimal point in post-COVID-19 patients: a cross-sectional study. Rev Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo 2024; 66:e14. [PMID: 38381899 PMCID: PMC10881065 DOI: 10.1590/s1678-9946202466014] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The varied clinical presentations of SARS-CoV-2 infection have raised concerns about long-term consequences, especially "long-COVID" or "post-COVID-19 syndrome." In this context, the cardiorespiratory optimal point (COP) within the Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test (CPET) emerges as a crucial metric for evaluating functional capacities and detecting cardiovascular and pulmonary anomalies post-COVID-19. This study aimed to assess COP values among post-COVID-19 patients and categorized them based on the initial severity of their disease. In this cross-sectional study conducted in the Northeast Brazil, 80 patients (26 females and 54 males) previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 underwent CPET. We clinically stratified patients into mild, moderate, or severe COVID-19 categories and assessed COP values and other cardiorespiratory metrics. We found differences in the predicted COP between patients with mild and severe COVID-19 (p=0.042). Additionally, patients with moderate and severe COVID-19 record had an average COP value exceeding 22. Other parameters, including respiratory exchange ratio, heart rate, and oxygen uptake efficiency slope, did not differ across the groups. Patients with a history of severe COVID-19 showed altered COP values, suggesting potential discrepancies in cardiovascular and respiratory system integration. The outcomes emphasize the importance of continuous monitoring and assessment of the cardiorespiratory domain for post-COVID-19 patients. Further research is needed to understand the relationship between elevated COP in post-severe COVID-19 and its long-term prognostic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Antônio Carlos Sobral Sousa
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Departamento de Medicina, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
- Rede D’Or São Luiz, Clínica e Hospital São Lucas, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Hospital Universitário, Divisão de Cardiologia, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Paulo Ricardo Martins-Filho
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Hospital Universitário, Laboratório de Patologia Investigativa, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
| | - Milena dos Santos Barros Campos
- Universidade Tiradentes, Departamento de Medicina, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
- Rede D’Or São Luiz, Clínica e Hospital São Lucas, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
- Universidade Federal de Sergipe, Hospital Universitário, Divisão de Cardiologia, Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil
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21
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Berenguel Senén A, Gadella Fernández A, Godoy López J, Borrego Rodríguez J, Gallango Brejano M, Cepas Guillén P, de Cabo Porras C, Morante Perea C, Gigante Miravalles E, Serrano Blanco Á, San-Millán Castrillón Í, Rodríguez Padial L. Functional rehabilitation based on therapeutic exercise training in patients with postacute COVID syndrome (RECOVER). REVISTA ESPANOLA DE CARDIOLOGIA (ENGLISH ED.) 2024; 77:167-175. [PMID: 37797937 DOI: 10.1016/j.rec.2023.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Postacute COVID syndrome (PACS) is common after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. One of the most frequent and disabling symptoms is exercise intolerance (EI). Recent evidence suggests that EI in PACS has a peripheral (metabolic-neuromuscular) origin, suggesting that exercise training may be an effective treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the role a therapeutic physical exercise program (TPEP) in PACS with EI. METHODS This single-center, open-label, randomized clinical trial compared an exercise training program (intervention group) with regular physical activity recommendations (control group) in patients with PACS and EI. The intervention group underwent an 8-week TPEP. The primary endpoint was improvement in functional capacity, assessed as the change in peak VO2. RESULTS We included 50 participants with PACS (73% women, mean age 47±7.1 years). The intervention group showed a 15% improvement in peak VO2 (peak VO2 pre- and postintervention: 25.5±7.7mL/kg/min and 29.3±4.7 mL/kg/min; P <.001) and a 13.2% improvement in predicted values (92.1±14.3% and 108.4±13.4%; P <.001). No significant changes in VO2 values were observed in the control group. Unlike the control group, the intervention group also showed improvements in all secondary outcomes: quality of life scales, muscle power, maximum inspiratory power, metabolic flexibility, and body fat percentage. CONCLUSIONS The program improved functional capacity in patients with PACS and EI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Juan Godoy López
- Escuela Central de Educación Física, Ejército de Tierra, Toledo, Spain
| | - Javier Borrego Rodríguez
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Alfredo Espinosa, Urdúliz, Vizcaya, Spain. https://twitter.com/@JaviiBorrego
| | | | - Pedro Cepas Guillén
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. https://twitter.com/@pedro_cepas
| | | | | | | | | | - Íñigo San-Millán Castrillón
- Departamento de Fisiología y Metabolismo, Universidad de Colorado, Denver, Colorado, Estados Unidos. https://twitter.com/@doctorinigo
| | - Luis Rodríguez Padial
- Servicio de Cardiología, Hospital Universitario de Toledo, Toledo, Spain. https://twitter.com/@luisrpadial
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22
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Holley AB, Fabyan KD, Haynes ZA, Holtzclaw AW, Huprikar NA, Shumar JN, Sheth PS, Hightower SL. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing in younger patients with persistent dyspnea following acute, outpatient COVID-19 infection. Physiol Rep 2024; 12:e15934. [PMID: 38320756 PMCID: PMC10846960 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies using cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) to evaluate persistent dyspnea following infection with COVID-19 have focused on older patients with co-morbid diseases who are post-hospitalization. Less attention has been given to younger patients with post-COVID-19 dyspnea treated as outpatients for their acute infection. We sought to determine causes of persistent dyspnea in younger patients recovering from acute COVID-19 infection that did not require hospitalization. We collected data on all post-COVID-19 patients who underwent CPET in our clinic in the calendar year 2021. Data on cardiac function and respiratory response were abstracted, and diagnoses were assigned using established criteria. CPET data on 45 patients (238.3 ± 124 days post-test positivity) with a median age of 27.0 (22.0-40.0) were available for analysis. All but two (95.6%) were active-duty service members. The group showed substantial loss of aerobic capacity-average VO2 peak (L/min) was 84.2 ± 23% predicted and 25 (55.2%) were below the threshold for normal. Spirometry, diffusion capacity, high-resolution computed tomography, and echocardiogram were largely normal and were not correlated with VO2 peak. The two most common contributors to dyspnea and exercise limitation following comprehensive evaluation were deconditioning and dysfunctional breathing (DB). Younger active-duty military patients with persistent dyspnea following outpatient COVID-19 infection show a substantial reduction in aerobic capacity that is not driven by structural cardiopulmonary disease. Deconditioning and DB breathing are common contributors to their exercise limitation. The chronicity and severity of symptoms accompanied by DB could be consistent with an underlying myopathy in some patients, a disorder that cannot be differentiated from deconditioning using non-invasive CPET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron B. Holley
- Department of Pulmonary/Sleep and Critical Care MedicineWalter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Kimberly D. Fabyan
- Department of Pulmonary/Sleep and Critical Care MedicineWalter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Zachary A. Haynes
- Department of MedicineWalter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Arthur W. Holtzclaw
- Department of Pulmonary/Sleep and Critical Care MedicineWalter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Nikhil A. Huprikar
- Department of Pulmonary/Sleep and Critical Care MedicineWalter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - John N. Shumar
- Department of Pulmonary/Sleep and Critical Care MedicineWalter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | | | - Stephanie L. Hightower
- Department of Pulmonary/Sleep and Critical Care MedicineWalter Reed National Military Medical CenterBethesdaMarylandUSA
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23
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Appelman B, Charlton BT, Goulding RP, Kerkhoff TJ, Breedveld EA, Noort W, Offringa C, Bloemers FW, van Weeghel M, Schomakers BV, Coelho P, Posthuma JJ, Aronica E, Joost Wiersinga W, van Vugt M, Wüst RCI. Muscle abnormalities worsen after post-exertional malaise in long COVID. Nat Commun 2024; 15:17. [PMID: 38177128 PMCID: PMC10766651 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44432-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
A subgroup of patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 remain symptomatic over three months after infection. A distinctive symptom of patients with long COVID is post-exertional malaise, which is associated with a worsening of fatigue- and pain-related symptoms after acute mental or physical exercise, but its underlying pathophysiology is unclear. With this longitudinal case-control study (NCT05225688), we provide new insights into the pathophysiology of post-exertional malaise in patients with long COVID. We show that skeletal muscle structure is associated with a lower exercise capacity in patients, and local and systemic metabolic disturbances, severe exercise-induced myopathy and tissue infiltration of amyloid-containing deposits in skeletal muscles of patients with long COVID worsen after induction of post-exertional malaise. This study highlights novel pathways that help to understand the pathophysiology of post-exertional malaise in patients suffering from long COVID and other post-infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent Appelman
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Braeden T Charlton
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Richie P Goulding
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tom J Kerkhoff
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ellen A Breedveld
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wendy Noort
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Carla Offringa
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frank W Bloemers
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michel van Weeghel
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Core Facility Metabolomics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bauke V Schomakers
- Laboratory Genetic Metabolic Diseases, Core Facility Metabolomics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pedro Coelho
- Serviço de Neurologia, Departamento de Neurociências e Saúde Mental, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHULN, Lisbon, Portugal
- Faculdade de Medicina, Centro de Estudos Egas Moniz, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of (Neuro)pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jelle J Posthuma
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Flevoziekenhuis, Division of Surgery, Hospitaalweg 1, Almere, the Netherlands
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of (Neuro)pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - W Joost Wiersinga
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Michèle van Vugt
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Infectious diseases, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Tropical Medicine, Department of Medicine, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Rob C I Wüst
- Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioral and Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Pleguezuelos E, Del Carmen A, Serra M, Moreno E, Miravitlles M, Garnacho-Castaño MV. Hospital and intensive care unit stay associated with body mass index affect cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with COVID-19. Chron Respir Dis 2024; 21:14799731241259749. [PMID: 38863283 PMCID: PMC11177731 DOI: 10.1177/14799731241259749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the cardiorespiratory fitness of hospitalized and obese patients are of utmost relevance. This study aimed to analyze how hospital and intensive care unit (ICU) stay together with body mass index affect cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with COVID-19. METHODS 251 participants (males, n = 118; females, n = 133) were assigned to four groups: non-hospitalized COVID-19 patients (n = 65, age: 45.3 years), hospitalized COVID-19 patients (n = 63, age: 57.6 years), COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU (n = 61, age: 56.9 years), and control group (n = 62, age: 49.8 years). An incremental cardiopulmonary exercise test was performed between 3 and 6 weeks after medical discharge from hospital. RESULTS Higher peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), ventilatory efficiency and power output were found in ICU patients with normal weight (NW) than in overweight (OW) (Mean difference: 0.1 L·min-1, -5.5, 29.0 W, respectively) and obese (OB) ICU patients (Mean difference: 0.1 L·min-1, -5.0, 26.2 W, respectively) (p < .05). In NW, OW and OB participants, higher VO2peak and power output were observed in control group compared with non-hospitalized (Mean difference: NW: 0.2 L·min-1, 83.3 W; OW: 0.2 L·min-1, 60.0 W; OB: 0.2 L·min-1, 70.9 W, respectively), hospitalized (Mean difference: NW: 0.2 L·min-1, 72.9 W; OW: 0.1 L·min-1, 58.3 W; OB: 0.2 L•min-1, 91.1 W, respectively) and ICU patients (Mean difference: NW: 0.1 L·min-1, 70.9 W; OW: 0.2 L·min-1, 91.1 W; OB: 0.3 L·min-1; 65.0 W, respectively) (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS The degree of severity of COVID-19, especially identified by hospitalization and ICU stay, together with obesity and overweight were key factors in reducing cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eulogio Pleguezuelos
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Hospital de Mataró, Mataró, Spain
- Department of Experimental Science and Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amin Del Carmen
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Hospital de Mataró, Mataró, Spain
| | - Mateu Serra
- Research Unit, Consorci Sanitari Del Maresme, Mataró, Spain
| | - Eva Moreno
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Hospitalet General Hospital, L´Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Miravitlles
- Pneumology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall D'Hebron, Vall D'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Vicente Garnacho-Castaño
- DAFNiS Research Group (Pain, Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health), Campus Docent Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de La Salud, Universidad Internacional de Valencia (VIU), Valencia, Spain
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Pleguezuelos E, Del Carmen A, Moreno E, Miravitlles M, Serra M, Garnacho-Castaño MV. Effects of a telerehabilitation program and detraining on cardiorespiratory fitness in patients with post-COVID-19 sequelae: A randomized controlled trial. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2024; 34:e14543. [PMID: 38009852 DOI: 10.1111/sms.14543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a 15-week telerehabilitation program and a detraining period on cardiorespiratory fitness and mechanical efficiency in patients with post-COVID-19 sequelae. METHODS 131 patients with post-COVID-19 sequelae were randomly assigned to one of two groups: patients who carried out the supervised telerehabilitation program (TRG, n = 66) and a control group (CG, n = 65). An incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was performed on cycle ergometer to compare cardioventilatory responses between experimental groups. RESULTS A significant increase in the CPET duration, peak power output, and mechanical efficiency was observed in TRG compared to CG after the telerehabilitation program (p ≤ 0.001). A significant increase in the CPET duration, peak power output, and mechanical efficiency was verified at 3 months compared to the pretest and after detraining in TRG (p < 0.001). A significant increase in peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak ) was identified after the intervention and in the detraining period compared to the pretest in both experimental groups (p < 0.001). A higher ventilatory efficiency was observed after the telerehabilitation program (p = 0.021) than in pretest only in TRG. CONCLUSIONS A 15-week supervised home telerehabilitation program improved exercise capacity, power output, and mechanical efficiency in TRG compared to a CG. The telerehabilitation program was not more effective in improving V̇O2peak than the activities of the CG. However, ventilatory efficiency was improved only after the telerehabilitation program. The reported results after the detraining period highlight the need to maintain the rehabilitation program over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eulogio Pleguezuelos
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Hospital de Mataró, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Experimental Science and Healthcare, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Amin Del Carmen
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Hospital de Mataró, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Moreno
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department, Hospitalet General Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Miravitlles
- Pneumology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona Hospital Campus, CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias (CIBERES), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mateu Serra
- Research Unit, Consorci Sanitari del Maresme, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel V Garnacho-Castaño
- DAFNiS Research Group (Pain, Physical Activity, Nutrition and Health), Campus Docent Sant Joan de Déu, Universitat de Barcelona, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Internacional de Valencia (VIU), Valencia, Spain
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Kahn PA, Joseph P, Heerdt PM, Singh I. Differential cardiopulmonary haemodynamic phenotypes in PASC-related exercise intolerance. ERJ Open Res 2024; 10:00714-2023. [PMID: 38348243 PMCID: PMC10860209 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00714-2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) affect a significant proportion of patients who have previously contracted SARS-CoV-2, with exertional intolerance being a prominent symptom. This study aimed to characterise the invasive haemodynamic abnormalities of PASC-related exertional intolerance using invasive cardiopulmonary exercise testing (iCPET). Study design and intervention 55 patients were recruited from the Yale Post-COVID-19 Recovery Program, with most experiencing mild acute illness. Supine right heart catheterisation and iCPET were performed on all participants. Main results The majority (75%) of PASC patients exhibited impaired peak systemic oxygen extraction (pEO2) during iCPET in conjunction with supranormal cardiac output (CO) (i.e., PASC alone group). On average, the PASC alone group exhibited a "normal" peak exercise capacity, V'O2 (89±18% predicted). ∼25% of patients had evidence of central cardiopulmonary pathology (i.e., 12 with resting and exercise heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and two with exercise pulmonary hypertension (PH)). PASC patients with HFpEF (i.e., PASC HFpEF group) exhibited similarly impaired pEO2 with well compensated PH (i.e., peak V'O2 and CO >80% respectively) despite aberrant central cardiopulmonary exercise haemodynamics. PASC patients with HFpEF also exhibited increased body mass index of 39±7 kg·m-2. To examine the relative contribution of obesity to exertional impairment in PASC HFpEF, a control group comprising obese non-PASC group (n=61) derived from a historical iCPET cohort was used. The non-PASC obese patients with preserved peak V'O2 (>80% predicted) exhibited a normal peak pulmonary artery wedge pressure (17±14 versus 25±6 mmHg; p=0.03) with similar maximal voluntary ventilation (90±12 versus 86±10% predicted; p=0.53) compared to PASC HFpEF patients. Impaired pEO2 was not significantly different between PASC patients who underwent supervised rehabilitation and those who did not (p=0.19). Conclusions This study highlights the importance of considering impaired pEO2 in PASC patients with persistent exertional intolerance unexplained by conventional investigative testing. Results of the current study also highlight the prevalence of a distinct high output HFpEF phenotype in PASC with a primary peripheral limitation to exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter A. Kahn
- Yale School of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Phillip Joseph
- Yale School of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Paul M. Heerdt
- Department of Anesthesiology, Division of Applied Hemodynamics, Yale New Haven Hospital and Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Inderjit Singh
- Yale School of Medicine, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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27
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Astley C, Prado DMLD, Sieczkowska SM, Esteves GP, Suguita P, Fink T, Lindoso L, Matsuo O, Martins F, Bain V, Badue Pereira MF, Marques HH, Malluf A, Leal GN, Silva CA, Roschel H, Gualano B. Impaired cardiorespiratory fitness and endothelial function after SARS-CoV-2 infection in a sample of mainly immunocompromised youth. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2023; 135:1323-1329. [PMID: 37916270 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00213.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to compare cardiopulmonary fitness and endothelial function 6 months after hospital diagnosis in a sample mainly comprising immunocompromised patients with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection versus noninfected controls. Youth (n = 30; age: 14 yr; 60% females) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 seen in a tertiary hospital of Sao Paulo, Brazil, were matched by propensity score based on BMI, age, sex, and pre-existing diseases with a control group who had not been tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection (n = 30; age: 15 yr; 50% females). Cardiopulmonary fitness (by means of a cardiopulmonary exercise test: CPET) and brachial flow-mediated dilation (%b-FMD) were assessed 3-6 mo after diagnosis. Patients were matched by propensity score based on BMI, age, sex and pre-existing diseases, if any, with a control group who had not been tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Compared with controls, patients with COVID-19 showed reduced ventilatory anaerobic threshold (VAT) and peak exercise time and minute ventilation/maximum voluntary ventilation (V̇e/MVV) (all P < 0.01). Brachial endothelial function variables were all adjusted for body surface area (BSA). Patients with COVID-19 had decreased %b-FMD (3.6 vs. 5.4; P = 0.03) mean and positive flow (P = 0.02 and P = 0.03, respectively) versus controls. Adjusted linear regression models exploring associations between CPET variables, %b-FMD and the potential predictors post-COVID-19 syndrome, number of symptoms, hospitalization, and COVID severity did not detect significant associations, except for total shear rate in hospitalization (coefficient: -65.07 [95%CI -119.5;-10.5], P = 0.02). Immunocompromised and previously healthy children and adolescents with COVID-19 presented with impaired exercise capacity and endothelial dysfunction when compared with their noninfected counterparts, but the mechanisms remain unknown.NEW & NOTEWORTHY COVID-19 appeared to impair recovery of exercise capacity and endothelial function in a sample mainly comprising immunocompromised patients, but the mechanisms are unknown. These findings support the need for preventive measures against COVID-19 in this vulnerable population and suggest the necessity of proper monitoring and treatment for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Astley
- Center of Lifestyle Medicine, Applied Physiology & Nutrition Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Rheumatology Division, Clinical Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Danilo Marcelo Leite do Prado
- Center of Lifestyle Medicine, Applied Physiology & Nutrition Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sofia Mendes Sieczkowska
- Center of Lifestyle Medicine, Applied Physiology & Nutrition Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriel P Esteves
- Center of Lifestyle Medicine, Applied Physiology & Nutrition Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila Suguita
- Children and Adolescent Institute, Clinical Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thais Fink
- Children and Adolescent Institute, Clinical Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Livia Lindoso
- Children and Adolescent Institute, Clinical Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Olivia Matsuo
- Children and Adolescent Institute, Clinical Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Martins
- Children and Adolescent Institute, Clinical Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vera Bain
- Children and Adolescent Institute, Clinical Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Fernanda Badue Pereira
- Children and Adolescent Institute, Clinical Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Heloisa Helena Marques
- Children and Adolescent Institute, Clinical Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriana Malluf
- Children and Adolescent Institute, Clinical Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Nunes Leal
- Children and Adolescent Institute, Clinical Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Clovis Artur Silva
- Children and Adolescent Institute, Clinical Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hamilton Roschel
- Center of Lifestyle Medicine, Applied Physiology & Nutrition Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Rheumatology Division, Clinical Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno Gualano
- Center of Lifestyle Medicine, Applied Physiology & Nutrition Research Group, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Rheumatology Division, Clinical Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Food Research Center, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Guerreiro I, Bringard A, Nehme M, Guessous I, Benzakour L, Juillet De Saint Lager-Lucas A, Taboni A, Lador F. Exercise ventilatory response after COVID-19: comparison between ambulatory and hospitalized patients. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2023; 325:L756-L764. [PMID: 37874657 PMCID: PMC11068391 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00142.2023] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Inefficient ventilatory response during cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) has been suggested as a cause of post-COVID-19 dyspnea. It has been described in hospitalized patients (HOSP) with lung parenchymal sequelae but also after mild infection in ambulatory patients (AMBU). We hypothesize that AMBU and HOSP have different ventilatory responses to exercise, due to different etiologies. We analyzed CPET realized between July 2020 and May 2022 of patients with persisting respiratory symptoms 3 mo after COVID-19. Chest computed tomography (CT) scan, pulmonary function tests, quality of life, and respiratory questionnaires were collected. CPET data were specifically explored as a function of ventilation (V̇e) and time. Seventy-nine consecutive patients were included (42 AMBU and 37 HOSP, median: 54 [44-60] yr old, 57% female). Patients were hospitalized for a median of 20 [8-34] days, with pneumonia (41%) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS; 30%). Among HOSP, 12(32%) patients had abnormal values for spirometry and 18(51%) for carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (P < 0.001). CPET showed no differences between AMBU and HOSP in peak absolute O2 uptake (V̇o2) (1.59 [1.22-2.11] mL·min-1; P = 0.65). Tidal volume (VT) as a function of V̇e, was lower in AMBU than in HOSP (P < 0.01) toward the end of exercise. The slope of the V̇e-CO2 production was higher than normal in both groups (30.9 [26.1-34.3]; P = 0.96). In conclusion, the severity of COVID-19 did not influence the exercise capacity, but AMBU demonstrated a less efficient ventilatory response to exercise as compared with HOSP. CPET with exploration of data as a function of V̇e and throughout the exercise better unveil ventilatory inefficiency.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We evaluated the exercise ventilatory response in patients with persisting dyspnea after severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. We found that despite similar peak power and peak absolute O2 uptake, tidal volume as a function of ventilation was lower in ambulatory than in hospitalized patients toward the end of exercise, reflecting ventilatory inefficiency. We call for evaluation of minute ventilation with the exploration of data throughout the exercise and not only peak data to better unveil ventilatory inefficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Guerreiro
- Division of Pneumology, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aurélien Bringard
- Division of Pneumology, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mayssam Nehme
- Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Idris Guessous
- Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Lamyae Benzakour
- Liaison Psychiatry and Crisis Intervention Service, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Anna Taboni
- Division of Pneumology, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Frédéric Lador
- Division of Pneumology, Department of Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Alsharidah AS, Kamel FH, Alanazi AA, Alhawsah EA, Alharbi HK, Alrshedi ZO, Basha MA. A Pulmonary Telerehabilitation Program Improves Exercise Capacity and Quality of Life in Young Females Post-COVID-19 Patients. Ann Rehabil Med 2023; 47:502-510. [PMID: 37980910 PMCID: PMC10767219 DOI: 10.5535/arm.23060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of telerehabilitation training on exercise capacity, lung function, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in comparison to no rehabilitation for post-COVID-19 symptoms in adult females. METHODS A randomized controlled trial of 48 females after mild to moderate COVID-19 survival were equally and randomly assigned to one of two groups: intervention group or control group. Three sessions per week for 6 weeks of a telerehabilitation program provided via a smartphone to the intervention group. Spirometry was used to quantify lung function, a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) measured in meters to measure exercise capacity, and the Short Form Health Survey-36 was used to assess HRQOL. RESULTS After treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in forced vital capacity (FVC) or forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) between groups (p>0.05), but the 6MWT of the intervention group increased significantly more than that of the control group (p=0.001). The percent of change in 6MWT for the intervention group and control group was 14.22% and 4.21%, respectively. After therapy, the intervention group's HRQOL significantly improved when compared to the control group's (p=0.001). CONCLUSION This study showed that a telerehabilitation programs improved exercise capacity and HRQOL in young females post-COVID-19 compared to no rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwag S. Alsharidah
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Qassim University, Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - FatmaAlzahraa H. Kamel
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical Rehabilitation, Qassim University, Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physical Therapy for Surgery, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Afrah A. Alanazi
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical Rehabilitation, Qassim University, Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Enas A. Alhawsah
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical Rehabilitation, Qassim University, Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Hajar K. Alharbi
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical Rehabilitation, Qassim University, Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Zahrah O. Alrshedi
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical Rehabilitation, Qassim University, Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Maged A. Basha
- Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical Rehabilitation, Qassim University, Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Ramírez-Vélez R, Oscoz-Ochandorena S, García-Alonso Y, García-Alonso N, Legarra-Gorgoñon G, Oteiza J, Lorea AE, Izquierdo M, Correa-Rodríguez M. Maximal oxidative capacity during exercise is associated with muscle power output in patients with long coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome. A moderation analysis. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2023; 58:253-262. [PMID: 38057014 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2023.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Long COVID syndrome (LCS) involves persistent symptoms experienced by many patients after recovering from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We aimed to assess skeletal muscle energy metabolism, which is closely related to substrate oxidation rates during exercise, in patients with LCS compared with healthy controls. We also examined whether muscle power output mediates the relationship between COVID-19 and skeletal muscle energy metabolism. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 71 patients with LCS and 63 healthy controls. We assessed clinical characteristics such as body composition, physical activity, and muscle strength. We used cardiopulmonary exercise testing to evaluate substrate oxidation rates during graded exercise. We performed statistical analyses to compare group characteristics and peak fat oxidation differences based on power output. RESULTS The two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) results, adjusted for covariates, showed that the patients with LCS had lower absolute maximal fatty acid oxidation (MFO), relative MFO/fat free mass (FFM), absolute carbohydrates oxidation (CHox), relative CHox/FFM, and oxygen uptake (V˙˙O2) at maximum fat oxidation (g min-1) than the healthy controls (P < 0.05). Moderation analysis indicated that muscle power output significantly influenced the relationship between LCS and reduced peak fat oxidation (interaction β = -0.105 [95% confidence interval -0.174; -0.036]; P = 0.026). Therefore, when muscle power output was below 388 W, the effect of the LCS on MFO was significant (62% in our study sample P = 0.010). These findings suggest compromised mitochondrial bioenergetics and muscle function, represented by lower peak fat oxidation rates, in the patients with LCS compared with the healthy controls. CONCLUSION The patients with LCS had lower peak fat oxidation during exercise compared with the healthy controls, potentially indicating impairment in skeletal muscle function. The relationship between peak fat oxidation and LCS appears to be mediated predominantly by muscle power output. Additional research should continue investigating LCS pathogenesis and the functional role of mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robinson Ramírez-Vélez
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; CIBER of Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Sergio Oscoz-Ochandorena
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Yesenia García-Alonso
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Nora García-Alonso
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gaizka Legarra-Gorgoñon
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Julio Oteiza
- Servicio de Medicina Interna. Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ander Ernaga Lorea
- Servicio de Endocrinología y Nutricion. Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mikel Izquierdo
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; CIBER of Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Correa-Rodríguez
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain; Biosanitary Research Institute (ibs.GRANADA), Granada, Spain
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31
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Ghram A, Latiri I, Methnani J, Souissi A, Benzarti W, Toulgui E, Ben Saad H. Effects of cardiorespiratory rehabilitation program on submaximal exercise in patients with long-COVID-19 conditions: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials and recommendations for future studies. Expert Rev Respir Med 2023; 17:1095-1124. [PMID: 38063359 DOI: 10.1080/17476348.2023.2293226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Long-COVID-19 patients (LC19Ps) often experience cardiovascular and respiratory complications. Cardiorespiratory rehabilitation programs (CRRPs) have emerged as promising interventions to enhance exercise capacity in this population. This systematic review aimed to assess the impact of CRRPs on submaximal exercise performance, specifically the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) outcomes, in LC19Ps through an analysis of available randomized controlled trials (RCTs). METHODS A systematic search was conducted in PubMed/Medline and Scopus to identify relevant RCTs. Six RCTs meeting inclusion criteria were included in this review, investigating the effects of CRRPs on 6MWT outcomes in LC19Ps. RESULTS The findings from the included RCTs provide compelling evidence supporting the effectiveness of CRRPs in improving submaximal exercise performance in LC19Ps. These results underscore the potential of CRRPs to enhance submaximal exercise capacity and overall functional well-being in this population. However, future research is imperative to determine optimal CRRPs, including duration, intensity, and specific intervention components. Additionally, the long-term sustainability and durability of CRRP-induced improvements warrant further exploration. Future studies should prioritize patient-centric outcomes and address potential implementation barriers. CONCLUSION CRRPs show promise in ameliorating submaximal exercise performance among LC19Ps. Further research is needed to refine these programs and ensure their lasting impact on this patient group. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/HMN38. [Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Amine Ghram
- Department of Cardiac Rehabilitation, Heart Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Imed Latiri
- Heart Failure (LR12SP09) Research Laboratory, Farhat HACHED Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Jabeur Methnani
- LR19ES09, Laboratoire de Physiologie de l'Exercice et Physiopathologie: de l'Intégré au Moléculaire 10 « Biologie, Médecine et Santé », Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Amine Souissi
- Heart Failure (LR12SP09) Research Laboratory, Farhat HACHED Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Wafa Benzarti
- Department of Pneumology, Farhat HACHED Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Emna Toulgui
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Sahloul Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
| | - Helmi Ben Saad
- Heart Failure (LR12SP09) Research Laboratory, Farhat HACHED Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia
- Department of Physiology and Functional Exploration, Farhat HACHED Hospital, Sousse, Tunisia
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Mezghani N, Ammar A, Boukhris O, Masmoudi L, Boujelbane MA, Ben Ayed R, Alzahrani TM, Hadadi A, Abid R, Ouergui I, Glenn JM, Trabelsi K, Chtourou H. The Impact of Wearing Different Face Masks on Vigorous Physical Exercise Performance and Perceived Exertion among COVID-19 Infected vs. Uninfected Female Students. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:2709-2723. [PMID: 37998077 PMCID: PMC10670499 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13110187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Under certain circumstances, masks are an effective and immediate solution to reduce the spread of viral infection. However, the impact of masks on the ability to perform vigorous exercise remains an area of concern. Primarily, this impact has been explored in healthy subjects, yielding contradictory findings, and little is known of it among COVID-19-infected individuals. This study examined the effects of surgical masks, N-95 masks, and unmasked conditions on the performance and perceived exertion (RPE) of infected vs. non-infected young women during high-intensity, repeated sprint exercise (5mSRT). Following a familiarization session, eighty-three (42 COVID-19-previously infected (PIG) and 43 non-infected (NIG)), female participants (age 20.02 ± 1.05 years, BMI 21.07 ± 2.1 kg/m2) were randomly assigned to one of three mask conditions: unmasked, surgical mask, or N95 mask. All participants attended three test sessions (i.e., one session for each mask condition) at least one week apart. At the beginning of each test session, data related to participants' physical activity (PA) and sleep behaviours during the previous week were collected. In each test session, participants performed the 5mSRT, during which performance indicators (best distance (BD), total distance (TD), fatigue index (FI) and percentage decrement (PD)) were collected, along with RPE. ANOVA indicated no significant main effects of Groups and Masks, and no significant interaction for Groups × Masks for BD, FI, PD, RPE and most sleep and PA behaviours (p > 0.05). For TD, the Groups × Mask interaction was significant (p = 0.031 and ƞp2 = 0.042). Posthoc analysis revealed, in the unmasked condition, there was no difference in TD between PIG and NIG (p > 0.05). However, when wearing a surgical mask, PIG covered lower TD compared to NIG (p < 0.05). Additionally, different types of masks did not affect TD in NIG, while PIG performed the worst using the surgical mask (p < 0.05). These results suggest post-COVID-19 individuals can maintain physical fitness through regular exercise (i.e., sport science curricula) in unmasked conditions, but not when wearing a surgical mask. Furthermore, the impact of different types of face masks on physical performance seems to be minimal, particularly in uninfected populations; future research is warranted to further explore this impact in post-COVID conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nourhen Mezghani
- Department of Sport Sciences, College of Education, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia; (N.M.); (T.M.A.); (A.H.)
| | - Achraf Ammar
- Department of Training and Movement Science, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany;
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory in Neurosciences, Physiology and Psychology: Physical Activity, Health and Learning (LINP2), UFR STAPS (Faculty of Sport Sciences), UPL, Paris Nanterre University, 39200 Nanterre, France
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia; (L.M.); (K.T.); (H.C.)
- Research Laboratory, Molecular Bases of Human Pathology, LR19ES13, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax 3029, Tunisia;
| | - Omar Boukhris
- SIESTA Research Group, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia;
- Sport, Performance, and Nutrition Research Group, School of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
| | - Liwa Masmoudi
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia; (L.M.); (K.T.); (H.C.)
- Research Laboratory, Education, Motricity, Sport and Health (EM2S), LR15JS01, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia
| | - Mohamed Ali Boujelbane
- Department of Training and Movement Science, Institute of Sport Science, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55099 Mainz, Germany;
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia; (L.M.); (K.T.); (H.C.)
- Physical Activity, Sport, and Health, UR18JS01, National Observatory of Sport, Tunis 1003, Tunisia
| | - Rayda Ben Ayed
- National Institute of Agronomy of Tunisia (INAT), University of Carthage-Tunis, 43 Avenue Charles Nicolle, El Mahrajène 1082, Tunisia;
- Laboratory of Extremophile Plants, Centre of Biotechnology of Borj-Cédria, B.P. 901, Hammam Lif 2050, Tunisia
| | - Turki Mohsen Alzahrani
- Department of Sport Sciences, College of Education, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia; (N.M.); (T.M.A.); (A.H.)
| | - Atyh Hadadi
- Department of Sport Sciences, College of Education, Taif University, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia; (N.M.); (T.M.A.); (A.H.)
| | - Rihab Abid
- Research Laboratory, Molecular Bases of Human Pathology, LR19ES13, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sfax, Sfax 3029, Tunisia;
| | - Ibrahim Ouergui
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Kef, University of Jendouba, El Kef 7100, Tunisia;
- Research Unit, Sports Science, Health and Movement, University of Jendouba, El Kef 7100, Tunisia
| | - Jordan M. Glenn
- Department of Health, Exercise Science Research Center Human Performance and Recreation, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701, USA;
| | - Khaled Trabelsi
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia; (L.M.); (K.T.); (H.C.)
- Research Laboratory, Education, Motricity, Sport and Health (EM2S), LR15JS01, High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia
| | - Hamdi Chtourou
- High Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax, University of Sfax, Sfax 3000, Tunisia; (L.M.); (K.T.); (H.C.)
- Physical Activity, Sport, and Health, UR18JS01, National Observatory of Sport, Tunis 1003, Tunisia
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Fernandes IA, Balavenkataraman A, Bonvie-Hill NE, Patel NM, Taylor BJ, Helgeson SA. Does COVID-19 impair V̇o 2peak in patients with cardiorespiratory disease? Insight from cardiopulmonary responses to maximal exercise pre- and post-illness. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2023; 135:1146-1156. [PMID: 37855032 PMCID: PMC10979800 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00357.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Reduced exercise capacity has been suggested as a cardinal sequela of COVID-19. However, only cross-sectional approaches that either do not consider individuals with concomitant cardiorespiratory disease or account for exercise capacity before infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) support this assumption. Is reduced exercise capacity a sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with concomitant cardiorespiratory disease? We retrospectively reviewed cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) data collected across three hospitals between October 2018 and March 2022. Forty-two patients who completed a CPET before and after COVID-19 and 25 patients who performed two separate CPETs but did not contract COVID-19 (CTL) were included. Within each patient, the same test protocol was performed at the first and second CPETs. The time between CPETs was similar between the groups (COVID-19 489 ± 534 vs. CTL 534 ± 257 days, P = 0.662). The COVID-19 group performed the CPETs 312 ± 232 days before and 176 ± 110 days after infection. Exercise time, peak heart rate, peak systolic pressure, oxygen uptake (V̇o2) at anaerobic threshold, peak ventilation, and ventilatory efficiency were not different between the CPETs in both groups. Peak V̇o2 was reduced from before to after SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the change in V̇o2peak from the first to the second CPET was not different between COVID-19 vs. CTL. Accounting for V̇o2peak before COVID-19 and including a group of control patients, we find limited evidence for reduced exercise capacity as a sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with concomitant cardiorespiratory disease.NEW & NOTEWORTHY There is accumulating evidence that reduced exercise capacity is, or can be, an outcome following COVID-19. However, evidence to date relies upon cross-sectional approaches that either do not consider patients with concomitant cardiorespiratory disease or account for pre-infection exercise capacity data. Accounting for V̇o2peak before COVID-19 and including a group of control patients, we find limited evidence for reduced exercise capacity as a sequela of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with concomitant cardiorespiratory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor A Fernandes
- Cardiovascular Disease, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
| | | | | | - Neal M Patel
- Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
| | - Bryan J Taylor
- Cardiovascular Disease, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
| | - Scott A Helgeson
- Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, United States
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Njøten KL, Espehaug B, Magnussen LH, Jürgensen M, Kvale G, Søfteland E, Aarli BB, Frisk B. Relationship between exercise capacity and fatigue, dyspnea, and lung function in non-hospitalized patients with long COVID. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15850. [PMID: 37984816 PMCID: PMC10659919 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID is a global health problem that impairs patients' functional status. More than 200 reported symptoms have been identified where fatigue, dyspnea, and exercise impairment are most common. This study aimed to describe exercise capacity, fatigue, dyspnea, and lung function in previously non-hospitalized patients with long COVID, and examine the relationship between exercise capacity and fatigue, dyspnea, and lung function. Sixty-five patients, 54 women (83%), mean age of 39 standard deviation (12) years, were included and completed spirometry, cardiopulmonary exercise test, stair climbing test (SCT), 30 second sit-to-stand test (30STST), and questionnaires regarding fatigue and dyspnea. Fatigue was reported by 95% of the participants, whereas 65% reported severe fatigue, and 66% reported dyspnea. Mean exercise capacity measured with peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak % pred.) was ≥85% in 65% of the participants. Mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s. and forced vital capacity were 96.6 (10.7)% and 100.8 (10.9)%, respectively, while reduced diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO ) was found in eight participants (13%). Reduced V̇O2peak kg-1 and increased time on SCT were significantly associated with increased dyspnea and reduced DLCO but not with fatigue, while 30STST was associated with increased fatigue and dyspnea in previously non-hospitalized patients with long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiri Lovise Njøten
- Department of Health and FunctioningWestern Norway University of Applied SciencesBergenNorway
- Helse i HardangerØysteseNorway
| | - Birgitte Espehaug
- Department of Health and FunctioningWestern Norway University of Applied SciencesBergenNorway
| | - Liv Heide Magnussen
- Department of Health and FunctioningWestern Norway University of Applied SciencesBergenNorway
| | - Marte Jürgensen
- Helse i HardangerØysteseNorway
- Division of PsychiatryHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Gerd Kvale
- Helse i HardangerØysteseNorway
- Division of PsychiatryHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- Department of Clinical PsychologyUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - Eirik Søfteland
- Helse i HardangerØysteseNorway
- Department of MedicineHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- Department of Clinical ScienceUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - Bernt Bøgvald Aarli
- Helse i HardangerØysteseNorway
- Department of Clinical ScienceUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- Department of Thoracic MedicineHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Bente Frisk
- Department of Health and FunctioningWestern Norway University of Applied SciencesBergenNorway
- Helse i HardangerØysteseNorway
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Edward JA, Peruri A, Rudofker E, Shamapant N, Parker H, Cotter R, Sabin K, Lawley J, Cornwell WK. Characteristics and Treatment of Exercise Intolerance in Patients With Long COVID. J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev 2023; 43:400-406. [PMID: 37646620 DOI: 10.1097/hcr.0000000000000821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
The post-acute sequalae of SARS-CoV-2, also known as "Long COVID," is characterized by profound fatigue, impaired functional capacity with post-exertional malaise, orthostatic intolerance, and tachycardia. At least 25-30% of individuals impacted by SARS-CoV-2 will go on to experience the Long COVID syndrome, underscoring the detrimental impact this condition has on society. Although efforts are underway to further understand risk factors for Long COVID and identify strategies to prevent disease development entirely, implementation of treatment strategies is warranted to alleviate symptom burden among those affected. This review provides a rationale for exercise prescriptions tailored to the Long COVID patient based on the pathophysiology underlying this syndrome, as well as the previously demonstrated benefits of exercise training in other similar populations whose clinical manifestations result from cardiac deconditioning. Herein, we discuss methods to tailor exercise protocols, accommodating exercise intolerance and post-exertional malaise that may otherwise limit the ability to participate in a training protocol, as well as data demonstrating that a focused exercise prescription may effectively alleviate symptom burden in these patients. Long COVID results, in large part, from deconditioning, which may result from as little as 20 hr of inactivity. Exercise prescriptions tailored to patients with Long COVID may effectively alleviate symptom burden associated with this condition and in the absence of overt contraindications should be considered in management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin A Edward
- Department of Medicine-Cardiology (Drs Edward, Rudofker, Shamapant, Parker, Cotter, and Cornwell and Ms Sabin) and Clinical Translational Research Center (Dr Cornwell), University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora; Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Parkview Medical Center, Pueblo, Colorado (Dr Peruri); and Department of Sport Science, Division of Physiology, University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria (Dr Lawley)
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36
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Colosio M, Brocca L, Gatti MF, Neri M, Crea E, Cadile F, Canepari M, Pellegrino MA, Polla B, Porcelli S, Bottinelli R. Structural and functional impairments of skeletal muscle in patients with postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2023; 135:902-917. [PMID: 37675472 DOI: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00158.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Following acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a substantial proportion of patients showed symptoms and sequelae for several months, namely the postacute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) syndrome. Major phenomena are exercise intolerance, muscle weakness, and fatigue. We aimed to investigate the physiopathology of exercise intolerance in patients with PASC syndrome by structural and functional analyses of skeletal muscle. At least 3 mo after infection, nonhospitalized patients with PASC (n = 11, age: 54 ± 11 yr; PASC) and patients without long-term symptoms (n = 12, age: 49 ± 9 yr; CTRL) visited the laboratory on four nonconsecutive days. Spirometry, lung diffusion capacity, and quality of life were assessed at rest. A cardiopulmonary incremental exercise test was performed. Oxygen consumption (V̇o2) kinetics were determined by moderate-intensity exercises. Muscle oxidative capacity (k) was assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy. Histochemical analysis, O2 flux (JO2) by high-resolution respirometry, and quantification of key molecular markers of mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics were performed in vastus lateralis biopsies. Pulmonary and cardiac functions were within normal range in all patients. V̇o2peak was lower in PASC than CTRL (24.7 ± 5.0 vs. 32.9 ± 7.4 mL·min-1·kg-1, respectively, P < 0.05). V̇o2 kinetics was slower in PASC than CTRL (41 ± 12 vs. 30 ± 9 s-1, P < 0.05). k was lower in PASC than CTRL (1.54 ± 0.49 vs. 2.07 ± 0.51 min-1, P < 0.05). Citrate synthase, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC)1α, and JO2 for mitochondrial complex II were significantly lower in PASC vs. CTRL (all P values <0.05). In our cohort of patients with PASC, we showed limited exercise tolerance mainly due to "peripheral" determinants. Substantial reductions were observed for biomarkers of mitochondrial function, content, and biogenesis. PASC syndrome, therefore, appears to negatively impact skeletal muscle function, although the disease is a heterogeneous condition.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Several months after mild acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, a substantial proportion of patients present persisting, and often debilitating, symptoms and sequelae. These patients show reduced quality of life due to exercise intolerance, muscle weakness, and fatigue. The present study supports the hypothesis that "peripheral" impairments at skeletal muscle level, namely, reduced mitochondrial function and markers of mitochondrial biogenesis, are major determinants of exercise intolerance and fatigue, "central" phenomena at respiratory, and cardiac level being less relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Colosio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenza Brocca
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco F Gatti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marianna Neri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Emanuela Crea
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Cadile
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Monica Canepari
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Pellegrino
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Interdepartmental Centre of Biology and Sport Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Biagio Polla
- Rehabilitation Center, Teresio Borsalino, Alessandria, Italy
| | - Simone Porcelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberto Bottinelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Bode SFN, Schwender A, Toth M, Kaeppler-Schorn C, Siebeneich U, Freihorst J, Janda A, Fabricius D. Characterization of adolescents with functional respiratory disorders and prior history of SARS-CoV-2. Mol Cell Pediatr 2023; 10:10. [PMID: 37698705 PMCID: PMC10497462 DOI: 10.1186/s40348-023-00165-3] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused significant pulmonary morbidity and mortality in the adult population. Children and adolescents typically show milder symptoms; however, a relevant proportion of them report persistent pulmonary symptoms even after mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. Functional respiratory disorders may be relevant differential diagnoses of persistent dyspnea. This study aims at characterizing functional respiratory disorders that may arise after SARS-CoV-2 infection regarding their clinical presentation and pulmonary function tests as well as gaining insights into the clinical course after initiation of appropriate therapy. METHODS This study retrospectively identified all patients referred to an outpatient clinic for pediatric pulmonology with functional respiratory disorders manifesting after proven SARS-CoV-2 infection between January 1, 2022, and October 31, 2022. Clinical history, thorough clinical examination regarding breathing patterns, and pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were taken into consideration to diagnose functional respiratory disorders. RESULTS Twenty-five patients (44% female) with mean (m) age = 12.73 years (SD ± 1.86) who showed distinctive features of functional respiratory disorders after SARS-CoV-2 infection (onset at m = 4.15 (± 4.24) weeks after infection) were identified. Eleven patients showed thoracic dominant breathing with insufficient ventilation, and 4 patients mainly had symptoms of inducible laryngeal obstruction. The rest (n = 10) showed overlap of these two etiologies. Most patients had a flattened inspiratory curve on spirometry and slightly elevated residual volume on body plethysmography, but values of PFTs were normal before and after standardized treadmill exercise testing. Patients were educated about the benign nature of the condition and were offered rebreathing training. All patients with follow-up (n = 5) showed normalization of the breathing pattern within 3 months. CONCLUSIONS Functional respiratory disorders are important differential diagnoses in persisting post-SARS-CoV-2 dyspnea in adolescents. A combination of clinical history, detailed examination of breathing patterns, and pulmonary function tests are helpful to correctly diagnose these conditions. Reassurance and rebreathing training are the mainstay of the therapy. The clinical course is favorable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Felix Nepomuk Bode
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm University, Eythstrasse 24, Ulm, 89075, Germany.
| | - Anja Schwender
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm University, Eythstrasse 24, Ulm, 89075, Germany
| | - Monika Toth
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm University, Eythstrasse 24, Ulm, 89075, Germany
| | - Christine Kaeppler-Schorn
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm University, Eythstrasse 24, Ulm, 89075, Germany
| | - Ute Siebeneich
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm University, Eythstrasse 24, Ulm, 89075, Germany
| | - Joachim Freihorst
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm University, Eythstrasse 24, Ulm, 89075, Germany
| | - Ales Janda
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm University, Eythstrasse 24, Ulm, 89075, Germany
| | - Dorit Fabricius
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm University, Eythstrasse 24, Ulm, 89075, Germany
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Noureddine S, Roux-Claudé P, Eberst G, Westeel V, Barnig C, Claudé F. [The role of the cardiopulmonary exercise test and pulmonary rehabilitation in long COVID-19]. Rev Mal Respir 2023; 40:604-622. [PMID: 37357041 PMCID: PMC10289121 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Long COVID refers to persistent symptoms, lasting more than 4 weeks after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, even though the infection itself has been successfully controlled and remedied. Patient complaints are diverse, and the underlying physiopathological mechanisms are not well understood. Dyspnea and muscle fatigue are among the most commonly reported symptoms. STATE OF THE ART Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) has been recognized as a useful tool in investigation of unexplained dyspnea. In patients with chronic lung disease, pulmonary rehabilitation is a program designed to counteract dyspnea, to increase exercise capacity and to improve quality of life. PERSPECTIVES Publications on CPET and pulmonary rehabilitation are needed in order to deepen comprehension and enhance management of long-COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS CPET reports have shown that symptoms persisting in the aftermath of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection may be related to deconditioning, a common occurrence after ICU stay, to cardiac dysautonomia subsequent to critical infections and, finally, to dysfunctional breathing subsequent to mild infections. These findings justify pulmonary rehabilitation, which has proven to be effective regardless of the severity of the initial infection, not only immediately after hospital discharge, but also at later points in time.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Noureddine
- Service de pneumologie, d'oncologie thoracique et d'allergologie respiratoire, CHU de Besançon, 3, boulevard Alexandre-Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France.
| | - P Roux-Claudé
- Service de pneumologie, d'oncologie thoracique et d'allergologie respiratoire, CHU de Besançon, 3, boulevard Alexandre-Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France
| | - G Eberst
- Service de pneumologie, d'oncologie thoracique et d'allergologie respiratoire, CHU de Besançon, 3, boulevard Alexandre-Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France
| | - V Westeel
- Service de pneumologie, d'oncologie thoracique et d'allergologie respiratoire, CHU de Besançon, 3, boulevard Alexandre-Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France
| | - C Barnig
- Service de pneumologie, d'oncologie thoracique et d'allergologie respiratoire, CHU de Besançon, 3, boulevard Alexandre-Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France; UMR1098 Inserm, établissement français du sang de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, 8, rue du Docteur-Jean-François-Xavier-Girod, 25000 Besançon, France
| | - F Claudé
- Service de pneumologie, d'oncologie thoracique et d'allergologie respiratoire, CHU de Besançon, 3, boulevard Alexandre-Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France
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Komici K, Bencivenga L, Rengo G, Bianco A, Guerra G. Ventilatory efficiency in post-COVID-19 athletes. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15795. [PMID: 37734918 PMCID: PMC10513909 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15795] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Limitation in exercise capacity has not been described in athletes affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, patients who have recovered from COVID-19 without cardiopulmonary impairment show exaggerated ventilatory response during exercise. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the ventilatory efficiency (VEf) in competitive athletes recovered from COVID-19 and to characterize the ventilation versus carbon dioxide relationship (VE/VCO2 ) slope in this population. Thirty-seven competitive athletes with COVID-19 were recruited for this study. All participants underwent spirometry, echocardiography, and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). z-FVC values and end-title pressure of CO2 (PET CO2 ) were lower in the third tertile compared with the first tertile: -0.753 ± 0.473 vs. 0.037 ± 0.911, p = 0.05; 42.2 ± 2.7 vs. 37.1 ± 2.5 mmHg, p < 0.01. VE/VCO2 slope was significantly correlated to maximal VCO2 /VE and maximal VO2 /VE: coefficient = -0.5 R2 = 0.58, p < 0.0001 and coefficient = -0.3 R2 = 0.16, p = 0.008. Competitive athletes affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection, without cardio-respiratory disease sequel, may present ventilatory inefficiency (ViE), without exercise capacity limitation. FVC is higher in athletes with better ventilatory performance during exercise, and increased VE/VCO2 slope is inversely correlated to max VCO2 /VE and max VO2 /VE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Komici
- Department of Medicine and Health SciencesUniversity of MoliseCampobassoItaly
- Exercise and Sports Medicine UnitAntonio Cardarelli HospitalCampobassoItaly
| | - Leonardo Bencivenga
- Department of Translational Medical SciencesUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Giuseppe Rengo
- Department of Translational Medical SciencesUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS‐Scientific Institute of Telese TermeTelese TermeItaly
| | - Andrea Bianco
- Department of Translational Medical SciencesUniversity of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”NaplesItaly
| | - Germano Guerra
- Department of Medicine and Health SciencesUniversity of MoliseCampobassoItaly
- Exercise and Sports Medicine UnitAntonio Cardarelli HospitalCampobassoItaly
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Joseph P, Singh I, Oliveira R, Capone CA, Mullen MP, Cook DB, Stovall MC, Squires J, Madsen K, Waxman AB, Systrom DM. Exercise Pathophysiology in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2: More in Common Than Not? Chest 2023; 164:717-726. [PMID: 37054777 PMCID: PMC10088277 DOI: 10.1016/j.chest.2023.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
TOPIC IMPORTANCE Postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) is a long-term consequence of acute infection from COVID-19. Clinical overlap between PASC and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) has been observed, with shared symptoms including intractable fatigue, postexertional malaise, and orthostatic intolerance. The mechanistic underpinnings of such symptoms are poorly understood. REVIEW FINDINGS Early studies suggest deconditioning as the primary explanation for exertional intolerance in PASC. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing reveals perturbations related to systemic blood flow and ventilatory control associated with acute exercise intolerance in PASC, which are not typical of simple detraining. Hemodynamic and gas exchange derangements in PASC have substantial overlap with those observed with ME/CFS, suggestive of shared mechanisms. SUMMARY This review illustrates exercise pathophysiologic commonalities between PASC and ME/CFS that will help guide future diagnostics and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip Joseph
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Inderjit Singh
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Yale-New Haven Hospital, Yale University, New Haven, CT
| | - Rudolf Oliveira
- Division of Respiratory Disease, Department of Medicine, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Christine A Capone
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology Department of Pediatrics, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra, Manhasset, NY
| | - Mary P Mullen
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Dane B Cook
- Research Service, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital & Department of Kinesiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
| | - Mary Catherine Stovall
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Johanna Squires
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kristine Madsen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Aaron B Waxman
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - David M Systrom
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
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Ucar EY, Araz O, Ozmen K, Kerget B, Akgun M, Saglam L. Evaluation of the Effect of COVID-19 Lung Involvement on Cardiorespiratory Fitness at 3 and 6 months. J Cardiopulm Rehabil Prev 2023; 43:391-393. [PMID: 37378478 DOI: 10.1097/hcr.0000000000000810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elif Yilmazel Ucar
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Ataturk University School of Medicine, Erzurum, Turkey (Drs Yilmazel Ucar, Araz, Ozmen, Kerget, and Saglam); Department of Pulmonary Diseases, Agrı Ibrahim Cecen University, Agrı, Turkey (Dr Akgun)
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Singh SJ, Baldwin MM, Daynes E, Evans RA, Greening NJ, Jenkins RG, Lone NI, McAuley H, Mehta P, Newman J, Novotny P, Smith DJF, Stanel S, Toshner M, Brightling CE. Respiratory sequelae of COVID-19: pulmonary and extrapulmonary origins, and approaches to clinical care and rehabilitation. THE LANCET. RESPIRATORY MEDICINE 2023; 11:709-725. [PMID: 37216955 PMCID: PMC10198676 DOI: 10.1016/s2213-2600(23)00159-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Although the exact prevalence of post-COVID-19 condition (also known as long COVID) is unknown, more than a third of patients with COVID-19 develop symptoms that persist for more than 3 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. These sequelae are highly heterogeneous in nature and adversely affect multiple biological systems, although breathlessness is a frequently cited symptom. Specific pulmonary sequelae, including pulmonary fibrosis and thromboembolic disease, need careful assessment and might require particular investigations and treatments. COVID-19 outcomes in people with pre-existing respiratory conditions vary according to the nature and severity of the respiratory disease and how well it is controlled. Extrapulmonary complications such as reduced exercise tolerance and frailty might contribute to breathlessness in post-COVID-19 condition. Non-pharmacological therapeutic options, including adapted pulmonary rehabilitation programmes and physiotherapy techniques for breathing management, might help to attenuate breathlessness in people with post-COVID-19 condition. Further research is needed to understand the origins and course of respiratory symptoms and to develop effective therapeutic and rehabilitative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally J Singh
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre-Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Leicester, UK.
| | - Molly M Baldwin
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre-Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Leicester, UK
| | - Enya Daynes
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre-Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Leicester, UK
| | - Rachael A Evans
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre-Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Leicester, UK
| | - Neil J Greening
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre-Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Leicester, UK
| | - R Gisli Jenkins
- Imperial College London National Heart and Lung Institute, London, UK
| | - Nazir I Lone
- Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Usher Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hamish McAuley
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre-Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Leicester, UK
| | - Puja Mehta
- Centre for Inflammation and Tissue Repair, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Joseph Newman
- Royal Papworth Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | - Petr Novotny
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre-Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Stefan Stanel
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Mark Toshner
- NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge, UK
| | - Christopher E Brightling
- Institute for Lung Health, NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre-Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Leicester, UK
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Cecchetto A, Guarnieri G, Torreggiani G, Vianello A, Baroni G, Palermo C, Bertagna De Marchi L, Lorenzoni G, Bartolotta P, Bertaglia E, Donato F, Aruta P, Iliceto S, Mele D. Dyspnea in Post-Acute COVID-19: A Multi-Parametric Cardiopulmonary Evaluation. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4658. [PMID: 37510773 PMCID: PMC10380208 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144658] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-acute COVID-19 is characterized by the persistence of dyspnea, but the pathophysiology is unclear. We evaluated the prevalence of dyspnea during follow-up and factors at admission and follow-up associated with dyspnea persistence. After five months from discharge, 225 consecutive patients hospitalized for moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonia were assessed clinically and by laboratory tests, echocardiography, six-minute walking test (6MWT), and pulmonary function tests. Fifty-one patients reported persistent dyspnea. C-reactive protein (p = 0.025, OR 1.01 (95% CI 1.00-1.02)) at admission, longer duration of hospitalization (p = 0.005, OR 1.05 (95% CI 1.01-1.10)) and higher body mass index (p = 0.001, OR 1.15 (95% CI 1.06-1.28)) were independent predictors of dyspnea. Absolute drop in SpO2 at 6MWT (p = 0.001, OR 1.37 (95% CI 1.13-1.69)), right ventricular (RV) global longitudinal strain (p = 0.016, OR 1.12 (95% CI 1.02-1.25)) and RV global longitudinal strain/systolic pulmonary artery pressure ratio (p = 0.034, OR 0.14 (95% CI 0.02-0.86)) were independently associated with post-acute COVID-19 dyspnea. In conclusion, dyspnea is present in many patients during follow-up after hospitalization for COVID-19 pneumonia. While higher body mass index, C-reactive protein at admission, and duration of hospitalization are predictors of persistent dyspnea, desaturation at 6MWT, and echocardiographic RV dysfunction are associated with this symptom during the follow-up period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Cecchetto
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Gabriella Guarnieri
- Respiratory Pathophysiology Division, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Gianpaolo Torreggiani
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Vianello
- Respiratory Pathophysiology Division, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Giulia Baroni
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Palermo
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | | | - Giulia Lorenzoni
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bartolotta
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Emanuele Bertaglia
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Filippo Donato
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Patrizia Aruta
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Sabino Iliceto
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Donato Mele
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
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Woodrow M, Carey C, Ziauddeen N, Thomas R, Akrami A, Lutje V, Greenwood DC, Alwan NA. Systematic Review of the Prevalence of Long COVID. Open Forum Infect Dis 2023; 10:ofad233. [PMID: 37404951 PMCID: PMC10316694 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofad233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Long COVID occurs in those infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) whose symptoms persist or develop beyond the acute phase. We conducted a systematic review to determine the prevalence of persistent symptoms, functional disability, or pathological changes in adults or children at least 12 weeks postinfection. Methods We searched key registers and databases from January 1, 2020 to November 2, 2021, limited to publications in English and studies with at least 100 participants. Studies in which all participants were critically ill were excluded. Long COVID was extracted as prevalence of at least 1 symptom or pathology, or prevalence of the most common symptom or pathology, at 12 weeks or later. Heterogeneity was quantified in absolute terms and as a proportion of total variation and explored across predefined subgroups (PROSPERO ID CRD42020218351). Results One hundred twenty studies in 130 publications were included. Length of follow-up varied between 12 weeks and 12 months. Few studies had low risk of bias. All complete and subgroup analyses except 1 had I2 ≥90%, with prevalence of persistent symptoms range of 0%-93% (pooled estimate [PE], 42.1%; 95% prediction interval [PI], 6.8% to 87.9%). Studies using routine healthcare records tended to report lower prevalence (PE, 13.6%; PI, 1.2% to 68%) of persistent symptoms/pathology than self-report (PE, 43.9%; PI, 8.2% to 87.2%). However, studies systematically investigating pathology in all participants at follow up tended to report the highest estimates of all 3 (PE, 51.7%; PI, 12.3% to 89.1%). Studies of hospitalized cases had generally higher estimates than community-based studies. Conclusions The way in which Long COVID is defined and measured affects prevalence estimation. Given the widespread nature of SARS-CoV-2 infection globally, the burden of chronic illness is likely to be substantial even using the most conservative estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirembe Woodrow
- Correspondence: N. A. Alwan, PhD, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK (); M. Woodrow, MSc, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK ()
| | - Charles Carey
- Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Nida Ziauddeen
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Athena Akrami
- Sainsbury Wellcome Centre, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Patient-led Research Collaborative, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Vittoria Lutje
- Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nisreen A Alwan
- Correspondence: N. A. Alwan, PhD, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK (); M. Woodrow, MSc, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK ()
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Wernhart S, Weihe E, Totzeck M, Balcer B, Rassaf T, Luedike P. Cardiopulmonary Profiling of Athletes with Post-Exertional Malaise after COVID-19 Infection-A Single-Center Experience. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4348. [PMID: 37445382 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134348] [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: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) has been suggested by the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) for assessing the exercise limitations of apparently healthy individuals, but data on elite athletes regarding this test are scarce. (2) Methods: We analyzed CPET in elite (n = 43, 21.9 ± 3.7 years) and recreational (n = 40, 34.7 ± 13.0 years) athletes with persistent subjective exercise intolerance and post-exertional malaise (PEM) after COVID-19 infection. The primary outcome was the point prevalence of the adequate cardiopulmonary response (ACPR), defined by the presence of all of the following ESC criteria for apparently healthy individuals: (1) >100% of predicted peak oxygen consumption (predVO2peak), (2) VE/VCO2 < 30, (3) no exercise oscillatory ventilation (EOV), and (4) heart rate recovery of ≥12 beats/minute 1 min after exercise termination (HRR1). Results: ACPR occurred more frequently in elite athletes than in recreational athletes (70.0% vs. 39.5%; p = 0.005), mainly driven by the lower VE/VCO2 (<30: 97.7% vs. 65%, p < 0.001). Elite (11.6%) and recreational athletes (22.5%) showing a plateau of O2 pulse did not display ACPR. Conclusions: ACPR was not observed in all recreational and elite athletes with PEM. In particular, perturbed VE/VCO2 and the plateauing of O2 pulse are suitable for quantifying exercise limitations and may identify a high-risk population with long-COVID-19 syndrome who require their training intensities to be adapted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Wernhart
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart- and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Eberhard Weihe
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Marburg, Robert-Kochstrasse 8, 35037 Marburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Totzeck
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart- and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Bastian Balcer
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart- and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Tienush Rassaf
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart- and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Peter Luedike
- Department of Cardiology and Vascular Medicine, West German Heart- and Vascular Center, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45147 Essen, Germany
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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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Cerfoglio S, Capodaglio P, Rossi P, Verme F, Boldini G, Cvetkova V, Ruggeri G, Galli M, Cimolin V. Tele-Rehabilitation Interventions for Motor Symptoms in COVID-19 Patients: A Narrative Review. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:650. [PMID: 37370581 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10060650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges to global healthcare systems regarding the care of acute patients and the delivery of rehabilitation programs to post-acute or chronic patients. Patients who survive severe forms of COVID-19 often report incomplete healing and long-term symptoms. The need of these patients for rehabilitation has been recognized as a public health problem. In this context, the application of tele-rehabilitation has been explored to reduce the burden on healthcare systems. The purpose of this narrative review is to present an overview of the state of the art regarding the application of remote motor rehabilitation programs for paucisymptomatic acute and post-acute COVID-19 patients, with a focus on the motor aspects of tele-rehabilitation. Following an extensive search on PubMed, the Web of Science, and Scopus, specific studies have been reviewed and compared in terms of study objectives and participants, experimental protocols and methods for home-based interventions, functional assessment, and rehabilitation outcomes. Overall, this review suggests the feasibility and the effectiveness of tele-rehabilitation as a promising tool to complement face-to-face rehabilitation interventions. However, further improvements are needed to overcome the limitations and the current lack of knowledge in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Cerfoglio
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Unit and Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, San Giuseppe Hospital, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy
| | - Paolo Capodaglio
- Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Unit and Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, San Giuseppe Hospital, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Rossi
- Clinica Hildebrand, Centro di Riabilitazione Brissago, CH-6614 Brissago, Switzerland
| | - Federica Verme
- Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Unit and Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, San Giuseppe Hospital, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy
| | - Gabriele Boldini
- Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Unit and Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, San Giuseppe Hospital, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy
| | - Viktoria Cvetkova
- Clinica Hildebrand, Centro di Riabilitazione Brissago, CH-6614 Brissago, Switzerland
| | - Graziano Ruggeri
- Clinica Hildebrand, Centro di Riabilitazione Brissago, CH-6614 Brissago, Switzerland
| | - Manuela Galli
- Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Unit and Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, San Giuseppe Hospital, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy
| | - Veronica Cimolin
- Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Orthopaedic Rehabilitation Unit and Research Laboratory in Biomechanics, Rehabilitation and Ergonomics, San Giuseppe Hospital, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 28824 Piancavallo, Italy
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Milne KM, Cowan J, Schaeffer MR, Voduc N, Corrales-Medina V, Lavoie KL, Chirinos JA, Puyat JH, Abdallah SJ, Guenette JA. Exercise responses and mental health symptoms in COVID-19 survivors with dyspnoea. ERJ Open Res 2023; 9:00606-2022. [PMID: 37337509 PMCID: PMC10258874 DOI: 10.1183/23120541.00606-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Dyspnoea is a common persistent symptom post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) illness. However, the mechanisms underlying dyspnoea in the post-COVID-19 syndrome remain unclear. The aim of our study was to examine dyspnoea quality and intensity, burden of mental health symptoms, and differences in exercise responses in people with and without persistent dyspnoea following COVID-19. Methods 49 participants with mild-to-critical COVID-19 were included in this cross-sectional study 4 months after acute illness. Between-group comparisons were made in those with and without persistent dyspnoea (defined as modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea score ≥1). Participants completed standardised dyspnoea and mental health symptom questionnaires, pulmonary function tests, and incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Results Exertional dyspnoea intensity and unpleasantness were increased in the dyspnoea group. The dyspnoea group described dyspnoea qualities of suffocating and tightness at peak exercise (p<0.05). Ventilatory equivalent for carbon dioxide (V'E/V'CO2) nadir was higher (32±5 versus 28±3, p<0.001) and anaerobic threshold was lower (41±12 versus 49±11% predicted maximum oxygen uptake, p=0.04) in the dyspnoea group, indicating ventilatory inefficiency and deconditioning in this group. The dyspnoea group experienced greater symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress (all p<0.05). A subset of participants demonstrated gas-exchange and breathing pattern abnormalities suggestive of dysfunctional breathing. Conclusions People with persistent dyspnoea following COVID-19 experience a specific dyspnoea quality phenotype. Dyspnoea post-COVID-19 is related to abnormal pulmonary gas exchange and deconditioning and is linked to increased symptoms of anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M. Milne
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, The University of British Columbia and Providence Research, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Juthaporn Cowan
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Michele R. Schaeffer
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, The University of British Columbia and Providence Research, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Nha Voduc
- Department of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Kim L. Lavoie
- Montréal Behavioural Medicine Centre, CIUSSS du Nord-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Québec at Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Julio A. Chirinos
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joseph H. Puyat
- Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, Providence Research, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sara J. Abdallah
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Jordan A. Guenette
- Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, The University of British Columbia and Providence Research, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Physical Therapy, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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49
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O'Mahoney LL, Routen A, Gillies C, Ekezie W, Welford A, Zhang A, Karamchandani U, Simms-Williams N, Cassambai S, Ardavani A, Wilkinson TJ, Hawthorne G, Curtis F, Kingsnorth AP, Almaqhawi A, Ward T, Ayoubkhani D, Banerjee A, Calvert M, Shafran R, Stephenson T, Sterne J, Ward H, Evans RA, Zaccardi F, Wright S, Khunti K. Corrigendum to "The prevalence and long-term health effects of long Covid among hospitalised and non-hospitalised populations: a systematic review and meta-analysis". EClinicalMedicine 2023; 59:101959. [PMID: 37096187 PMCID: PMC10115131 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.101959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101762.].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ash Routen
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Clare Gillies
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Leicester Real World Evidence Unit, Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Winifred Ekezie
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Anneka Welford
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Alexa Zhang
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Urvi Karamchandani
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | - Shabana Cassambai
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashkon Ardavani
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Grace Hawthorne
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Ffion Curtis
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Andrew P Kingsnorth
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Abdullah Almaqhawi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thomas Ward
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Daniel Ayoubkhani
- Office for National Statistics, Government Buildings, Newport, UK
- Leicester Real World Evidence Unit, Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Amitava Banerjee
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Population Science and Experimental Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Melanie Calvert
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre and NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands, University Hospital Birmingham and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Respiratory Department, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
- Birmingham Health Partners Centre for Regulatory Science and Innovation and Centre for Patient Reported Outcomes Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Roz Shafran
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Terence Stephenson
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Sterne
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Helen Ward
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rachael A Evans
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Respiratory Department, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
- Office for National Statistics, Government Buildings, Newport, UK
| | - Francesco Zaccardi
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Leicester Real World Evidence Unit, Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Kamlesh Khunti
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Leicester Real World Evidence Unit, Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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50
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Eyfferth T, Koczulla AR, Freytag HW, Krahl G, Ackermann C, Bultmann S, Reimertz R, Dresing K. [The problem of long/post-COVID in expert assessments]. UNFALLCHIRURGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 126:373-386. [PMID: 37079057 PMCID: PMC10117274 DOI: 10.1007/s00113-023-01297-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Assessing long/post-COVID syndrome (PCS) following an infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a multidisciplinary challenge due to the diverse and complex symptoms. Besides discipline-specific evaluation of infection-related organ damage, the main issue is expert objectivity and causality assessment regarding subjective symptoms. The consequences of long/PCS raise questions of insurance rights in all fields of law. In cases of persistent impairment of performance, determining reduction in earning capacity is crucial for those affected. Recognition as an occupational disease (BK no. 3101) is vital for employees in healthcare and welfare sectors, along with occupational accident recognition and assessing the illness's consequences, including the reduction in earning capacity (MdE) in other sectors or work areas. Therefore, expert assessments of illness consequences and differentiation from previous illnesses or damage disposition are necessary in all areas of law, individually based on corresponding organ manifestations in medical fields and interdisciplinarily for complex late sequelae, for instance, by internists with appropriate qualifications for pulmonary or cardiac manifestations and neurologists, psychiatrists, and neuropsychologists for neurological and psychiatric manifestations, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Eyfferth
- BG Service- und Rehabilitationszentrum, BG Unfallklinik Frankfurt am Main gGmbH, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe Universität Frankfurt Main, Friedberger Landstr. 430, 60389, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland.
- Sektion Begutachtung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie (DGOU), Berlin, Deutschland.
| | - A R Koczulla
- Schön Klinik Berchtesgadener Land, Schönau am Königssee, Deutschland
- Professur für Pneumologische Rehabilitation Philipps Universität Marburg, Deutsches Zentrum für Lungenforschung, Marburg, Deutschland
| | - H W Freytag
- Psychotraumatologie (PZDT), BG Unfallklinik Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
| | - G Krahl
- Psychotraumatologie (PZDT), BG Unfallklinik Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
| | - Ch Ackermann
- Psychotraumatologie (PZDT), BG Unfallklinik Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
| | - S Bultmann
- Sozialgericht Hamburg, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - R Reimertz
- BG Service- und Rehabilitationszentrum, BG Unfallklinik Frankfurt am Main gGmbH, Akademisches Lehrkrankenhaus, Johann-Wolfgang-Goethe Universität Frankfurt Main, Friedberger Landstr. 430, 60389, Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland
| | - K Dresing
- Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, Orthopädie und Plastische Chirurgie, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Deutschland
- Sektion Begutachtung der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie (DGOU), Berlin, Deutschland
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