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Fjone KS, Stubberud J, Buanes EA, Hagen M, Laake JH, Hofsø K. Objective and subjective cognitive status after intensive care unit treatment for COVID-19. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 38:100786. [PMID: 38770194 PMCID: PMC11103414 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100786] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Intensive care unit (ICU) survivors can experience wide-ranging and long-lasting symptoms after hospital discharge. Cognitive impairment has received increased attention in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and can affect patients' long-term quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of cognitive impairment using an objective neurocognitive test 6 and 12 months following ICU admission and possible predictive factors for scoring below the defined cut-off. We also explored the prevalence of subjective cognitive complaints at 12 months, including the associated factors. Methods This was a prospective observational study of a national cohort of COVID-19 ICU survivors during the three first pandemic waves in Norway. Data was collected by the Norwegian Intensive Care and Pandemic Registry and the study group. Results At the six-month follow-up, 23.1% (95% CI [18.2─28.5]) of the 273 respondents scored below the cut-off on the Mini-MoCA, indicating mild cognitive impairment. At the 12-month follow-up, the prevalence declined to 11.1% (95% CI [7.5─15.6]) in 253 respondents. Older age (OR 1.06, 95% CI [1.02─1.12]) and depression (OR 1.25, 95% CI [1.07─1.55]) were associated with cognitive impairment at six months. At 12 months, almost half of the patients reported subjective cognitive complaints. Symptoms of mental health problems and fatigue were associated with subjective cognitive complaints in our exploratory analyses. Conclusion Cognitive impairment declined significantly from 6 to 12 months in this cohort of COVID-19 ICU patients, while subjective cognitive complaints remained high at 12 months, perhaps attributed to a high total symptom burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Struksnes Fjone
- Department of Research and Development, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Public Health, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
- Section for Physiotherapy, Department of Clinical Services, Division of Cancer Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Stubberud
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Research, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Eirik Alnes Buanes
- Norwegian Intensive Care and Pandemic Registry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Milada Hagen
- Department of Public Health, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jon Henrik Laake
- Department of Research and Development, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin Hofsø
- Department of Research and Development, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Postoperative and Intensive Care Nursing, Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Lovisenberg Diaconal University College, Oslo, Norway
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Gaber MM, Hosny H, Hussein M, Ashmawy MA, Magdy R. Cognitive function and quantitative electroencephalogram analysis in subjects recovered from COVID-19 infection. BMC Neurol 2024; 24:60. [PMID: 38336659 PMCID: PMC10858500 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03518-7] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Objective assessment of post-COVID-19 cognitive dysfunction is highly warranted. This study aimed to evaluate the cognitive dysfunction of COVID-19 survivors with cognitive complaints, both clinically and neurophysiologically, using Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG). METHODS This case-control study was conducted on 50 recovered subjects from COVID-19 infection with cognitive complaints and 50 age, sex, and educational-matched healthy controls. Both groups were subjected to the following neurocognitive tests: Paired associate learning Test (PALT) and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT). The neurophysiological assessment was also done for both groups using QEEG. RESULTS COVID-19 survivors had significantly lower PALT scores than controls (P < 0.001). QEEG analysis found significantly higher levels of Theta / Beta ratio in both central and parietal areas in patients than in the controls (P < 0.001 for each). The interhemispheric coherence for the frontal, central, and parietal regions was also significantly lower in patients than in the control group regarding alpha and beta bands. There were statistically significant lower scores of PALT and PASAT among cases with severe COVID-19 infection (P = 0.011, 0.005, respectively) and those who needed oxygen support (P = 0.04, 0.01, respectively). On the other hand, a statistically significantly lower mean of frontal alpha inter-hemispheric coherence among patients with severe COVID-19 infection (P = 0.01) and those needing mechanical ventilation support (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION Episodic memory deficit is evident in COVID-19 survivors with subjective cognitive complaints accompanied by lower inter-hemispheric coherence in frontal regions. These clinical and neurophysiological changes are associated with hypoxia and COVID-19 severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manal M Gaber
- Clinical Neurophysiology Department, Neuro Diagnostic Research Center (NDRC), Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Hanan Hosny
- Clinical Neurophysiology Department, Neuro Diagnostic Research Center (NDRC), Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mona Hussein
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mona A Ashmawy
- Clinical Neurophysiology Department, Neuro Diagnostic Research Center (NDRC), Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Rehab Magdy
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Engeda EH, Aldersey HM, Davison CM, Gelaye KA, Abebe AB, Chala MB, Fayed N. Severe malaria-related disability in African children: a scoping review. Disabil Rehabil 2024; 46:31-39. [PMID: 36533299 DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2022.2157053] [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: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Disability is a consequence of severe malaria for a significant proportion of African children. This scoping review aims to describe the impact of severe malaria on African children according to current literature using an international biopsychical classification and framework of disability and functioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, and CINHAL databases were searched for original research conducted on African children aged 0-18 using terms related to severe malaria and components of disability. Independent and dependent variables were extracted and classified using the World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health-Children and Youth version (ICF-CY) using standardized coding methods. RESULTS Seventy-two percent of the measured variables in the 34 included studies were coded as "body functions," (i.e., impairments), such as mental, neuromusculoskeletal, movement, and sensory functions, and 23.3% of variables were coded as "activities and participation" (i.e., activity limitations/participation restrictions), such as difficulties with general tasks and demands, communication, mobility, interpersonal interactions, and relationships. "Environment" variables such as family support, health access, education, or societal attitudes were not found in the included studies. CONCLUSIONS Existing peer-reviewed quantitative research of severe malaria-related disability is focused on neurological sequelae, with less research about activity limitations and participation restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshetu Haileselassie Engeda
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather M Aldersey
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Colleen M Davison
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kassahun Alemu Gelaye
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Abey Bekele Abebe
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Gondar University Specialized Comprehensive Hospital, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Mulugeta Bayisa Chala
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Gondar University Specialized Comprehensive Hospital, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Nora Fayed
- School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Widmann CN, Henkel C, Seibert S. "Brain Fog" After COVID-19 Infection: How the Field of Neuropsychology Can Help Clear the Air. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1458:59-76. [PMID: 39102190 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-61943-4_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
The chapter explores the role of neuropsychology in understanding brain fog as a subjective complaint in the context of COVID-19. It discusses the historical and medical significance of the term "brain fog" and its psychological and neurological aspects. The chapter identifies the cognitive domains commonly affected by brain fog, such as attention, executive function, memory, and language. Additionally, it emphasizes the impact of societal changes during the COVID-19 pandemic on the general population as a crucial backdrop for understanding the issue. The chapter also highlights the important role of clinical and research neuropsychologists in gaining clarity on grouped data and individual patients' cognitive and emotional difficulties after COVID-19 infection. It discusses indications for neuropsychological rehabilitation and therapy and describes typical therapy phases and methods, including new approaches like telemedicine, virtual reality, and mobile app-based rehabilitation and self-tracking. The chapter underscores that experiences of brain fog can vary among COVID-19 patients and may change over time. It provides clinicians and interested parties with an in-depth understanding of brain fog and its manifestations, concomitant subtypes, and concrete strategies for addressing it. The chapter emphasizes the critical role of neuropsychology in scientifically examining brain fog and advocating for personalized approaches to cognitive rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine N Widmann
- Clinical Neuropsychology, Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn Medical Center, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany.
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Cornelia Henkel
- Clinical Neuropsychology, Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn Medical Center, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
| | - Susan Seibert
- Clinical Neuropsychology, Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Bonn Medical Center, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Göttingen, Germany
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Relationship between Reaction Times and Post-COVID-19 Symptoms Assessed by a Web-Based Visual Detection Task. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11030284. [PMID: 36766859 PMCID: PMC9914750 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11030284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-COVID is a clinical condition in which patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 usually report a wide range of physical and cognitive symptoms from 3 to 6 months after the infection recovery. The aim of the current study was to assess the link between self-reported long-COVID symptoms and reaction times (RTs) in a self-administered Visual Detection Task (VDT) in order to identify the predictor symptoms of the slowing in reaction times to determine attention impairment. In total, 362 participants (age (mean ± S.D.: 38.56 ± 13.14); sex (female-male: 73.76-26.24%)) responded to a web-based self-report questionnaire consisting of four sections: demographics, disease-related characteristics, and medical history questions. The final section consisted of a 23 item 5-point Likert-scale questionnaire related to long-term COVID-19 symptoms. After completing the questionnaire, subjects performed a VDT on a tablet screen to assess reaction times (RTs). An exploratory factorial analysis (EFA) was performed on the 23 long-COVID symptom questions, identifying 4 factors (cognition, behavior, physical condition, presence of anosmia and/or ageusia). The most important predictors of RTs were cognition and physical factors. By dissecting the cognitive and physical factors, learning, visual impairment, and headache were the top predictors of subjects' performance in the VDT. Long-COVID subjects showed higher RTs in the VDT after a considerable time post-disease, suggesting the presence of an attention deficit disorder. Attention impairment due to COVID-19 can be due to the presence of headaches, visual impairments, and the presence of cognitive problems related to the difficulty in learning new activities. The link between the slowing of reaction times and physical and cognitive symptoms post-COVID-19 suggests that attention deficit disorder is caused by a complex interaction between physical and cognitive symptoms. In addition, the study provides evidence that RTs in a VDT represent a reliable measure to detect the presence of long-COVID neurological sequelae.
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Duindam HB, Kessels RP, van den Borst B, Pickkers P, Abdo WF. Long-term cognitive performance and its relation to anti-inflammatory therapy in a cohort of survivors of severe COVID-19. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 25:100513. [PMID: 36159208 PMCID: PMC9482799 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objectives Long-term cognitive performance data in former critically ill COVID-19 patients are sparse. Current evidence suggests that cognitive decline is related to neuroinflammation, which might be attenuated by COVID-19 related anti-inflammatory therapies. The objective of this prospective cohort study was to study long term cognitive outcomes following severe COVID-19 and the relation to anti-inflammatory therapies. Methods Prospective observational cohort of patients that survived an intensive care unit (ICU) admission due to severe COVID-19. Six months after hospital discharge, we extensively assessed both objective cognitive functioning and subjective cognitive complaints. Furthermore, patients were stratified in cohorts according to their anti-inflammatory treatment (i.e. no immunomodulatory therapy, dexamethasone, or both dexamethasone and interleukin-6 receptor antagonist tocilizumab). Results 96 patients were included (March 2020–June 2021, median [IQR] age 61 [55–69] years). 91% received invasive mechanical ventilation, and mean ± SD severity-of-disease APACHE–II–score at admission was 15.8 ± 4.1. After 6.5 ± 1.3 months, 27% of patients scored cognitively impaired. Patients that did or did not develop cognitive impairments were similar in ICU-admission parameters, clinical course and delirium incidence. Patients with subjective cognitive complaints (20%) were more likely women (61% vs 26%), and had a shorter ICU stay (median [IQR] 8 [5–15] vs 18 [9–31], p = 0.002). Objective cognitive dysfunction did not correlate with subjective cognitive dysfunction. 27% of the participants received dexamethasone during intensive care admission, 44% received additional tocilizumab and 29% received neither. Overall occurrence and severity of cognitive dysfunction were not affected by anti-inflammatory therapy, although patients treated with both dexamethasone and tocilizumab had worse executive functioning scores (Trail Making Test interference) than patients without anti-inflammatory treatment (T-score 40.3 ± 13.5 vs 49.1 ± 9.3, p = 0.007). Discussion A relevant proportion of critically ill COVID-19 patients shows deficits in long-term cognitive functioning. Apart from more pronounced executive dysfunction, overall, anti-inflammatory therapy appeared not to affect long-term cognitive performance. Our findings provide insight in long-term cognitive outcomes in patients who survived COVID-19, that may facilitate health-care providers counseling patients and their caregivers. Up to a third of survivors of severe COVID-19 develops long-term cognitive impairment. Subjective cognitive complaints six months following severe COVID-19 do not correlate with objective cognitive impairment. COVID-19 related immunomodulatory therapy is not associated with the overall incidence of cognitive dysfunction.
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