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Sakurada Y, Matsuda Y, Motohashi K, Hasegawa T, Otsuka Y, Nakano Y, Tokumasu K, Yamamoto K, Sunada N, Honda H, Hagiya H, Ueda K, Otsuka F. Clinical characteristics of female long COVID patients with menstrual symptoms: a retrospective study from a Japanese outpatient clinic. J Psychosom Obstet Gynaecol 2024; 45:2305899. [PMID: 38270210 DOI: 10.1080/0167482x.2024.2305899] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To elucidate the impact of long COVID on menstruation and mental health, medical records of patients with long COVID were evaluated. METHODS Symptoms of long COVID, QOL, mental health, and related endocrine data were compared between two groups with and without menstrual disturbances. RESULTS Of 349 female patients who visited our clinic between February 2021 and March 2023, 223 patients with long COVID (aged 18-50 years) were included. Forty-four (19.7%) of the patients had menstrual symptoms associated with long COVID. The patients with menstrual symptoms were older than those without menstrual symptoms (42.5 vs. 38 years). The percentage of patients with menstrual symptoms was higher during the Omicron phase (24%) than during the Preceding (13%) and Delta (12%) phases. Cycle irregularity was the most frequent (in 63.6% of the patients), followed by severe pain (25%), heavy bleeding (20.5%), perimenopausal symptoms (18.2%), and premenstrual syndrome (15.9%). Fatigue and depression were the most frequent complications. Scores for fatigue and for QOL were significantly worse in long COVID patients with menstrual symptoms. Results of endocrine examinations showed significantly increased cortisol levels in patients with menstrual complaints. CONCLUSION Long COVID has an impact on menstrual conditions and on QOL related to menstrual conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasue Sakurada
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yui Matsuda
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kanon Motohashi
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Toru Hasegawa
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yuki Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakano
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kazuki Tokumasu
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Koichiro Yamamoto
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Naruhiko Sunada
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Honda
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hideharu Hagiya
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
| | - Keigo Ueda
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Fumio Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Japan
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2
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Duricka D, Liu L. Reduction of long COVID symptoms after stellate ganglion block: A retrospective chart review study. Auton Neurosci 2024; 254:103195. [PMID: 38901177 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2024.103195] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has left millions of individuals with a host of post-viral symptoms that can be debilitating and persist indefinitely. To date there are no definitive tests or treatments for the collection of symptoms known as "Long COVID" or Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Following our initial case report detailing improvement of Long COVID symptoms after sequential bilateral stellate ganglion blockade (SGB), we performed a retrospective chart analysis study on individuals treated with the same protocol over the course of six months (2021-2022) in our clinic. Patients self-reported symptoms on a 10-point scale as part of optional patient follow-up using an online survey. After one month or more following treatment, patients reported striking reductions in Fatigue, Worsening of Symptoms following Mental and Physical Activity, Memory Problems, Problems Concentrating, Sleep Problems, Anxiety, and Depression. Loss of Taste and Loss of Smell in some individuals did not respond to treatment, likely indicating structural damage following infection. This study suggests that neuromodulation may provide relief of Long COVID symptoms for at least a subset of individuals, and provides support for prospective studies of this potential treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Duricka
- WWAMI School of Medical Education, University of Alaska Anchorage, USA; Neuroversion, Inc., Anchorage, AK, USA.
| | - Luke Liu
- Neuroversion, Inc., Anchorage, AK, USA
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Kato A, Tokumasu K, Yamamoto K, Otsuka Y, Nakano Y, Honda H, Sunada N, Sakurada Y, Matsuda Y, Hasegawa T, Takase R, Ueda K, Otsuka F. Clinical and endocrine features of orthostatic intolerance detected in patients with long COVID. Sci Rep 2024; 14:17025. [PMID: 39043760 PMCID: PMC11266390 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67815-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Orthostatic intolerance (OI) is a key symptom of long COVID; however, the pathophysiology remains unknown. Among 688 long COVID patients who visited our clinic during the period from February 2021 to April 2023, 86 patients who were suspected of having OI and who underwent an active standing test (ST) were investigated to elucidate the clinical characteristics of OI in patients with long COVID. Of the 86 patients, 33 patients (38%) were ST-positive. Nausea and tachycardia in daily life were frequent complaints in the ST-positive group. The increase in heart rate (HR) during the ST was significantly greater during a 10-min period after standing in the ST-positive group (+ 30 bpm) than in the ST-negative group (+ 16 bpm). The initial increase in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) just after standing was significantly greater in the ST-positive group (+ 14 mmHg) than in the ST-negative group (+ 9 mmHg). Serum cortisol levels in the ST-positive patients aged over 20 years were higher and growth hormone levels in the patients under 20 years of age were lower than those in the ST-negative group. Autonomous nervous symptoms, transient DBP rise with increasing HR after standing, and endocrine dysfunctions are helpful for detecting OI related to long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Kato
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kazuki Tokumasu
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Koichiro Yamamoto
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yuki Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakano
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Honda
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Naruhiko Sunada
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yasue Sakurada
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yui Matsuda
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Toru Hasegawa
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Takase
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Keigo Ueda
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Fumio Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kita-ku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
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4
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Maham S, Yoon MS. Clinical Spectrum of Long COVID: Effects on Female Reproductive Health. Viruses 2024; 16:1142. [PMID: 39066303 PMCID: PMC11281454 DOI: 10.3390/v16071142] [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: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has presented numerous health challenges, including long-term COVID, which affects female reproductive health. This review consolidates the current research on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the menstrual cycle, ovarian function, fertility, and overall gynecological health. This study emphasizes the role of angiotensin-converting enzyme receptors in viral entry and the subsequent tissue-specific pathological effects. It also explores the potential influence of long COVID on hormonal balance and immune responses, contributing to menstrual irregularities and impaired ovarian function. The findings indicate a higher prevalence of long-term COVID-19 among women, highlighting the substantial implications for reproductive health and the need for sex-sensitive longitudinal studies. Enhanced surveillance and targeted research are essential to develop effective interventions that prioritize women's reproductive well-being following SARS-CoV-2 infection. This review advocates for a sex-informed approach to ongoing COVID-19 research and healthcare strategies, aiming to provide up-to-date and pertinent data for healthcare providers and the general public, ultimately improving outcomes for females affected by long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syeda Maham
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea;
| | - Mee-Sup Yoon
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea;
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
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5
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Ruiz-Pablos M, Paiva B, Zabaleta A. Hypocortisolemic ASIA: a vaccine- and chronic infection-induced syndrome behind the origin of long COVID and myalgic encephalomyelitis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1422940. [PMID: 39044822 PMCID: PMC11263040 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1422940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), long COVID (LC) and post-COVID-19 vaccine syndrome show similarities in their pathophysiology and clinical manifestations. These disorders are related to viral or adjuvant persistence, immunological alterations, autoimmune diseases and hormonal imbalances. A developmental model is postulated that involves the interaction between immune hyperactivation, autoimmune hypophysitis or pituitary hypophysitis, and immune depletion. This process might begin with a deficient CD4 T-cell response to viral infections in genetically predisposed individuals (HLA-DRB1), followed by an uncontrolled immune response with CD8 T-cell hyperactivation and elevated antibody production, some of which may be directed against autoantigens, which can trigger autoimmune hypophysitis or direct damage to the pituitary, resulting in decreased production of pituitary hormones, such as ACTH. As the disease progresses, prolonged exposure to viral antigens can lead to exhaustion of the immune system, exacerbating symptoms and pathology. It is suggested that these disorders could be included in the autoimmune/adjuvant-induced inflammatory syndrome (ASIA) because of their similar clinical manifestations and possible relationship to genetic factors, such as polymorphisms in the HLA-DRB1 gene. In addition, it is proposed that treatment with antivirals, corticosteroids/ginseng, antioxidants, and metabolic precursors could improve symptoms by modulating the immune response, pituitary function, inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to suggest a possible autoimmune origin against the adenohypophysis and a possible improvement of symptoms after treatment with corticosteroid replacement therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Ruiz-Pablos
- Faculty of Biological Sciences, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Bruno Paiva
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Aintzane Zabaleta
- Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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6
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Russell SJ, Parker K, Lehoczki A, Lieberman D, Partha IS, Scott SJ, Phillips LR, Fain MJ, Nikolich JŽ. Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (Long COVID) in older adults. GeroScience 2024:10.1007/s11357-024-01227-8. [PMID: 38874693 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01227-8] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Long COVID, also known as PASC (post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2), is a complex infection-associated chronic condition affecting tens of millions of people worldwide. Many aspects of this condition are incompletely understood. Among them is how this condition may manifest itself in older adults and how it might impact the older population. Here, we briefly review the current understanding of PASC in the adult population and examine what is known on its features with aging. Finally, we outline the major gaps and areas for research most germane to older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Russell
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Banner University Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Karen Parker
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Banner University Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Andrea Lehoczki
- Doctoral College, Health Sciences Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, National Institute for Haematology and Infectious Diseases, South Pest Central Hospital, 1097, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - David Lieberman
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Banner University Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Indu S Partha
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Banner University Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Serena J Scott
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Banner University Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Linda R Phillips
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA
- College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Mindy J Fain
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Geriatrics, and Palliative Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Banner University Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | - Janko Ž Nikolich
- Arizona Center of Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, USA.
- The Aegis Consortium for Pandemic-Free Future, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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7
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Li W, Huang X, Wei Y, Yin T, Diao L. Connecting the dots: the role of fatigue in female infertility. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2024; 22:66. [PMID: 38849828 PMCID: PMC11157719 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-024-01235-5] [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: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Fatigue, an increasingly acknowledged symptom in various chronic diseases, has garnered heightened attention, during the medical era of bio-psycho-social model. Its persistence not only significantly compromises an individual's quality of life but also correlates with chronic organ damage. Surprisingly, the intricate relationship between fatigue and female reproductive health, specifically infertility, remains largely unexplored. Our exploration into the existing body of evidence establishes a compelling link between fatigue with uterine and ovarian diseases, as well as conditions associated with infertility, such as rheumatism. This observation suggests a potentially pivotal role of fatigue in influencing overall female fertility. Furthermore, we propose a hypothetical mechanism elucidating the impact of fatigue on infertility from multiple perspectives, postulating that neuroendocrine, neurotransmitter, inflammatory immune, and mitochondrial dysfunction resulting from fatigue and its co-factors may further contribute to endocrine disorders, menstrual irregularities, and sexual dysfunction, ultimately leading to infertility. In addition to providing this comprehensive theoretical framework, we summarize anti-fatigue strategies and accentuate current knowledge gaps. By doing so, our aim is to offer novel insights, stimulate further research, and advance our understanding of the crucial interplay between fatigue and female reproductive health.
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Grants
- 82371684, 82271672 General Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China
- 82371684, 82271672 General Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China
- 82371684, 82271672 General Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China
- 82371684, 82271672 General Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China
- 82371684, 82271672 General Program of the National Natural Science Foundation of China
- JCRCWL-2022-001 the Interdisciplinary Innovative Talents Foundation from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University
- JCRCWL-2022-001 the Interdisciplinary Innovative Talents Foundation from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University
- JCRCWL-2022-001 the Interdisciplinary Innovative Talents Foundation from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University
- JCRCWL-2022-001 the Interdisciplinary Innovative Talents Foundation from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University
- JCRCWL-2022-001 the Interdisciplinary Innovative Talents Foundation from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University
- 2022A1515010650, 2023A1515011675 the General Program of the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province
- 2022A1515010650, 2023A1515011675 the General Program of the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province
- 2022A1515010650, 2023A1515011675 the General Program of the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province
- 2022A1515010650, 2023A1515011675 the General Program of the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province
- 2022A1515010650, 2023A1515011675 the General Program of the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhu Li
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- Department of Rheumatology, The University of Hong Kong- Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518053, China
| | - Yiqiu Wei
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Tailang Yin
- Reproductive Medical Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University and Hubei Clinic Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Lianghui Diao
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Reproductive Immunology for Peri-implantation, Shenzhen Zhongshan Institute for Reproductive Medicine and Genetics, Shenzhen Zhongshan Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital (formerly Shenzhen Zhongshan Urology Hospital), Shenzhen, 518045, China.
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center of Reproductive Immunology for Peri- implantation, Shenzhen, 518045, China.
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8
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Devine K, Russell CD, Blanco GR, Walker BR, Homer NZM, Denham SG, Simpson JP, Leavy OC, Elneima O, McAuley HJC, Shikotra A, Singapuri A, Sereno M, Saunders RM, Harris VC, Houchen-Wolloff L, Greening NJ, Lone NI, Thorpe M, Greenhalf W, Chalmers JD, Ho LP, Horsley A, Marks M, Raman B, Moore SC, Dunning J, Semple MG, Andrew R, Wain LV, Evans RA, Brightling CE, Kenneth Baillie J, Reynolds RM. Plasma steroid concentrations reflect acute disease severity and normalise during recovery in people hospitalised with COVID-19. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2024; 100:317-327. [PMID: 38229583 DOI: 10.1111/cen.15012] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Endocrine systems are disrupted in acute illness, and symptoms reported following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are similar to those found with clinical hormone deficiencies. We hypothesised that people with severe acute COVID-19 and with post-COVID symptoms have glucocorticoid and sex hormone deficiencies. DESIGN/PATIENTS Samples were obtained for analysis from two UK multicentre cohorts during hospitalisation with COVID-19 (International Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Consortium/World Health Organisation [WHO] Clinical Characterization Protocol for Severe Emerging Infections in the UK study), and at follow-up 5 months after hospitalisation (Post-hospitalisation COVID-19 study). MEASUREMENTS Plasma steroids were quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Steroid concentrations were compared against disease severity (WHO ordinal scale) and validated symptom scores. Data are presented as geometric mean (SD). RESULTS In the acute cohort (n = 239, 66.5% male), plasma cortisol concentration increased with disease severity (cortisol 753.3 [1.6] vs. 429.2 [1.7] nmol/L in fatal vs. least severe, p < .001). In males, testosterone concentrations decreased with severity (testosterone 1.2 [2.2] vs. 6.9 [1.9] nmol/L in fatal vs. least severe, p < .001). In the follow-up cohort (n = 198, 62.1% male, 68.9% ongoing symptoms, 165 [121-192] days postdischarge), plasma cortisol concentrations (275.6 [1.5] nmol/L) did not differ with in-hospital severity, perception of recovery, or patient-reported symptoms. Male testosterone concentrations (12.6 [1.5] nmol/L) were not related to in-hospital severity, perception of recovery or symptom scores. CONCLUSIONS Circulating glucocorticoids in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 reflect acute illness, with a marked rise in cortisol and fall in male testosterone. These findings are not observed 5 months from discharge. The lack of association between hormone concentrations and common post-COVID symptoms suggests steroid insufficiency does not play a causal role in this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerri Devine
- BHF/University Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh Bioquarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Clark D Russell
- University of Edinburgh Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Giovanny R Blanco
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Brian R Walker
- BHF/University Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh Bioquarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Natalie Z M Homer
- BHF/University Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh Bioquarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Scott G Denham
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Joanna P Simpson
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Olivia C Leavy
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Omer Elneima
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Hamish J C McAuley
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Aarti Shikotra
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Amisha Singapuri
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Marco Sereno
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Ruth M Saunders
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Victoria C Harris
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Neil J Greening
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Nazir I Lone
- Centre for Medical Informatics, The Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Mathew Thorpe
- Centre for Medical Informatics, The Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - James D Chalmers
- Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Ling-Pei Ho
- MRC Human Immunology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Alex Horsley
- Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Michael Marks
- Department of Clinical Research, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- Hospital for Tropical Diseases, University College London Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Betty Raman
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Shona C Moore
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Jake Dunning
- Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Malcolm G Semple
- NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections, Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Ruth Andrew
- BHF/University Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh Bioquarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Louise V Wain
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Rachael A Evans
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - John Kenneth Baillie
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Roslin Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Rebecca M Reynolds
- BHF/University Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, Edinburgh Bioquarter, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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9
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Nakano Y, Sunada N, Tokumasu K, Honda H, Otsuka Y, Sakurada Y, Matsuda Y, Hasegawa T, Omura D, Ochi K, Yasuda M, Hagiya H, Ueda K, Otsuka F. Occult endocrine disorders newly diagnosed in patients with post-COVID-19 symptoms. Sci Rep 2024; 14:5446. [PMID: 38443459 PMCID: PMC10914791 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55526-3] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Determination of long COVID requires ruling out alternative diagnoses, but there has been no report on the features of alternative diagnoses. This study was a single-center retrospective study of outpatients who visited our clinic between February 2021 and June 2023 that was carried out to determine the characteristics of alternative diagnoses in patients with post-COVID-19 symptoms. In a total of 731 patients, 50 patients (6.8%) were newly diagnosed with 52 diseases requiring medical intervention, and 16 (32%) of those 50 patients (2.2% of the total) were considered to have priority for treatment of the newly diagnosed disorders over long COVID treatment. The proportion of patients with a new diagnosis increased with advance of age, with 15.7% of the patients aged 60 years or older having a new diagnosis. Endocrine and metabolic diseases and hematological and respiratory diseases were the most common, being detected in eight patients (16%) each. Although 35 of the 52 diseases (67%) were related to their symptoms, endocrine and metabolic diseases were the least associated with specific symptoms. Other disorders that require attention were found especially in elderly patients with symptomatic long COVID. Thus, appropriate assessment and differentiation from alternative diagnoses are necessary for managing long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasuhiro Nakano
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
| | - Naruhiko Sunada
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kazuki Tokumasu
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Honda
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yuki Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yasue Sakurada
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yui Matsuda
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Toru Hasegawa
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Daisuke Omura
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kanako Ochi
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Miho Yasuda
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hideharu Hagiya
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Keigo Ueda
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Fumio Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2-5-1 Shikata-cho, Kitaku, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
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10
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Hagiya H, Tokumasu K, Otsuka Y, Sunada N, Nakano Y, Honda H, Furukawa M, Otsuka F. Relevance of complement immunity with brain fog in patients with long COVID. J Infect Chemother 2024; 30:236-241. [PMID: 37866620 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2023.10.016] [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: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients with long COVID (coronavirus disease 2019), especially focusing on 50% hemolytic complement activity (CH50). METHODS This retrospective observational study focused on patients who visited Okayama University Hospital (Japan) for the treatment of long COVID between February 2021 and March 2023. CH50 levels were measured using liposome immunometric assay (Autokit CH50 Assay, FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation, Japan); high CH50 was defined as ≥59 U/mL. Univariate analyses assessed differences in the clinical background, long COVID symptoms, inflammatory markers, and clinical scores of patients with normal and high CH50. Logistic regression model investigated the association between high CH50 levels and these factors. RESULTS Of 659 patients who visited our hospital, 478 patients were included. Of these, 284 (59.4%) patients had high CH50 levels. Poor concentration was significantly more frequent in the high CH50 group (7.2% vs. 13.7%), whereas no differences were observed in other subjective symptoms (fatigue, headache, insomnia, dyspnea, tiredness, and brain fog). Multivariate analysis was performed on factors that could be associated with poor concentration, suggesting a significant relationship to high CH50 levels (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.70; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.33-5.49). Also, high CH50 was significantly associated with brain fog (aOR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.04-2.66). CONCLUSIONS High CH50 levels were frequently reported in individuals with long COVID, indicating a relationship with brain fog. Future in-depth research should examine the pathological role and causal link between complement immunity and the development of long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideharu Hagiya
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan.
| | - Kazuki Tokumasu
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yuki Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Naruhiko Sunada
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakano
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Honda
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Masanori Furukawa
- Clinical Laboratory, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
| | - Fumio Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, 700-8558, Japan
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Mourelatos P, Vrettou CS, Diamantopoulos A, Vassiliou AG, Jahaj E, Angelousi A, Pratikaki M, Katsaounou P, Kotanidou A, Vassiliadi DA, Dimopoulou I. A prospective study on endocrine function in patients with long-COVID symptoms. Hormones (Athens) 2024; 23:59-67. [PMID: 37996650 DOI: 10.1007/s42000-023-00511-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate hormonal status in patients with long-COVID and explore the interrelationship between hormone levels and long-COVID symptoms. DESIGN Prospective observational study. PARTICIPANTS Patients who visited our long-COVID outpatients' clinic due to long-COVID symptoms from February 2021 to December 2022. MEASUREMENTS Total triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, thyrotropin, thyroglobulin, anti-thyroperoxidase, and antithyroglobulin autoantibodies were measured for thyroid assessment. Other hormones measured were growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), serum cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), total testosterone, plasma insulin, and C-peptide. Blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin were also measured. To assess adrenal reserve, an ACTH stimulation test was performed. The fatigue assessment scale (FAS) was used to evaluate fatigue severity. RESULTS Eighty-four adult patients were included. Overall, 40.5% of the patients had at least one endocrine disorder. These included prediabetes (21.4%), low DHEA-S (21.4%), subclinical hypothyroidism (3.6%), non-specific thyroid function abnormality (7.1%), thyroid autoimmunity (7.1%), low testosterone in males (6.6%), and low IGF-1 (3.6%). All patients had normal adrenal reserve. Long-COVID-19 symptoms were present in all patients and the most commonly reported symptom was fatigue (89.3%). The FAS score was higher than normal (≥ 22) in 42.8% of patients. There were no associations between patients' symptoms and hormone levels. Diabetic patients reported confusion (p = 0.020) and hair loss (p = 0.040) more often than non-diabetics. CONCLUSIONS The evaluation of endocrine function 3 months after a positive SARS-CoV2 test revealed only subclinical syndromes. The vast majority of patients reported mainly fatigue, among other symptoms, which were unrelated, however, to endocrine function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Mourelatos
- Department of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism, National Expertise Center for Rare Endocrine Diseases, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Charikleia S Vrettou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
| | - Aristidis Diamantopoulos
- Department of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism, National Expertise Center for Rare Endocrine Diseases, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Alice G Vassiliou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Edison Jahaj
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Angelousi
- Unit of Endocrinology, First Department of Internal Medicine, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Pratikaki
- Biochemical Department, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Katsaounou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasia Kotanidou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitra A Vassiliadi
- Department of Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism, National Expertise Center for Rare Endocrine Diseases, Evangelismos Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioanna Dimopoulou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine & Pulmonary Services, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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12
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Taieb A, Nassim BHS, Asma G, Jabeur M, Ghada S, Asma BA. The Growing Understanding of the Pituitary Implication in the Pathogenesis of Long COVID-19 Syndrome: A Narrative Review. Adv Respir Med 2024; 92:96-109. [PMID: 38392036 PMCID: PMC10886368 DOI: 10.3390/arm92010013] [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: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Long COVID-19, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, is a condition where individuals who have recovered from the acute phase of COVID-19 continue to experience a range of symptoms for weeks or even months afterward. While it was initially thought to primarily affect the respiratory system, it has become clear that Long COVID-19 can involve various organs and systems, including the endocrine system, which includes the pituitary gland. In the context of Long COVID-19, there is a growing understanding of the potential implications for the pituitary gland. The virus can directly affect the pituitary gland, leading to abnormalities in hormone production and regulation. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, changes in appetite, and mood disturbances. Long COVID-19, the persistent and often debilitating condition following acute COVID-19 infection, may be explained by deficiencies in ACTH and Growth hormone production from the pituitary gland. Corticotropin insufficiency can result in the dysregulation of the body's stress response and can lead to prolonged feelings of stress, fatigue, and mood disturbances in Long COVID-19 patients. Simultaneously, somatotropin insufficiency can affect growth, muscle function, and energy metabolism, potentially causing symptoms such as muscle weakness, exercise intolerance, and changes in body composition. Recently, some authors have suggested the involvement of the pituitary gland in Post COVID-19 Syndrome. The exact mechanisms of viral action on infected cells remain under discussion, but inflammatory and autoimmune mechanisms are primarily implicated. The aim of our study will be to review the main pituitary complications following COVID-19 infection. Moreover, we will explain the possible involvement of the pituitary gland in the persistence of Post COVID-19 Syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ach Taieb
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Farhat Hached Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia; (B.H.S.N.); (G.A.); (S.G.); (B.A.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia;
- Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Pathophysiology, L.R.19ES09, Sousse 4054, Tunisia
| | - Ben Haj Slama Nassim
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Farhat Hached Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia; (B.H.S.N.); (G.A.); (S.G.); (B.A.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia;
| | - Gorchane Asma
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Farhat Hached Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia; (B.H.S.N.); (G.A.); (S.G.); (B.A.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia;
| | - Methnani Jabeur
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia;
- Laboratory of Exercise Physiology and Pathophysiology, L.R.19ES09, Sousse 4054, Tunisia
| | - Saad Ghada
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Farhat Hached Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia; (B.H.S.N.); (G.A.); (S.G.); (B.A.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia;
| | - Ben Abdelkrim Asma
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital of Farhat Hached Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia; (B.H.S.N.); (G.A.); (S.G.); (B.A.A.)
- Faculty of Medicine of Sousse, University of Sousse, Sousse 4000, Tunisia;
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13
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Wright TJ, Pyles RB, Sheffield-Moore M, Deer RR, Randolph KM, McGovern KA, Danesi CP, Gilkison CR, Ward WW, Vargas JA, Armstrong PA, Lindsay SE, Zaidan MF, Seashore J, Wexler TL, Masel BE, Urban RJ. Low growth hormone secretion associated with post-acute sequelae SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) neurologic symptoms: A case-control pilot study. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2024; 579:112071. [PMID: 37816478 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if patients that develop lingering neurologic symptoms of fatigue and "brain fog" after initial recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have persistent low growth hormone (GH) secretion as seen in other conditions with similar symptom etiology. DESIGN In this case-control observational pilot study, patients reporting lingering neurologic post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC, n = 10) symptoms at least 6 months after initial infection were compared to patients that recovered from COVID-19 without lingering symptoms (non-PASC, n = 13). We compared basic blood chemistry and select metabolites, lipids, hormones, inflammatory markers, and vitamins between groups. PASC and non-PASC subjects were tested for neurocognition and GH secretion, and given questionnaires to assess symptom severity. PASC subjects were also tested for glucose tolerance and adrenal function. RESULTS PASC subjects reported significantly worse fatigue, sleep quality, depression, quality of life, and gastrointestinal discomfort compared to non-PASC. Although PASC subjects self-reported poor mental resilience, cognitive testing did not reveal significant differences between groups. Neurologic PASC symptoms were not linked to inflammatory markers or adrenal insufficiency, but were associated with reduced growth hormone secretion. CONCLUSIONS Neurologic PASC symptoms are associated with gastrointestinal discomfort and persistent disruption of GH secretion following recovery from acute COVID-19. (www. CLINICALTRIALS gov; NCT04860869).
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Affiliation(s)
- Traver J Wright
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Richard B Pyles
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Melinda Sheffield-Moore
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Rachel R Deer
- Department of Nutrition, Metabolism, and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Kathleen M Randolph
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Kristen A McGovern
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Christopher P Danesi
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Charles R Gilkison
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Weston W Ward
- School of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Jayson A Vargas
- School of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Peyton A Armstrong
- School of Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Sarah E Lindsay
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Mohammed F Zaidan
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Justin Seashore
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA
| | - Tamara L Wexler
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, 10016, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, USA
| | - Brent E Masel
- Department of Neurology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA; Centre for Neuro Skills, Bakersfield, California, 93313, USA
| | - Randall J Urban
- Department of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, 77555, USA.
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14
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Venugopal N, Armstrong PA, Wright TJ, Randolph KM, Batson RD, Yuen KCJ, Masel B, Sheffield-Moore M, Pyles RB, Urban RJ. Is there a role for growth hormone replacement in adults to control acute and post-acute COVID-19? Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 37:101842. [PMID: 37996257 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2023.101842] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic created a multitude of medical crossroads requiring real time adaptations of best practice covering preventative and interventional aspects of care. Among the many discoveries borne from efforts to address the myriad clinical presentations across multiple organ systems was a common impact on tissues with cells that express the ACE-2 receptor. The vast majority of acute infections began and often ended in the respiratory tract, but more recent evaluations have confirmed significant extrapulmonary manifestations including symptom clusters that extend beyond the acute phase of infection collectively referred to as "post-acute sequelae SARS-CoV-2 infection" (PASC) or more commonly as "long (-haul) COVID". Both acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and PASC are associated with gut microbiome dysbiosis and alterations in the gut-brain and HPA-axis in a subset of the infected. Mounting evidence suggests these extrapulmonary manifestations may ultimately lead to reduced growth hormone (GH) secretion as demonstrated following stimulation tests. Disrupted GH secretion could cause or exacerbate long lasting neuropsychological symptoms as seen in other similar manifesting conditions. Ongoing clinical research has shown promising improvement in PASC patients with fatigue and cognition complaints can be achieved via GH replacement therapy. GH stimulation testing should be considered in PASC workups and future research should delve deeper into the mechanistic effects of GH on acute COVID and PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navneet Venugopal
- John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Peyton A Armstrong
- John Sealy School of Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Traver J Wright
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Kathleen M Randolph
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | | | - Kevin C J Yuen
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, Barrow Pituitary Center and Barrow Neuroendocrinology Clinic, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA.
| | - Brent Masel
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555, USA; Centre for Neuro Skills, Bakersfield, CA 93313, USA.
| | - Melinda Sheffield-Moore
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Richard B Pyles
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
| | - Randall J Urban
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd., Galveston, TX 77555, USA.
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15
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Ruiz-Pablos M, Paiva B, Zabaleta A. Epstein-Barr virus-acquired immunodeficiency in myalgic encephalomyelitis-Is it present in long COVID? J Transl Med 2023; 21:633. [PMID: 37718435 PMCID: PMC10506247 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04515-7] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Both myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and long COVID (LC) are characterized by similar immunological alterations, persistence of chronic viral infection, autoimmunity, chronic inflammatory state, viral reactivation, hypocortisolism, and microclot formation. They also present with similar symptoms such as asthenia, exercise intolerance, sleep disorders, cognitive dysfunction, and neurological and gastrointestinal complaints. In addition, both pathologies present Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) reactivation, indicating the possibility of this virus being the link between both pathologies. Therefore, we propose that latency and recurrent EBV reactivation could generate an acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in three steps: first, an acquired EBV immunodeficiency develops in individuals with "weak" EBV HLA-II haplotypes, which prevents the control of latency I cells. Second, ectopic lymphoid structures with EBV latency form in different tissues (including the CNS), promoting inflammatory responses and further impairment of cell-mediated immunity. Finally, immune exhaustion occurs due to chronic exposure to viral antigens, with consolidation of the disease. In the case of LC, prior to the first step, there is the possibility of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in individuals with "weak" HLA-II haplotypes against this virus and/or EBV.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruno Paiva
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Aintzane Zabaleta
- Clinica Universidad de Navarra, Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada (CIMA), IdiSNA, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra, Av. Pío XII 55, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
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16
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Lee J, Seo GH, Song K. Beyond Acute COVID-19: Investigating the Incidence of Subacute Thyroiditis in Long COVID-19 in Korea. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2023; 38:455-461. [PMID: 37550861 PMCID: PMC10475963 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2023.1711] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGRUOUND The correlation between acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and subacute thyroiditis (SAT) has not been clearly investigated in "long COVID" patients. We aimed to investigate the incidence of SAT during convalescence and after the acute phase of COVID-19, comparing with that of the general population. METHODS Data from a total of 422,779 COVID-19 patients and a control group of 2,113,895 individuals were analyzed. The index date was defined as the date 3 months after confirmation of COVID-19. The incidence rate (IR) of SAT and hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated per 100,000 persons. Subgroup analysis included analysis of HRs 90-179 and 180 days post-COVID-19 diagnosis; and additional analysis was conducted according to hospitalization status, sex, and age group. RESULTS The IR of SAT was 17.28 per 100,000 persons (95% confidence interval [CI], 12.56 to 23.20) in the COVID-19 group and 8.63 (95% CI, 6.37 to 11.45) in the control group. The HR of COVID-19 patients was 1.76 (95% CI, 1.01 to 3.06; P=0.045). The HR of SAT was 1.39 (95% CI, 0.82 to 2.34; P=0.220) up to 6 months after the index date and 2.30 (95% CI, 1.60 to 3.30; P<0.001) beyond 6 months. The HR for SAT among COVID-19 patients was 2.00 (95% CI, 1.41 to 2.83) in hospitalized patients and 1.76 (95% CI, 1.01 to 3.06) in non-hospitalized patients compared to the control group. The IR of SAT was 27.09 (95% CI, 20.04 to 35.82) for females and 6.47 (95% CI, 3.34 to 11.30) for males. In the 19 to 64 age group, the IR of SAT was 18.19 (95% CI, 13.70 to 23.67), while the IR was 9.18 (95% CI, 7.72 to 10.84) in the 65 to 69 age group. CONCLUSION SAT could be a potential long-term complication of COVID-19. Long-term surveillance for thyroid dysfunction is needed especially in hospitalized, female and young-aged subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongmin Lee
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gi Hyeon Seo
- Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, Wonju, Korea
| | - Keeho Song
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University Hospital, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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17
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Sunada N, Otsuka Y, Honda H, Tokumasu K, Otsuka F. Phase-dependent trends of male hypogonadism in long COVID patients. Endocr J 2023; 70:755-756. [PMID: 37394474 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej23-0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Naruhiko Sunada
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yuki Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Honda
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kazuki Tokumasu
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Fumio Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
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18
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Yamamoto Y, Otsuka Y, Tokumasu K, Sunada N, Nakano Y, Honda H, Sakurada Y, Hasegawa T, Hagiya H, Otsuka F. Utility of Serum Ferritin for Predicting Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in Patients with Long COVID. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4737. [PMID: 37510852 PMCID: PMC10381392 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The most common symptom of post-acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is fatigue, and it potentially leads to myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS); however, a specific prognosticator is lacking. We aimed to elucidate the clinical characteristics of patients who developed ME/CFS after COVID-19. METHODS In this retrospective observational study, patients who visited Okayama University Hospital for long COVID between February 2021 and March 2022 were investigated. RESULTS Of the 234 patients, 139 (59.4%) had fatigue symptoms. Fifty patients with fatigue symptoms (21.4%) met the criteria for ME/CFS (ME/CFS group), while the other 89 patients did not (non-ME/CFS group); 95 patients had no fatigue complaints (no-fatigue group). Although the patients' backgrounds were not significantly different between the three groups, the ME/CFS group presented the highest scores on the self-rating symptom scales, including the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), EuroQol, and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Furthermore, serum ferritin levels, which were correlated with FAS and SDS scores, were significantly higher in the ME/CFS group (193.0 μg/L, interquartile range (IQR): 58.8-353.8) than in the non-ME/CFS group (98.2 μg/L, 40.4-251.5) and no-fatigue group (86.7 μg/L, 37.5-209.0), and a high serum ferritin level was prominent in female patients. Endocrine workup further showed that the ME/CFS group had higher thyrotropin levels but lower growth hormone levels in serum and that insulin-like growth factor-I levels were inversely correlated with ferritin levels (R = -0.328, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Serum ferritin level is a possible predictor of the development of ME/CFS related to long COVID, especially in female patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukichika Yamamoto
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yuki Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kazuki Tokumasu
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Naruhiko Sunada
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakano
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Honda
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yasue Sakurada
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Toru Hasegawa
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hideharu Hagiya
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Fumio Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
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19
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Abstract
There is increased interest related to the impact of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) on the endocrine system and in particular on the pituitary gland. Over the course of the severe infection with acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), there are both acute and delayed effects on the pituitary, related to infection and/or treatment. Hypopituitarism, pituitary apoplexy and hypophysitis have been all reported, as well as arginine vasopressin deficiency (diabetes insipidus) and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion. Furthermore, patients with acromegaly, Cushing's disease and hypopituitarism are theoretically at increased risk of complications with COVID-19 and require close monitoring. Evidence regarding pituitary dysfunction in patients with COVID-19 continues to be gathered, as the breadth and depth of knowledge also continues to rapidly evolve. This review summarizes data analysis to date on the possible effects of COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination on patients with normal pituitary function and patients with known pituitary pathology. Though clinical systems were significantly affected, it seems there is no overall loss of biochemical control in patients with certain pituitary pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Capatina
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila" Bucharest, and Department of Pituitary and Neuroendocrine Pathology, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Catalina Poiana
- Department of Endocrinology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila" Bucharest, and Department of Pituitary and Neuroendocrine Pathology, C.I. Parhon National Institute of Endocrinology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Fleseriu
- Departments of Medicine (Endocrinology, Diabetes and Clinical Nutrition) and Neurological Surgery, and Pituitary Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.
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20
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Tsilingiris D, Vallianou NG, Karampela I, Christodoulatos GS, Papavasileiou G, Petropoulou D, Magkos F, Dalamaga M. Laboratory Findings and Biomarkers in Long COVID: What Do We Know So Far? Insights into Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Therapeutic Perspectives and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10458. [PMID: 37445634 PMCID: PMC10341908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID (LC) encompasses a constellation of long-term symptoms experienced by at least 10% of people after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, and so far it has affected about 65 million people. The etiology of LC remains unclear; however, many pathophysiological pathways may be involved, including viral persistence; a chronic, low-grade inflammatory response; immune dysregulation and a defective immune response; the reactivation of latent viruses; autoimmunity; persistent endothelial dysfunction and coagulopathy; gut dysbiosis; hormonal and metabolic dysregulation; mitochondrial dysfunction; and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. There are no specific tests for the diagnosis of LC, and clinical features including laboratory findings and biomarkers may not specifically relate to LC. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to develop and validate biomarkers that can be employed for the prediction, diagnosis and prognosis of LC and its therapeutic response, although this effort may be hampered by challenges pertaining to the non-specific nature of the majority of clinical manifestations in the LC spectrum, small sample sizes of relevant studies and other methodological issues. Promising candidate biomarkers that are found in some patients are markers of systemic inflammation, including acute phase proteins, cytokines and chemokines; biomarkers reflecting SARS-CoV-2 persistence, the reactivation of herpesviruses and immune dysregulation; biomarkers of endotheliopathy, coagulation and fibrinolysis; microbiota alterations; diverse proteins and metabolites; hormonal and metabolic biomarkers; and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. At present, there are only two reviews summarizing relevant biomarkers; however, they do not cover the entire umbrella of current biomarkers, their link to etiopathogenetic mechanisms or the diagnostic work-up in a comprehensive manner. Herein, we aim to appraise and synopsize the available evidence on the typical laboratory manifestations and candidate biomarkers of LC, their classification based on pathogenetic mechanisms and the main LC symptomatology in the frame of the epidemiological and clinical aspects of the syndrome and furthermore assess limitations and challenges as well as potential implications in candidate therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Tsilingiris
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Natalia G. Vallianou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelismos General Hospital, 45-47 Ipsilantou Street, 10676 Athens, Greece;
| | - Irene Karampela
- 2nd Department of Critical Care, Medical School, University of Athens, Attikon General University Hospital, 1 Rimini Street, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Georgios Papavasileiou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Dimitra Petropoulou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Faidon Magkos
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Frederiksberg, Denmark;
| | - Maria Dalamaga
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (D.P.)
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21
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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: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [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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22
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Fujita K, Otsuka Y, Sunada N, Honda H, Tokumasu K, Nakano Y, Sakurada Y, Obika M, Hagiya H, Otsuka F. Manifestation of Headache Affecting Quality of Life in Long COVID Patients. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12103533. [PMID: 37240639 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12103533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The present study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of long COVID patients with headaches. Methods: A single-center retrospective observational study was performed for long COVID outpatients who visited our hospital from 12 February 2021 to 30 November 2022. Results: A total of 482 long COVID patients, after excluding 6, were divided into two groups: the Headache group of patients with complaints of headache (113 patients: 23.4%) and the remaining Headache-free group. Patients in the Headache group were younger (median age: 37 years) than patients in the Headache-free group (42 years), while the ratio of females (56%) in the Headache group was nearly the same as that in the Headache-free group (54%). The proportion of patients in the Headache group who were infected in the Omicron-dominant phase (61%) was larger than the proportions of patients infected in the Delta (24%) and preceding (15%) phases, and that trend was significantly different from the trend in the Headache-free group. The duration before the first visit for long COVID was shorter in the Headache group (71 days) than in the Headache-free group (84 days). The proportions of patients in the Headache group with comorbid symptoms, including general fatigue (76.1%), insomnia (36.3%), dizziness (16.8%), fever (9.7%), and chest pain (5.3%) were larger than the proportions of patients in the Headache-free group, whereas blood biochemical data were not significantly different between the two groups. Interestingly, patients in the Headache group had significant deteriorations of scores indicating depression and scores for quality of life and general fatigue. In multivariate analysis, headache, insomnia, dizziness, lethargy, and numbness were shown to be involved in the quality of life (QOL) of long COVID patients. Conclusions: The manifestation of headaches related to long COVID was found to have a significant impact on social and psychological activities. Alleviation of headaches should be a priority for the effective treatment of long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kana Fujita
- Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yuki Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Naruhiko Sunada
- Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Honda
- Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kazuki Tokumasu
- Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakano
- Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yasue Sakurada
- Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Mikako Obika
- Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hideharu Hagiya
- Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Fumio Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
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23
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Matsumoto C, Shibata S, Kishi T, Morimoto S, Mogi M, Yamamoto K, Kobayashi K, Tanaka M, Asayama K, Yamamoto E, Nakagami H, Hoshide S, Mukoyama M, Kario K, Node K, Rakugi H. Long COVID and hypertension-related disorders: a report from the Japanese Society of Hypertension Project Team on COVID-19. Hypertens Res 2023; 46:601-619. [PMID: 36575228 PMCID: PMC9793823 DOI: 10.1038/s41440-022-01145-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects infected patients even after the acute phase and impairs their health and quality of life by causing a wide variety of symptoms, referred to as long COVID. Although the evidence is still insufficient, hypertension is suspected to be a potential risk factor for long COVID, and the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases seems to be a key facet of multiple conditions observed in long COVID. Nonetheless, there are few reports that comprehensively review the impacts of long COVID on hypertension and related disorders. As a sequel to our previous report in 2020 which reviewed the association of COVID-19 and hypertension, we summarize the possible influences of long COVID on hypertension-related organs, including the cardiovascular system, kidney, and endocrine system, as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with the disorders in this review. Given that the clinical course of COVID-19 is highly affected by age and sex, we also review the impacts of these factors on long COVID. Lastly, we discuss areas of uncertainty and future directions, which may lead to better understanding and improved prognosis of clinical problems associated with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chisa Matsumoto
- Department of Cardiology, Preventive medicine, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Shigeru Shibata
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Takuya Kishi
- Department of Graduate School of Medicine (Cardiology), International University of Health and Welfare, Okawa, Japan
| | - Satoshi Morimoto
- Department of Endocrinology and Hypertension, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaki Mogi
- Department of Pharmacology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Koichi Yamamoto
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazuo Kobayashi
- Department of Medical Science and Cardiorenal Medicine, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan.,Kobayashi Internal Medicine Clinic, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Masami Tanaka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Adachi Medical Center, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kei Asayama
- Department of Hygiene and Public Health, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eiichiro Yamamoto
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hironori Nakagami
- Department of Health Development and Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hoshide
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Masashi Mukoyama
- Department of Nephrology, Kumamoto University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kazuomi Kario
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Jichi Medical University School of Medicine, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Koichi Node
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Saga University, Saga, Japan
| | - Hiromi Rakugi
- Department of Geriatric and General Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
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24
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Masi D, Gangitano E, Criniti A, Ballesio L, Anzuini A, Marino L, Gnessi L, Angeloni A, Gandini O, Lubrano C. Obesity-Associated Hepatic Steatosis, Somatotropic Axis Impairment, and Ferritin Levels Are Strong Predictors of COVID-19 Severity. Viruses 2023; 15:v15020488. [PMID: 36851702 PMCID: PMC9968194 DOI: 10.3390/v15020488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The full spectrum of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients has not yet been defined. This study aimed to evaluate which parameters derived from CT, inflammatory, and hormonal markers could explain the clinical variability of COVID-19. We performed a retrospective study including SARS-CoV-2-infected patients hospitalized from March 2020 to May 2021 at the Umberto I Polyclinic of Rome. Patients were divided into four groups according to the degree of respiratory failure. Routine laboratory examinations, BMI, liver steatosis indices, liver CT attenuation, ferritin, and IGF-1 serum levels were assessed and correlated with severity. Analysis of variance between groups showed that patients with worse prognoses had higher BMI and ferritin levels, but lower liver density, albumin, GH, and IGF-1. ROC analysis confirmed the prognostic accuracy of IGF-1 in discriminating between patients who experienced death/severe respiratory failure and those who did not (AUC 0.688, CI: 0.587 to 0.789, p < 0.001). A multivariate analysis considering the degrees of severity of the disease as the dependent variable and ferritin, liver density, and the standard deviation score of IGF-1 as regressors showed that all three parameters were significant predictors. Ferritin, IGF-1, and liver steatosis account for the increased risk of poor prognosis in COVID-19 patients with obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Masi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Gangitano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Criniti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Ballesio
- Department of Radiology, Anatomo–Pathology and Oncology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Anzuini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Marino
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Emergency Medicine Unit, Department of Emergency-Acceptance, Critical Areas and Trauma, Policlinico “Umberto I”, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Lucio Gnessi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Emergency Medicine Unit, Department of Emergency-Acceptance, Critical Areas and Trauma, Policlinico “Umberto I”, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Orietta Gandini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Lubrano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Medical Pathophysiology, Food Science and Endocrinology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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25
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Trends in Long COVID Symptoms in Japanese Teenage Patients. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59020261. [PMID: 36837463 PMCID: PMC9964697 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59020261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Background: Since the start of the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), not only adults but also many children have suffered from it. However, the clinical characteristics of long COVID in children remain unclear. Methods: In this retrospective observational study conducted in a single facility, we reviewed the medical records of all long COVID patients who visited Okayama University Hospital from February 2021 to October 2022, and we compared the clinical characteristics of long COVID in teenagers (11 to 18 years of age) with those in adults. Results: Data for 452 long COVID patients including 54 teenagers (11.9%) were analyzed. Fatigue was the most frequent symptom in teenagers (55.6% of the patients) and also in adults. On the other hand, the percentage of teenagers who complained of headache, which was the second most frequent complaint, was significantly higher than the percentage of adults (35.2% vs. 21.9%, p < 0.05). A comparison of the frequencies of symptoms depending on the viral variant showed that fatigue and headache were predominant symptoms in the Omicron variant phase. Of the 50 teenagers who were enrolled in schools, 28 (56.0%) could not attend school due to long COVID symptoms. The most common symptoms as reasons for absence from school were fatigue (85.7% of the patients), headache (42.9%), and insomnia (32.1%). Conclusions: Attention should be paid to the symptoms of fatigue and headache in teenagers with long COVID.
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26
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Yuan N, Lv ZH, Sun CR, Wen YY, Tao TY, Qian D, Tao FP, Yu JH. Post-acute COVID-19 symptom risk in hospitalized and non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1112383. [PMID: 36875356 PMCID: PMC9978404 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1112383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Post-acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms occurred in most of the COVID-19 survivors. However, few studies have examined the issue of whether hospitalization results in different post-acute COVID-19 symptom risks. This study aimed to compare potential COVID-19 long-term effects in hospitalized and non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors. Methods This study is designed as a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. A systematic search of six databases was performed for identifying articles published from inception until April 20th, 2022, which compared post-acute COVID-19 symptom risk in hospitalized and non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors using a predesigned search strategy included terms for SARS-CoV-2 (eg, COVID, coronavirus, and 2019-nCoV), post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome (eg, post-COVID, post COVID conditions, chronic COVID symptom, long COVID, long COVID symptom, long-haul COVID, COVID sequelae, convalescence, and persistent COVID symptom), and hospitalization (hospitalized, in hospital, and home-isolated). The present meta-analysis was conducted according to The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement using R software 4.1.3 to create forest plots. Q statistics and the I 2 index were used to evaluate heterogeneity in this meta-analysis. Results Six observational studies conducted in Spain, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, and the USA involving 419 hospitalized and 742 non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors were included. The number of COVID-19 survivors in included studies ranged from 63 to 431, and follow-up data were collected through visits in four studies and another two used an electronic questionnaire, visit and telephone, respectively. Significant increase in the risks of long dyspnea (OR = 3.18, 95% CI = 1.90-5.32), anxiety (OR = 3.09, 95% CI = 1.47-6.47), myalgia (OR = 2.33, 95% CI = 1.02-5.33), and hair loss (OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 1.07-7.12) risk were found in hospitalized COVID-19 survivors compared with outpatients. Conversely, persisting ageusia risk was significantly reduced in hospitalized COVID-19 survivors than in non-hospitalized patients. Conclusion The findings suggested that special attention and patient-centered rehabilitation service based on a needs survey should be provided for hospitalized COVID-19 survivors who experienced high post-acute COVID-19 symptoms risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niu Yuan
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhang-Hong Lv
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chun-Rong Sun
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Ear, Nose and Throat Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Wen
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ting-Yu Tao
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Qian
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fang-Ping Tao
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Hui Yu
- Department of Nursing, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Sunada N, Nakano Y, Otsuka Y, Tokumasu K, Honda H, Sakurada Y, Matsuda Y, Hasegawa T, Omura D, Ochi K, Hagiya H, Ueda K, Kataoka H, Otsuka F. Characteristics of Sleep Disturbance in Patients with Long COVID: A Retrospective Observational Study in Japan. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11247332. [PMID: 36555948 PMCID: PMC9783729 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11247332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to determine the clinical and endocrinological features of sleep disturbance in patients with long COVID. METHODS This study was a single-center retrospective observational study for patients who visited the COVID-19 aftercare outpatient clinic (CAC) established in Okayama University Hospital in Japan during the period from 15 February 2021 to 29 July 2022. The long COVID patients were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of sleep disturbance, and the clinical and laboratory characteristics of the patients were analyzed. RESULTS Out of 363 patients with long COVID, after excluding 6 patients, 60 patients (16.5%) (55% males, median age of 38 years) complaining of sleep disturbance were compared with 303 patients (83.5%) (43% males, median age of 40 years) without sleep-related symptoms. Although there were no significant differences in clinical backgrounds and severities of COVID-19 between the two groups by the multivariate analysis, the percentage of long COVID patients with sleep disturbance was significantly increased among patients infected in the Omicron-dominant phase. In addition, the prevalence rate of sleep disturbance in patients when infected in the Omicron phase (24.8%) was two-times higher than that in patients infected in the Delta phase (12.8%). Of note, the percentages of patients with sleep disturbance who also complained of general fatigue, headache, concentration loss, anxiety, low-grade fever, and brain fog symptoms were higher than the percentages of patients without sleep disturbance who had the same complaints. Among the types of sleep disturbance, the percentage of patients who complained of loss of sleep induction (75%) was much higher than the percentage of patients with early-awakening sleep disturbance (6.7%), and many of the patients with mid-awakening types of insomnia had brain fog symptoms. Endocrine examinations revealed that long COVID patients with sleep disturbance had significantly higher levels of plasma adrenocorticotropin and lower levels of serum growth hormone, suggesting the presence of hypothalamic-pituitary stress. CONCLUSION The prevalence of sleep disturbance has been increasing in long COVID patients infected in the Omicron phase with a certain clinical and endocrine trend.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naruhiko Sunada
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Nakano
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yuki Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kazuki Tokumasu
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Honda
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yasue Sakurada
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yui Matsuda
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Toru Hasegawa
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Daisuke Omura
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Kanako Ochi
- Center for Education in Medicine and Health Sciences, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hideharu Hagiya
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Keigo Ueda
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hitomi Kataoka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Fumio Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-86-235-7342
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Otsuka Y, Otsuka F. Possibility of endocrine dysfunction in post coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) condition. Endocr J 2022; 69:1357. [PMID: 36216578 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej22-0459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Fumio Otsuka
- Department of General Medicine, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
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Transitional Changes in Fatigue-Related Symptoms Due to Long COVID: A Single-Center Retrospective Observational Study in Japan. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58101393. [PMID: 36295554 PMCID: PMC9611667 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58101393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Changes in post COVID-19 condition (PCC) characteristics caused by viral variants have yet to be clarified. We aimed to characterize the differences between clinical backgrounds and manifestations in long COVID patients who were infected with the Delta variant and those who were infected with the Omicron variants. Materials and Methods: This study was a single-center retrospective observational study for patients who visited our COVID-19 aftercare outpatient clinic (CAC) established in Okayama University Hospital (Japan) during the period from 15 February 2021 to 15 July 2022. We classified the onset of COVID-19 in the patients into three groups, the preceding, Delta-dominant, and Omicron-dominant periods, based on the prevalent periods of the variants in our prefecture. Results: In a total of 353 patients, after excluding 8 patients, 110, 130, and 113 patients were classified into the preceding, Delta-dominant, and Omicron-dominant periods, respectively. Patients infected in the Omicron-dominant period had significantly fewer hospitalizations, milder illnesses, more vaccinations and earlier visit to the CAC than did patients infected in the Delta-dominant period. Patients infected in the Omicron-dominant period had significantly lower frequencies of dysosmia (12% vs. 45%, ** p < 0.01), dysgeusia (14% vs. 40%, ** p < 0.01) and hair loss (7% vs. 28%, ** p < 0.01) but had higher frequencies of fatigue (65% vs. 50%, * p < 0.05), insomnia (26% vs. 13%, * p < 0.05) and cough (20% vs. 7%, ** p < 0.01) than did patients infected in the Delta-dominant period. Conclusions: The transitional changes in long COVID symptoms caused by the two variants were characterized.
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