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Gheorghita R, Soldanescu I, Lobiuc A, Caliman Sturdza OA, Filip R, Constantinescu – Bercu A, Dimian M, Mangul S, Covasa M. The knowns and unknowns of long COVID-19: from mechanisms to therapeutical approaches. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1344086. [PMID: 38500880 PMCID: PMC10944866 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1344086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been defined as the greatest global health and socioeconomic crisis of modern times. While most people recover after being infected with the virus, a significant proportion of them continue to experience health issues weeks, months and even years after acute infection with SARS-CoV-2. This persistence of clinical symptoms in infected individuals for at least three months after the onset of the disease or the emergence of new symptoms lasting more than two months, without any other explanation and alternative diagnosis have been named long COVID, long-haul COVID, post-COVID-19 conditions, chronic COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Long COVID has been characterized as a constellation of symptoms and disorders that vary widely in their manifestations. Further, the mechanisms underlying long COVID are not fully understood, which hamper efficient treatment options. This review describes predictors and the most common symptoms related to long COVID's effects on the central and peripheral nervous system and other organs and tissues. Furthermore, the transcriptional markers, molecular signaling pathways and risk factors for long COVID, such as sex, age, pre-existing condition, hospitalization during acute phase of COVID-19, vaccination, and lifestyle are presented. Finally, recommendations for patient rehabilitation and disease management, as well as alternative therapeutical approaches to long COVID sequelae are discussed. Understanding the complexity of this disease, its symptoms across multiple organ systems and overlapping pathologies and its possible mechanisms are paramount in developing diagnostic tools and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Gheorghita
- Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Iuliana Soldanescu
- Integrated Center for Research, Development and Innovation for Advanced Materials, Nanotechnologies, Manufacturing and Control Distributed Systems (MANSiD), University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Andrei Lobiuc
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Olga Adriana Caliman Sturdza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Suceava Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Suceava, Romania
| | - Roxana Filip
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Suceava Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Suceava, Romania
| | - Adela Constantinescu – Bercu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Hemostasis Research Unit, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Mihai Dimian
- Integrated Center for Research, Development and Innovation for Advanced Materials, Nanotechnologies, Manufacturing and Control Distributed Systems (MANSiD), University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Department of Computer, Electronics and Automation, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Serghei Mangul
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mihai Covasa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pomona, CA, United States
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Chuang HJ, Lin CW, Hsiao MY, Wang TG, Liang HW. Long COVID and rehabilitation. J Formos Med Assoc 2024; 123 Suppl 1:S61-S69. [PMID: 37061399 PMCID: PMC10101546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused tremendous morbidity and mortality worldwide. The large number of post-COVID survivors has drawn attention to the management of post-COVID condition, known as long COVID. This review examines current knowledge of long COVID, regarding its epidemiology, mechanism, and clinical presentations in both adults and children. We also review the rehabilitation principles, modules, and effects, and share Taiwan's efforts to provide a top-down, nationwide care framework for long COVID patients. Dyspnea, chronic cough, and fatigue are the most commonly reported symptoms in the first 6 months after infection, but cognitive impairment and psychological symptoms may persist beyond this time. Several possible mechanisms behind these symptoms were proposed, but remained unconfirmed. These symptoms negatively impact individuals' function, activities, participation and quality of life. Rehabilitation is a key element of management to achieve functional improvement. Early management should start with comprehensive evaluation and identification of red flags. Exercise-based therapy, an essential part of management of long COVID, can be conducted with different modules, including telerehabilitation. Post-exertional symptom exacerbation and orthostatic hypotension should be carefully monitored during exercise. Randomized control trials with a large sample size are needed to determine the optimal timing, dosage, and modules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Jui Chuang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital and College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chia-Wei Lin
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital and College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Yen Hsiao
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital and College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Tyng-Guey Wang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital and College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Huey-Wen Liang
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital and College Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC; Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan, ROC.
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Lerner A, Benzvi C, Vojdani A. HLA-DQ2/8 and COVID-19 in Celiac Disease: Boon or Bane. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2977. [PMID: 38138121 PMCID: PMC10745744 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continues to pose a global threat. While its virulence has subsided, it has persisted due to the continual emergence of new mutations. Although many high-risk conditions related to COVID-19 have been identified, the understanding of protective factors remains limited. Intriguingly, epidemiological evidence suggests a low incidence of COVID-19-infected CD patients. The present study explores whether their genetic background, namely, the associated HLA-DQs, offers protection against severe COVID-19 outcomes. We hypothesize that the HLA-DQ2/8 alleles may shield CD patients from SARS-CoV-2 and its subsequent effects, possibly due to memory CD4 T cells primed by previous exposure to human-associated common cold coronaviruses (CCC) and higher affinity to those allele's groove. In this context, we examined potential cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 epitopes and human-associated CCC and assessed the binding affinity (BA) of these epitopes to HLA-DQ2/8. Using computational methods, we analyzed sequence similarity between SARS-CoV-2 and four distinct CCC. Of 924 unique immunodominant 15-mer epitopes with at least 67% identity, 37 exhibited significant BA to HLA-DQ2/8, suggesting a protective effect. We present various mechanisms that might explain the protective role of HLA-DQ2/8 in COVID-19-afflicted CD patients. If substantiated, these insights could enhance our understanding of the gene-environment enigma and viral-host relationship, guiding potential therapeutic innovations against the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Lerner
- The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262160, Israel;
- Research Department, Ariel University, Ariel 4077625, Israel
| | - Carina Benzvi
- The Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Ramat Gan 5262160, Israel;
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Miraglia Del Giudice M, Klain A, Dinardo G, D'Addio E, Bencivenga CL, Fontanella C, Decimo F, Umano GR, Siciliano M, Carotenuto M, Indolfi C. Behavioral and Sleep Disorders in Children and Adolescents following COVID-19 Disease: A Case-Control Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1189. [PMID: 37508686 PMCID: PMC10378309 DOI: 10.3390/children10071189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent studies show that neuropsychiatric disorders are the most frequent sequelae of COVID-19 in children. PURPOSE Our work aimed to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on behavior and sleep in children and adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS We enrolled 107 patients aged 1.5-18 years who contracted COVID-19 between one year and one month prior to data collection, referred to the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Italy. We asked their parents to complete two standardized questionnaires for the assessment of behavior (Child Behavior CheckList (CBCL)) and sleep (Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SLDS)). We analysed and compared the results with a control group (pre-COVID-19 pandemic). RESULTS In the COVID-19 group, the major results were found for sleep breathing disorders, sleep-wake transition disorders and disorders of initiating and maintaining sleep for the SDSC questionnaire, and internalizing scale, total scale and anxiety/depression for the CBCL questionnaire. The comparison of the CBCL results of the cases with the controls revealed statistically significant differences for the following items: internalizing scale, externalizing scale, somatic complaints, total score, thought problems [(p < 0.01)], anxious/depressed problems and withdrawn [(p < 0.001)]. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 has impacted children's and adolescents' mental health. Adolescents were the most affected patient group for internalizing problems, including anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Miraglia Del Giudice
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Klain
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giulio Dinardo
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta D'Addio
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Chiara Lucia Bencivenga
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Fontanella
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Caserta, Italy
| | - Fabio Decimo
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Rosaria Umano
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Margherita Siciliano
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Caserta, Italy
| | - Marco Carotenuto
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Caserta, Italy
| | - Cristiana Indolfi
- Department of Woman, Child and General and Specialized Surgery, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", 80138 Naples, Italy
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Ding Q, Zhao H. Long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on human brain and memory. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:196. [PMID: 37380640 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01512-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants have caused several waves of outbreaks. From the ancestral strain to Omicron variant, SARS-CoV-2 has evolved with the high transmissibility and increased immune escape against vaccines. Because of the multiple basic amino acids in the S1-S2 junction of spike protein, the widespread distribution of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor in human body and the high transmissibility, SARS-CoV-2 can infect multiple organs and has led to over 0.7 billion infectious cases. Studies showed that SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause more than 10% patients with the Long-COVID syndrome, including pathological changes in brains. This review mainly provides the molecular foundations for understanding the mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 invading human brain and the molecular basis of SARS-CoV-2 infection interfering with human brain and memory, which are associated with the immune dysfunction, syncytia-induced cell death, the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, microclots and biopsychosocial aspects. We also discuss the strategies for reducing the Long-COVID syndrome. Further studies and analysis of shared researches will allow for further clarity regarding the long-term health consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiulu Ding
- School of Finance and Business, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
- School of Education, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - HanJun Zhao
- Department of Microbiology, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
- Centre for Virology, Vaccinology and Therapeutics, Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
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Sansone F, Pellegrino GM, Caronni A, Bonazza F, Vegni E, Lué A, Bocci T, Pipolo C, Giusti G, Di Filippo P, Di Pillo S, Chiarelli F, Sferrazza Papa GF, Attanasi M. Long COVID in Children: A Multidisciplinary Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:1990. [PMID: 37370884 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13121990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID syndrome has emerged as a long-lasting consequence of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults. In addition, children may be affected by Long COVID, with potential clinical issues in different fields, including problems in school performance and daily activities. Yet, the pathophysiologic bases of Long COVID in children are largely unknown, and it is difficult to predict who will develop the syndrome. In this multidisciplinary clinical review, we summarise the latest scientific data regarding Long COVID and its impact on children. Special attention is given to diagnostic tests, in order to help the physicians to find potential disease markers and quantify impairment. Specifically, we assess the respiratory, upper airways, cardiac, neurologic and motor and psychological aspects. Finally, we also propose a multidisciplinary clinical approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonio Caronni
- Department of Neurorehabilitation Sciences, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Ospedale San Luca, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Bonazza
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Psychology, University of Milan, Via di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Vegni
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinical Psychology, University of Milan, Via di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Psychology, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Via di Rudinì 8, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Lué
- Service of Digestive Diseases, University Clinic Hospital Lozano Blesa, IIS Aragón, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Tommaso Bocci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, 20146 Milan, Italy
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, "Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo e Carlo", University of Milan, 20146 Milan, Italy
| | - Carlotta Pipolo
- Department of Health Sciences, Otorhinolaryngology Department, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliano Giusti
- Paediatric Cardiology Unit, Niguarda Hospital, 20162 Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Di Filippo
- Paediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Unit, Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Sabrina Di Pillo
- Paediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Unit, Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Chiarelli
- Paediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Unit, Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Marina Attanasi
- Paediatric Allergy and Pulmonology Unit, Department of Paediatrics, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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Chinta S, Rodriguez-Guerra M, Shaban M, Pandey N, Jaquez-Duran M, Vittorio TJ. COVID-19 therapy and vaccination: a clinical narrative review. Drugs Context 2023; 12:2022-7-2. [PMID: 36793450 PMCID: PMC9914077 DOI: 10.7573/dic.2022-7-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is the most globally impacting health issue our world has faced over the last century. As of January 7, 2022, around 300 million cases have been reported worldwide, with over 5 million deaths. The SARS-CoV-2 infection causes a hyperactive host immune response leading to an excessive inflammatory reaction with the release of many cytokines - cytokine storm - commonly noticed in acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis and fulminant multiorgan failure. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the scientific medical community has worked on therapeutic procedures that interfere with the exaggerated immune response. Thromboembolic complications are widespread in patients who are critically ill with COVID-19. Anticoagulant therapy was initially considered a cornerstone in hospitalized patients and even in the early post-discharge period; however, later trials have aborted the clinical benefits except for suspicion of or confirmed thrombosis. Immunomodulatory therapies are still crucial in moderate to severe COVID-19. Immunomodulator therapies include various medications from steroids to hydroxychloroquine, tocilizumab and Anakinra. Anti-inflammatory agents, vitamin supplements and antimicrobial therapy had initial encouraging evidence, but there are limited data to review. Convalescent plasma, immunoglobulins, eculizumab, neutralizing IgG1 monoclonal antibodies and remdesivir have positively impacted inpatient mortality and hospital length of stay. Eventually, wide population vaccination was proven to be the best tool to overcome the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and help humanity return to regular life. Many vaccines and various strategies have been used since December 2020. This review discusses how the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has progressed and surged, and summarizes the safety and efficacy of the most used therapies and vaccines in the light of recent evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Chinta
- Department of Medicine, BronxCare Hospital Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Miguel Rodriguez-Guerra
- Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Mohammed Shaban
- Department of Medicine, BronxCare Hospital Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Neelanjana Pandey
- Department of Medicine, BronxCare Hospital Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Maria Jaquez-Duran
- Department of Medicine, BronxCare Hospital Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Timothy J Vittorio
- Division of Cardiology, BronxCare Hospital Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mt. Sinai, Bronx, NY, USA
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Zuccotti G, Calcaterra V, Mannarino S, D’Auria E, Bova SM, Fiori L, Verduci E, Milanese A, Marano G, Garbin M, Zirpoli S, Fabiano V, Carlucci P, Olivotto S, Gianolio L, De Santis R, Pelizzo G, Zoia E, Dilillo D, Biganzoli EM. Six-month multidisciplinary follow-up in multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children: An Italian single-center experience. Front Pediatr 2023; 10:1080654. [PMID: 36776681 PMCID: PMC9909209 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.1080654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A severe multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) related to SARS-CoV-2 has been described after infection. A limited number of reports have analyzed the long-term complications related to pro-inflammatory status in MIS-C. We evaluated multiorgan impairment at the 6-month follow-up in MIS-C. Methods We enrolled 33 pediatric patients consecutively hospitalized for MIS-C and monitored for almost 6 months. The inter-relationship of patient's features and disease severity at admission with long term complications was studied by multivariate analysis. Results Endo-metabolic derangement, cardiac injury, respiratory, renal and gastrointestinal manifestations and neurological involvement are part of the initial presentation. The most abnormalities appear to resolve within the first few weeks, without significant long term dysfunction at the 6-months follow-up, except for endocrine (non-thyroidal illness syndrome in 12.1%, insulin resistance in 21.2%) and neurological system (27.3% cognitive or psychological, behavioral, adaptive difficulties). Endocrine and heart involvement at admission represent a significant factor on the long term sequelae; however no association between severity score and long-term outcome was noted. Conclusions The severity of initial clinical presentation may be associated to organ domain, however it is not related to long term sequelae. The prevalent organ restoration supports a predominant indirect immune-mediated injury triggered by a systemic inflammatory response; however a direct damage due to the viral entry could be not excluded. Eventhought our preliminary results seem to suggest that MIS-C is not a long-term risk condition for children health, a longer follow-up is mandatory to confirm this hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Calcaterra
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Savina Mannarino
- Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Enza D’Auria
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Laura Fiori
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Elvira Verduci
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Alberto Milanese
- Medical Statistics Unit, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, “Luigi Sacco” University Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marano
- Medical Statistics Unit, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, “Luigi Sacco” University Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Garbin
- Pediatric Cardiology Unit, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Fabiano
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Sara Olivotto
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Gianolio
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Gloria Pelizzo
- Pediatric Surgery Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Zoia
- Intensive Care Unit, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Dario Dilillo
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Elia Mario Biganzoli
- Medical Statistics Unit, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, “Luigi Sacco” University Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Garazzino S, Denina M, Pruccoli G, Funiciello E, Ramenghi U, Fagioli F. Long COVID-19/post-COVID condition in children: do we all speak the same language? Ital J Pediatr 2023; 49:12. [PMID: 36670478 PMCID: PMC9859668 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-023-01417-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-COVID condition is a new and highly debated entity that is still to be outlined in its complexity, especially in the pediatric population. In response to the article by Trapani and colleagues, we report the results of a long-term follow-up conducted in the outpatient clinic of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Unit on children admitted to our hospital with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Garazzino
- Unit of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Denina
- grid.415778.80000 0004 5960 9283Pediatric Emergency Department, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Giulia Pruccoli
- Unit of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisa Funiciello
- Unit of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, University of Turin, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Ugo Ramenghi
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Franca Fagioli
- Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Turin, Italy
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Clinical and psychological status analysis of children and parents infected with familial aggregation omicron variant in Shanghai in parent-child ward. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12151. [PMID: 36578400 PMCID: PMC9791361 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims To analyze the clinical characteristics, treatment outcomes and sleep psychological problems of children and parents infected with familial aggregation Omicron variants under a parent-child ward treatment mode to provide a theoretical reference for the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of Omicron variant strains. Methods The clinical data of 225 children and 230 adult family members admitted were retrospectively collected and analyzed to investigate their clinical characteristics and response to treatments. Results The proportion of infected adults and children was the same, and the proportion of children with mild disease was higher than that of adults, but the clinical symptoms were milder. The clinical symptoms of fever, nausea, vomiting and wheezing in children were significantly higher than in adults (P < 0.05). In addition, dry pharynx, pharynx itching and pharyngeal pain were lower than in adults (P < 0.05). The time of turning negative in the moderate group was longer than in the mild group, and the time of turning negative in the unvaccinated group was higher than in the vaccinated group (P < 0.05). The Cycle Threshold Value (Ct value) of Open Reading Frame 1ab (ORF1ab) and Nucleocapsid protein (N) gene of children were higher adults. The increase in the rate of Ct value of ORF1ab and N gene in adults treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) was significantly higher than in those who underwent symptomatic treatment (P < 0.01). Based on the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ)score, we found varying levels of sleep problems in sleeping habits, latency and anxiety, night awakenings and abnormal sleep at all ages (P < 0.05). In the adult group, those with Self-Rating Scale of Sleep (SRSS) scores ≥3 accounted for more than 50% of adults with insomnia, sleep deprivation, sleep instability and early awakening. The proportion of adults with anxiety and depression was 21.3% and 16.4%. Conclusion Infections in children and adults during this pandemic were mainly associated with familial aggregation infections, and their clinical symptoms were mainly located in the upper respiratory tract. With comprehensive treatment, children became negative faster, vaccination led to faster recovery, and although some patients experienced sleeping and psychological issues, all patients had good prognoses following comprehensive diagnosis under a parent-child ward treatment mode.
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Lactoferrin as Possible Treatment for Chronic Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Children with Long COVID: Case Series and Literature Review. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9101446. [PMID: 36291381 PMCID: PMC9600357 DOI: 10.3390/children9101446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Long COVID is an emergent, heterogeneous, and multisystemic condition with an increasingly important impact also on the pediatric population. Among long COVID symptoms, patients can experience chronic gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and dysphagia. Although there is no standard, agreed, and optimal diagnostic approach or treatment of long COVID in children, recently compounds containing multiple micronutrients and lactoferrin have been proposed as a possible treatment strategy, due to the long-standing experience gained from other gastrointestinal conditions. In particular, lactoferrin is a pleiotropic glycoprotein with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and immunomodulatory activities. Moreover, it seems to have several physiological functions to protect the gastrointestinal tract. In this regard, we described the resolution of symptoms after the start of therapy with high doses of oral lactoferrin in two patients referred to our post-COVID pediatric unit due to chronic gastrointestinal symptoms after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Catalano A, Iacopetta D, Ceramella J, Maio ACD, Basile G, Giuzio F, Bonomo MG, Aquaro S, Walsh TJ, Sinicropi MS, Saturnino C, Geronikaki A, Salzano G. Are Nutraceuticals Effective in COVID-19 and Post-COVID Prevention and Treatment? Foods 2022; 11:2884. [PMID: 36141012 PMCID: PMC9498392 DOI: 10.3390/foods11182884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The beginning of the end or the end of the beginning? After two years mastered by coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic, we are now witnessing a turnaround. The reduction of severe cases and deaths from COVID-19 led to increasing importance of a new disease called post-COVID syndrome. The term post-COVID is used to indicate permanency of symptoms in patients who have recovered from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Immune, antiviral, antimicrobial therapies, as well as ozone therapy have been used to treat COVID-19 disease. Vaccines have then become available and administered worldwide to prevent the insurgence of the disease. However, the pandemic is not over yet at all given the emergence of new omicron variants. New therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. In this view, great interest was found in nutraceutical products, including vitamins (C, D, and E), minerals (zinc), melatonin, probiotics, flavonoids (quercetin), and curcumin. This review summarizes the role of nutraceuticals in the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 disease and post-COVID syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Iacopetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Jessica Ceramella
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Azzurra Chiara De Maio
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Giovanna Basile
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Federica Giuzio
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Aquaro
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Thomas J. Walsh
- Center for Innovative Therapeutics and Diagnostics, Richmond, VA 23223, USA
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Carmela Saturnino
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | - Athina Geronikaki
- School of Pharmacy, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Giovanni Salzano
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
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