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Carnes-Vendrell A, Piñol-Ripoll G, Ariza M, Cano N, Segura B, Junque C, Béjar J, Barrue C, Garolera M. Poor sleep quality may trigger cognitive deficits after recovery from COVID-19. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1382875. [PMID: 38860054 PMCID: PMC11164190 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1382875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective In the present study, we aimed to assess the cognition of post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) participants in relation to their subjective sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) and to analyse possible moderators of this effect, such as quality of life (European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions, EQ-5D), fatigue (Chadler Fatigue Questionnaire, CFQ), cognitive reserve (Cognitive Reserve Questionnaire, CRC), and subjective cognitive complaints (Memory Failures of Everyday Questionnaire, MFE-30). Methods We included 373 individuals with PCC and 126 healthy controls (HCs) from the NAUTILUS Project (NCT05307549 and NCT05307575) who were assessed with a comprehensive neuropsychological battery and various questionnaires. Results We found that PCC participants with poor sleep quality had a 4.3% greater risk of immediate verbal memory deficits than those with good sleep quality, as indicated by the greater odds ratio (OR) of 1.043 and confidence interval (CI) of 1.023-1.063. Additionally, their risk of immediate verbal memory disorders was multiplied by 2.4 when their EQ-5D score was low (OR 0.33; CI 0.145-0.748), and they had a lower risk of delayed visual memory deficits with a greater CRC (OR 0.963; CI 0.929-0.999). With respect to processing speed, PCC participants with poor sleep quality had a 6.7% greater risk of deficits as the MFE increased (OR 1.059; CI 1.024-1.096), and the risk of slowed processing speed tripled with a lower EQ-5D (OR 0.021; CI 0.003-0.141). Conclusion These results indicate that poor subjective sleep quality is a potential trigger for cognitive deficits. Therapeutic strategies to maximize sleep quality could include reducing sleep disturbances and perhaps cognitive impairment in PCC individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Carnes-Vendrell
- Cognitive Disorders Unit, Cognition and Behavior Study Group, Hospital Universitari Santa Maria, Lleida, Spain
| | - G. Piñol-Ripoll
- Cognitive Disorders Unit, Cognition and Behavior Study Group, Hospital Universitari Santa Maria, Lleida, Spain
| | - M. Ariza
- Clinical Research Group for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain
| | - N. Cano
- Clinical Research Group for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain
- Departament de Ciències Bàsiques, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - B. Segura
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
| | - C. Junque
- Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J. Béjar
- Faculty of Informatics of Barcelona (FIB), Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - C. Barrue
- Faculty of Informatics of Barcelona (FIB), Polytechnic University of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
| | - M. Garolera
- Clinical Research Group for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain
- Neuropsychology Unit, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa, Terrassa, Spain
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Hayward W, Buch ER, Norato G, Iwane F, Dash D, Salamanca-Girón RF, Bartrum E, Walitt B, Nath A, Cohen LG. Procedural Motor Memory Deficits in Patients With Long-COVID. Neurology 2024; 102:e208073. [PMID: 38237090 PMCID: PMC11097756 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000208073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES At least 15% of patients who recover from acute severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection experience lasting symptoms ("Long-COVID") including "brain fog" and deficits in declarative memory. It is not known if Long-COVID affects patients' ability to form and retain procedural motor skill memories. The objective was to determine the ability of patients with Long-COVID to acquire and consolidate a new procedural motor skill over 2 training days. The primary outcome was to determine difference in early learning, measured as the increase in correct sequence typing speed over the initial 11 practice trials of a new skill. The secondary outcomes were initial and final typing speed on days 1 and 2, learning rate, overnight consolidation, and typing accuracy. METHODS In this prospective, cross-sectional, online, case-control study, participants learned a sequential motor skill over 2 consecutive days (NCT05746624). Patients with Long-COVID (reporting persistent post-coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19] symptoms for more than 4 weeks) were recruited at the NIH. Patients were matched one-to-one by age and sex to controls recruited during the pandemic using a crowd-sourcing platform. Selection criteria included age 18-90 years, English speaking, right-handed, able to type with the left hand, denied active fever or respiratory infection, and no previous task exposure. Data were also compared with an age-matched and sex-matched control group who performed the task online before the COVID-19 pandemic (prepandemic controls). RESULTS In total, 105 of 236 patients contacted agreed to participate and completed the experiment (mean ± SD age 46 ± 12.8 years, 82% female). Both healthy control groups had 105 participants (mean age 46 ± 13.1 and 46 ± 11.9 years, 82% female). Early learning was comparable across groups (Long-COVID: 0.36 ± 0.24 correct sequences/second, pandemic controls: 0.36 ± 0.53 prepandemic controls: 0.38 ± 0.57, patients vs pandemic controls [CI -0.068 to 0.067], vs prepandemic controls [CI -0.084 to 0.052], and between controls [CI -0.083 to 0.053], p = 0.82). Initial and final typing speeds on days 1 and 2 were slower in patients than controls. Patients with Long-COVID showed a significantly reduced overnight consolidation and a nonsignificant trend to reduced learning rates. DISCUSSION Early learning was comparable in patients with Long-COVID and controls. Anomalous initial performance is consistent with executive dysfunction. Reduction in overnight consolidation may relate to deficits in procedural memory formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Hayward
- From the Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section (W.H., E.R.B., F.I., D.D., R.F.S.-G., L.G.C.), Clinical Trials Unit (G.N.), Office of the Clinical Director, and Section of Infections of the Nervous System (E.B., B.W., A.N.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD
| | - Ethan R Buch
- From the Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section (W.H., E.R.B., F.I., D.D., R.F.S.-G., L.G.C.), Clinical Trials Unit (G.N.), Office of the Clinical Director, and Section of Infections of the Nervous System (E.B., B.W., A.N.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD
| | - Gina Norato
- From the Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section (W.H., E.R.B., F.I., D.D., R.F.S.-G., L.G.C.), Clinical Trials Unit (G.N.), Office of the Clinical Director, and Section of Infections of the Nervous System (E.B., B.W., A.N.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD
| | - Fumiaki Iwane
- From the Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section (W.H., E.R.B., F.I., D.D., R.F.S.-G., L.G.C.), Clinical Trials Unit (G.N.), Office of the Clinical Director, and Section of Infections of the Nervous System (E.B., B.W., A.N.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD
| | - Dabedatta Dash
- From the Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section (W.H., E.R.B., F.I., D.D., R.F.S.-G., L.G.C.), Clinical Trials Unit (G.N.), Office of the Clinical Director, and Section of Infections of the Nervous System (E.B., B.W., A.N.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD
| | - Roberto F Salamanca-Girón
- From the Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section (W.H., E.R.B., F.I., D.D., R.F.S.-G., L.G.C.), Clinical Trials Unit (G.N.), Office of the Clinical Director, and Section of Infections of the Nervous System (E.B., B.W., A.N.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD
| | - Elizabeth Bartrum
- From the Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section (W.H., E.R.B., F.I., D.D., R.F.S.-G., L.G.C.), Clinical Trials Unit (G.N.), Office of the Clinical Director, and Section of Infections of the Nervous System (E.B., B.W., A.N.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD
| | - Brian Walitt
- From the Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section (W.H., E.R.B., F.I., D.D., R.F.S.-G., L.G.C.), Clinical Trials Unit (G.N.), Office of the Clinical Director, and Section of Infections of the Nervous System (E.B., B.W., A.N.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD
| | - Avindra Nath
- From the Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section (W.H., E.R.B., F.I., D.D., R.F.S.-G., L.G.C.), Clinical Trials Unit (G.N.), Office of the Clinical Director, and Section of Infections of the Nervous System (E.B., B.W., A.N.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD
| | - Leonardo G Cohen
- From the Human Cortical Physiology and Neurorehabilitation Section (W.H., E.R.B., F.I., D.D., R.F.S.-G., L.G.C.), Clinical Trials Unit (G.N.), Office of the Clinical Director, and Section of Infections of the Nervous System (E.B., B.W., A.N.), National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Bethesda, MD
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Galderisi S, Perrottelli A, Giuliani L, Pisaturo MA, Monteleone P, Pagliano P, Vita A, Muiesan ML, Amore M, Bassetti M, Siracusano A, Mucci A, Bucci P, Cascino G, Barlati S, Amerio A, Di Lorenzo G, Niolu C, Coppola N, Maj M. Cognitive impairment after recovery from COVID-19: Frequency, profile, and relationships with clinical and laboratory indices. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2024; 79:22-31. [PMID: 38065006 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2023.11.001] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment (CI) is regarded as a remarkable burden in COVID-19 survivors. Its prevalence and profile, and relationships with the disease clinical and laboratory indices, remain unclear. The present study investigated, in a large sample of patients recovered from COVID-19, the frequency of CI with both a face-to-face screening tool and comprehensive test battery (MCCB). The study also evaluated the profile of CI and its relationships with COVID-19 clinical and laboratory indices and with psychopathological features. Out of 1344 subjects assessed for eligibility, 736 completed the screening phase 11 months after the COVID-19 infection; 402 participated in the baseline phase and completed an in depth cognitive, clinical and laboratory assessment about one month later. More than one third of the screened subjects presented a CI (COG+); it was associated to age, education, male gender, COVID-19 severity, and presence of anosmia, dyspnea at rest and exertional dyspnea during the acute phase. COG+ subjects showed a higher severity of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic distress, and worse global functioning, than subjects without CI. The MCCB showed that 45% of the subjects had a CI involving attention, working memory, verbal learning, visual learning, and reasoning and problem solving. Finally, neurocognitive functioning was inversely correlated with LDH blood levels, a potential biomarker of disease severity. According to our findings, cognitive functioning should be routinely and periodically assessed in COVID-19 patients, especially in older subjects, who experienced more severe COVID-19 symptoms. In case of persisting dysfunctions cognitive training programs should be considered as treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Palmiero Monteleone
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana" Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Pasquale Pagliano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana" Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Antonio Vita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Italy; Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Lorenza Muiesan
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Italy; Internal Medicine, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Italy
| | - Mario Amore
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Bassetti
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Infectious Diseases Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Siracusano
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Armida Mucci
- University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Paola Bucci
- University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Giammarco Cascino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana" Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Stefano Barlati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Italy; Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, ASST Spedali Civili of Brescia, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giorgio Di Lorenzo
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Niolu
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mario Maj
- University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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4
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Zhao S, Martin EM, Reuken PA, Scholcz A, Ganse-Dumrath A, Srowig A, Utech I, Kozik V, Radscheidt M, Brodoehl S, Stallmach A, Schwab M, Fraser E, Finke K, Husain M. Long COVID is associated with severe cognitive slowing: a multicentre cross-sectional study. EClinicalMedicine 2024; 68:102434. [PMID: 38318123 PMCID: PMC10839583 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Background COVID-19 survivors may experience a wide range of chronic cognitive symptoms for months or years as part of post-COVID-19 conditions (PCC). To date, there is no definitive objective cognitive marker for PCC. We hypothesised that a key common deficit in people with PCC might be generalised cognitive slowing. Methods To examine cognitive slowing, patients with PCC completed two short web-based cognitive tasks, Simple Reaction Time (SRT) and Number Vigilance Test (NVT). 270 patients diagnosed with PCC at two different clinics in UK and Germany were compared to two control groups: individuals who contracted COVID-19 before but did not experience PCC after recovery (No-PCC group) and uninfected individuals (No-COVID group). All patients with PCC completed the study between May 18, 2021 and July 4, 2023 in Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany and Long COVID clinic, Oxford, UK. Findings We identified pronounced cognitive slowing in patients with PCC, which distinguished them from age-matched healthy individuals who previously had symptomatic COVID-19 but did not manifest PCC. Cognitive slowing was evident even on a 30-s task measuring simple reaction time (SRT), with patients with PCC responding to stimuli ∼3 standard deviations slower than healthy controls. 53.5% of patients with PCC's response speed was slower than 2 standard deviations from the control mean, indicating a high prevalence of cognitive slowing in PCC. This finding was replicated across two clinic samples in Germany and the UK. Comorbidities such as fatigue, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbance, and post-traumatic stress disorder did not account for the extent of cognitive slowing in patients with PCC. Furthermore, cognitive slowing on the SRT was highly correlated with the poor performance of patients with PCC on the NVT measure of sustained attention. Interpretation Together, these results robustly demonstrate pronounced cognitive slowing in people with PCC, which distinguishes them from age-matched healthy individuals who previously had symptomatic COVID-19 but did not manifest PCC. This might be an important factor contributing to some of the cognitive impairments reported in patients with PCC. Funding Wellcome Trust (206330/Z/17/Z), NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, the Thüringer Aufbaubank (2021 FGI 0060), German Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, FI 1424/2-1) and the Horizon 2020 Framework Programme of the European Union (ITN SmartAge, H2020-MSCA-ITN-2019-859890).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Zhao
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Eva Maria Martin
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Philipp A. Reuken
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Anna Scholcz
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Akke Ganse-Dumrath
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Annie Srowig
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Isabelle Utech
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Valeska Kozik
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Brodoehl
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Andreas Stallmach
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Emily Fraser
- Oxfordshire Post-COVID Assessment Clinic, Oxford University Hospitals Foundation NHS Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Kathrin Finke
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Department of Psychology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Masud Husain
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 9DU, UK
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Michalik K, Smolarek M, Borkowski J, Tchorowski M, Korczuk N, Gorczyca P, Wojtarowicz N, Zatoń M. Changes in Reaction Time, Balance and Neuroplasticity after Exercise with a Face Mask in Male Adults with Mild COVID-19 Symptoms. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2800. [PMID: 37893874 PMCID: PMC10606898 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11202800] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study compared physiological, perceptual and neuroprotective hormone and metabolite responses and changes in coordination as an effect of aerobic exercise with and without a face mask in people with mild symptoms of COVID-19. Forty men took part in this study. Half declared mild symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the 6 months before the study (Declared) and the other half did not (Non-declared). In a random order, with a 7-day interval, they performed a 30-min walk on a treadmill at a speed of 6 km/h wearing a surgical face mask (Masked) and without it (Unmasked). The heart rate, heart rate variability, oxygen saturation, lactate concentration and rate of perceived exertion were recorded. The reaction time and balance were measured before and after the exercise. The concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, testosterone, cortisol, epinephrine and antibodies in the blood serum were determined. Physiological and perceptual responses, reaction times, and balance did not differ between the tested conditions. Three-way RM-ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni analysis revealed lower post-exercise cortisol concentrations in the Masked and Unmasked conditions in both groups (p ≤ 0.001). Asymptomatic infection with this virus is prevalent, and mild COVID-19 causes similar responses to aerobic exercise with a surgical face mask and does not lead to impaired coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Michalik
- Department of Human Motor Skills, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Marcin Smolarek
- Department of Human Motor Skills, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Jacek Borkowski
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland; (J.B.); (M.Z.)
| | - Miłosz Tchorowski
- Students Scientific Association Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland; (M.T.); (N.K.); (P.G.); (N.W.)
| | - Natalia Korczuk
- Students Scientific Association Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland; (M.T.); (N.K.); (P.G.); (N.W.)
| | - Piotr Gorczyca
- Students Scientific Association Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland; (M.T.); (N.K.); (P.G.); (N.W.)
| | - Natalia Wojtarowicz
- Students Scientific Association Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland; (M.T.); (N.K.); (P.G.); (N.W.)
| | - Marek Zatoń
- Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, 51-612 Wrocław, Poland; (J.B.); (M.Z.)
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Martin EM, Rupprecht S, Schrenk S, Kattlun F, Utech I, Radscheidt M, Brodoehl S, Schwab M, Reuken PA, Stallmach A, Habekost T, Finke K. A hypoarousal model of neurological post-COVID syndrome: the relation between mental fatigue, the level of central nervous activation and cognitive processing speed. J Neurol 2023; 270:4647-4660. [PMID: 37356025 PMCID: PMC10511382 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11819-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge on the nature of post-COVID neurological sequelae often manifesting as cognitive dysfunction and fatigue is still unsatisfactory. OBJECTIVES We assumed that cognitive dysfunction and fatigue in post-COVID syndrome are critically linked via hypoarousal of the brain. Thus, we assessed whether tonic alertness as a neurocognitive index of arousal is reduced in these patients and how this relates to the level of central nervous activation and subjective mental fatigue as further indices of arousal. METHODS 40 post-COVID patients with subjective cognitive dysfunction and 40 matched healthy controls underwent a whole-report paradigm of briefly presented letter arrays. Based on report performance and computational modelling according to the theory of visual attention, the parameter visual processing speed (VPS) was quantified as a proxy of tonic alertness. Pupillary unrest was assessed as a measure of central nervous activation. The Fatigue Assessment Scale was applied to assess subjective mental fatigue using the corresponding subscale. RESULTS VPS was reduced in post-COVID patients compared to controls (p = 0.005). In these patients, pupillary unrest (p = 0.029) and mental fatigue (p = 0.001) predicted VPS, explaining 34% of the variance and yielding a large effect with f2 = 0.51. CONCLUSION In post-COVID patients with subjective cognitive dysfunction, hypoarousal of the brain is reflected in decreased processing speed which is explained by a reduced level of central nervous activation and a higher level of mental fatigue. In turn, reduced processing speed objectifies mental fatigue as a core subjective clinical complaint in post-COVID patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Maria Martin
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
| | - Sven Rupprecht
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Sleep and Ventilatory Medicine, Jena University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Simon Schrenk
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Fabian Kattlun
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Isabelle Utech
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Monique Radscheidt
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Sleep and Ventilatory Medicine, Jena University Hospital Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefan Brodoehl
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Philipp A Reuken
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Andreas Stallmach
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Thomas Habekost
- Center of Visual Cognition, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kathrin Finke
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
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7
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Reiss AB, Greene C, Dayaramani C, Rauchman SH, Stecker MM, De Leon J, Pinkhasov A. Long COVID, the Brain, Nerves, and Cognitive Function. Neurol Int 2023; 15:821-841. [PMID: 37489358 PMCID: PMC10366776 DOI: 10.3390/neurolint15030052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, a single-stranded RNA coronavirus, causes an illness known as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Long-term complications are an increasing issue in patients who have been infected with COVID-19 and may be a result of viral-associated systemic and central nervous system inflammation or may arise from a virus-induced hypercoagulable state. COVID-19 may incite changes in brain function with a wide range of lingering symptoms. Patients often experience fatigue and may note brain fog, sensorimotor symptoms, and sleep disturbances. Prolonged neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms are prevalent and can interfere substantially in everyday life, leading to a massive public health concern. The mechanistic pathways by which SARS-CoV-2 infection causes neurological sequelae are an important subject of ongoing research. Inflammation- induced blood-brain barrier permeability or viral neuro-invasion and direct nerve damage may be involved. Though the mechanisms are uncertain, the resulting symptoms have been documented from numerous patient reports and studies. This review examines the constellation and spectrum of nervous system symptoms seen in long COVID and incorporates information on the prevalence of these symptoms, contributing factors, and typical course. Although treatment options are generally lacking, potential therapeutic approaches for alleviating symptoms and improving quality of life are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison B Reiss
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Long Island, NY 11501, USA
| | - Caitriona Greene
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Long Island, NY 11501, USA
| | - Christopher Dayaramani
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Long Island, NY 11501, USA
| | | | | | - Joshua De Leon
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Long Island, NY 11501, USA
| | - Aaron Pinkhasov
- Department of Medicine and Biomedical Research Institute, NYU Long Island School of Medicine, Long Island, NY 11501, USA
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8
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Ariza M, Cano N, Segura B, Adan A, Bargalló N, Caldú X, Campabadal A, Jurado MA, Mataró M, Pueyo R, Sala-Llonch R, Barrué C, Bejar J, Cortés CU, Garolera M, Junqué C. COVID-19 severity is related to poor executive function in people with post-COVID conditions. J Neurol 2023; 270:2392-2408. [PMID: 36939932 PMCID: PMC10026205 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-023-11587-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Patients with post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) conditions typically experience cognitive problems. Some studies have linked COVID-19 severity with long-term cognitive damage, while others did not observe such associations. This discrepancy can be attributed to methodological and sample variations. We aimed to clarify the relationship between COVID-19 severity and long-term cognitive outcomes and determine whether the initial symptomatology can predict long-term cognitive problems. Cognitive evaluations were performed on 109 healthy controls and 319 post-COVID individuals categorized into three groups according to the WHO clinical progression scale: severe-critical (n = 77), moderate-hospitalized (n = 73), and outpatients (n = 169). Principal component analysis was used to identify factors associated with symptoms in the acute-phase and cognitive domains. Analyses of variance and regression linear models were used to study intergroup differences and the relationship between initial symptomatology and long-term cognitive problems. The severe-critical group performed significantly worse than the control group in general cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment), executive function (Digit symbol, Trail Making Test B, phonetic fluency), and social cognition (Reading the Mind in the Eyes test). Five components of symptoms emerged from the principal component analysis: the "Neurologic/Pain/Dermatologic" "Digestive/Headache", "Respiratory/Fever/Fatigue/Psychiatric" and "Smell/ Taste" components were predictors of Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores; the "Neurologic/Pain/Dermatologic" component predicted attention and working memory; the "Neurologic/Pain/Dermatologic" and "Respiratory/Fever/Fatigue/Psychiatric" components predicted verbal memory, and the "Respiratory/Fever/Fatigue/Psychiatric," "Neurologic/Pain/Dermatologic," and "Digestive/Headache" components predicted executive function. Patients with severe COVID-19 exhibited persistent deficits in executive function. Several initial symptoms were predictors of long-term sequelae, indicating the role of systemic inflammation and neuroinflammation in the acute-phase symptoms of COVID-19." Study Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov , identifier NCT05307549 and NCT05307575.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mar Ariza
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Unitat de Psicologia Mèdica, Departament de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.476208.f0000 0000 9840 9189Grup de Recerca en Cervell, Cognició I Conducta, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa (CST), Terrassa, Spain
| | - Neus Cano
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Unitat de Psicologia Mèdica, Departament de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.476208.f0000 0000 9840 9189Grup de Recerca en Cervell, Cognició I Conducta, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa (CST), Terrassa, Spain
- grid.410675.10000 0001 2325 3084Departament de Ciències Bàsiques, Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Spain
| | - Bàrbara Segura
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Unitat de Psicologia Mèdica, Departament de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.10403.360000000091771775Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Adan
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Departament de Psicologia Clínica I Psicobiologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Núria Bargalló
- grid.10403.360000000091771775Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Diagnostic Imaging Centre, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.413448.e0000 0000 9314 1427Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Caldú
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Departament de Psicologia Clínica I Psicobiologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.411160.30000 0001 0663 8628Institut de Recerca de Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anna Campabadal
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Unitat de Psicologia Mèdica, Departament de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.10403.360000000091771775Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Angeles Jurado
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Departament de Psicologia Clínica I Psicobiologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.411160.30000 0001 0663 8628Institut de Recerca de Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Mataró
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Departament de Psicologia Clínica I Psicobiologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.411160.30000 0001 0663 8628Institut de Recerca de Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Pueyo
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Departament de Psicologia Clínica I Psicobiologia, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.411160.30000 0001 0663 8628Institut de Recerca de Sant Joan de Déu (IRSJD), Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roser Sala-Llonch
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.10403.360000000091771775Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Departament de Biomedicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.429738.30000 0004 1763 291XCentro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales Y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Javier Bejar
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Claudio Ulises Cortés
- grid.6835.80000 0004 1937 028XDepartament de Ciències de La Computació, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Maite Garolera
- grid.476208.f0000 0000 9840 9189Grup de Recerca en Cervell, Cognició I Conducta, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa (CST), Terrassa, Spain
- grid.476208.f0000 0000 9840 9189Neuropsychology Unit, Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa (CST), Terrassa, Spain
| | - Carme Junqué
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Unitat de Psicologia Mèdica, Departament de Medicina, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.5841.80000 0004 1937 0247Institut de Neurociències, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- grid.10403.360000000091771775Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Barcelona, Spain
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Manfredini A, Pisano F, Incoccia C, Marangolo P. The Impact of COVID-19 Lockdown Measures and COVID-19 Infection on Cognitive Functions: A Review in Healthy and Neurological Populations. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4889. [PMID: 36981800 PMCID: PMC10049620 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20064889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic severely affected people's mental health all over the world. This review aims to present a comprehensive overview of the literature related to the effects of COVID-19 lockdown measures and COVID-19 infection on cognitive functioning in both healthy people and people with neurological conditions by considering only standardized tests. We performed a narrative review of the literature via two databases, PUBMED and SCOPUS, from December 2019 to December 2022. In total, 62 out of 1356 articles were selected and organized into three time periods: short-term (1-4 months), medium-term (5-8 months), and long-term (9-12 months), according to the time in which the tests were performed. Regardless of the time period, most studies showed a general worsening in cognitive performance in people with neurological conditions due to COVID-19 lockdown measures and in healthy individuals recovered from COVID-19 infection. Our review is the first to highlight the importance of considering standardized tests as reliable measures to quantify the presence of cognitive deficits due to COVID-19. Indeed, we believe that they provide an objective measure of the cognitive difficulties encountered in the different populations, while allowing clinicians to plan rehabilitation treatments that can be of great help to many patients who still, nowadays, experience post-COVID-19 symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Manfredini
- Department of Humanities Studies, University Federico II, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Pisano
- Department of Humanities Studies, University Federico II, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Paola Marangolo
- Department of Humanities Studies, University Federico II, 80133 Naples, Italy
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Sansone D, Tassinari A, Valentinotti R, Kontogiannis D, Ronchese F, Centonze S, Maggiore A, Cegolon L, Filon FL. Persistence of Symptoms 15 Months since COVID-19 Diagnosis: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Residual Work Ability. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 13:life13010097. [PMID: 36676046 PMCID: PMC9862952 DOI: 10.3390/life13010097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Background: A proportion of patients' ailments may last after recovering from acute COVID-19, with episodic and systemic symptoms of unclear etiology potentially involving different organs. Study aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the persistence of symptoms 15 months since COVID-19 diagnosis in patients referring to the post-COVID-19 clinic in Trieste (north-eastern Italy). Methods: Two-hundred-forty-seven patients were medically examined between 8 December 2020-6 April 2021, after a median time of 49 days since first positive swab test for SARS-CoV-2. After a median time of 15 months since COVID-19 diagnosis, the same patients were contacted over the phone and investigated by standardized questionnaire collecting information on any persisting symptoms and work ability index (WAI). Four multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to investigate factors associated with persistence of any respiratory, neurological, dysautonomic, or psychiatric symptoms at first (median time 49 days since COVID-19 diagnosis) as well as second (median 15 months since COVID-19 diagnosis) follow up. A multiple linear regression was also employed to investigate factors associated with higher mean WAI, assessed only at second follow up. Additionally, factors associated with persistence of symptoms 200+ days since COVID-19 diagnosis between first and second follow-up were investigated by multivariable Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE). Results: At first follow up (median time of 49 days since COVID-19 diagnosis) symptoms more frequently reported were fatigue (80.2%), shortness of breath (69.6%), concentration deficit (44.9%), headache (44.9%), myalgia (44.1%), arthralgia (43.3%), and anosmia (42.1%). At second follow-up (median time of 15 months since COVID-19 diagnosis) 75% patients returned to their baseline status preceding COVID-19. At first follow up males were less likely to experience neurological (OR = 0.16; 95% CI: 0.08; 0.35) as well as psychiatric (OR = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.23; 0.80) symptoms as compared to females. At first follow up, the risk of neurological symptoms increased also linearly with age (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.01; 1.08) and pre-existing depression was a major risk factor for persisting dysautonomic (aOR = 6.35; 95% CI: 2.01; 20.11) as well as psychiatric symptoms (omitted estimate). Consistently, at second follow up only females experience psychiatric symptoms, whereas males exhibited significantly higher mean WAI (RC = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.11; 0.88). Additionally, neurological symptoms at second follow up were more likely in patients with pre-existing comorbidities (OR = 4.31; 95% CI: 1.27; 14.7). Finally, persistence of symptoms lasting 200+ days since COVID-19 diagnosis increased linearly with age (OR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.01-1.05) and were more likely in patients affected by pre-existing depression (OR = 2.68; 95% CI 1.60; 4.49). Conclusions: Following a median time of 15 months since first positive swab test, 75% patients with symptoms returned to their baseline health status preceding COVID-19. Females had a significantly lower WAI and were more likely to experience psychiatric symptoms at second follow up (15 months since COVID-19 diagnosis). Furthermore, the risk of symptoms persisting 200+ days since COVID-19 diagnosis increased with history of depression, endorsing the hypothesis that long-COVID-19 symptoms may be at least partially explained by pre-existing psychological conditions. Patient rehabilitation and psychological support may therefore play a key role in caring patients with the so called long COVID-19 syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatella Sansone
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alice Tassinari
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy
| | - Romina Valentinotti
- Public Health Department, University Health Agency Giuliano-Isontina (ASUGI), 34128 Trieste, Italy
| | - Dimitra Kontogiannis
- Clinical Infectious Diseases Unit, Tor Vergata University Hospital, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Ronchese
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy
| | - Sandro Centonze
- Unit for Research on Innovation and Quality of Care, University Health Agency Giuliano-Isontina (ASUGI), 34128 Trieste, Italy
| | - Adele Maggiore
- Public Health Department, University Health Agency Giuliano-Isontina (ASUGI), 34128 Trieste, Italy
| | - Luca Cegolon
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy
- Public Health Department, University Health Agency Giuliano-Isontina (ASUGI), 34128 Trieste, Italy
- Correspondence: or
| | - Francesca Larese Filon
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy
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