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Baroni A, Fregna G, Lamberti N, Manfredini F, Straudi S. Fatigue can influence the development of late-onset pain in post-COVID-19 syndrome: An observational study. Eur J Pain 2024; 28:901-912. [PMID: 38155562 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2228] [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: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late-onset pain is frequent following COVID-19, and many pathogenetic mechanisms have been proposed. Identifying the main features of patients may help in designing tailored rehabilitative interventions. METHODS We enrolled post-COVID-19 patients with an increase in pain intensity of two points on the COVID-19 Yorkshire Rehabilitation Scale (C19-YRS) at 52 weeks compared to the pre-COVID-19 condition. All subjects were retrospectively monitored at 12, 26, and 52 weeks. A specific pain assessment was performed to determine the characteristics and mechanisms of pain. Catastrophizing, kinesiophobia, and other psychological symptoms were evaluated. The pressure pain threshold (PPT) and temporal summation (TS) were measured and compared in age- and sex-matched healthy controls to analyse pain characteristics. RESULTS A total of 67 patients were recruited, with 20 of them presenting an increase in pain at 52 weeks. Subjects of the two subgroups were similar in demographic and clinical characteristics at baseline; significant differences in fatigue, anxiety, mobility, ability to perform daily activities, and general health perception were recorded at 26 weeks. Fatigue significantly predicted pain onset (β = 0.54, p = 0.002). Sixteen different body regions were identified as painful, with a pain intensity of 6.0 ± 1.9. Most of the samples did not show neuropathic or nociplastic mechanisms. No differences in PPT and TS were recorded between patients and healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS Almost one out of three patients hospitalized for COVID-19 developed pain 1 year later, and fatigue seems responsible for chronicity. An overlapping of conditions may explain late-onset post-COVID-19 pain, and a comprehensive approach must be considered for patient management. SIGNIFICANCE Late-onset pain is frequent in post-COVID-19 syndrome and an overlapping of different mechanisms seems to be responsible for its development. Among many predisposing factors, fatigue in the months before seems to be one of the primary causes of pain one year following infection and its management may help to identify new strategies for prevention and treatment of late-onset pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Baroni
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Ferrara University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - G Fregna
- Doctoral Program in Translational Neurosciences and Neurotechnologies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - N Lamberti
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - F Manfredini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Ferrara University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - S Straudi
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Ferrara University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
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Yagüe Sebastián MM, Sánchez Quintanilla S. [Exercise prescription in post-COVID syndrome: A challenge for primary healthcare]. Semergen 2024; 50:102190. [PMID: 38309202 DOI: 10.1016/j.semerg.2023.102190] [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: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
After the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic we face a new global epidemic: the Post-COVID Syndrome. This novel condition has fluctuating progression and a wide range of symptoms, such as fatigue, headaches, muscle pain or breathlessness. Although its pathophysiology is not clear, a multiorganic affection is suspected, altering the immune, cardiorespitatory and nervous systems. Whereas there is no consensus over its treatment, most of the researches conclude the effectiveness of therapeutic exercise and a multicomponent rehabilitation, coordinating and cooperating between different health professionals. A functional, respiratory and strength evaluation prior to treatment prescription is highly recommended, since it will help professionals to precisely prescribe and objectively measure the evolution of our patients. In this article we suggest a few tests, adequate to primary health requirements, to evaluate our patients' initial condition, as well as the most secure way to initiate a therapeutic exercise programme, together with other healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Yagüe Sebastián
- Médico de Familia. Fisioterapeuta. Unidad Docente Multiprofesional de Atención Familiar y Comunitaria, Sector II Zaragoza, SALUD. Miembro Grupo de Investigación GIIS101-Cuidados en Salud en Atención Primaria, Sector Zaragoza II, Zaragoza, España.
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3
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Nakane S, Koike H, Hayashi T, Nakatsuji Y. Autoimmune Autonomic Neuropathy: From Pathogenesis to Diagnosis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2296. [PMID: 38396973 PMCID: PMC10889307 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042296] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG) is a disease of autonomic failure caused by ganglionic acetylcholine receptor (gAChR) autoantibodies. Although the detection of autoantibodies is important for distinguishing the disease from other neuropathies that present with autonomic dysfunction, other factors are important for accurate diagnosis. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the clinical features of AAG, highlighting differences in clinical course, clinical presentation, and laboratory findings from other neuropathies presenting with autonomic symptoms. The first step in diagnosing AAG is careful history taking, which should reveal whether the mode of onset is acute or chronic, followed by an examination of the time course of disease progression, including the presentation of autonomic and extra-autonomic symptoms. AAG is a neuropathy that should be differentiated from other neuropathies when the patient presents with autonomic dysfunction. Immune-mediated neuropathies, such as acute autonomic sensory neuropathy, are sometimes difficult to differentiate, and therefore, differences in clinical and laboratory findings should be well understood. Other non-neuropathic conditions, such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, and long COVID, also present with symptoms similar to those of AAG. Although often challenging, efforts should be made to differentiate among the disease candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunya Nakane
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Haruki Koike
- Division of Neurology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Hayashi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Yuji Nakatsuji
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
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4
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Wang J, Patel D, Robinson S, Rynarzewska A, Abidoye O. Evaluation of the Existence of Post-COVID-19 Tachycardia in a Community Healthcare System. Cardiol Res 2024; 15:47-55. [PMID: 38464711 PMCID: PMC10923255 DOI: 10.14740/cr1604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) syndrome derives from lingering symptoms after an acute COVID-19 infection. Palpitation was one of the most common symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome that correlated with objective data such as persisting sinus tachycardia; but to our best knowledge, there is a scarcity of research regarding the association of COVID-19 and sinus tachycardia in the post-acute setting. Therefore, the purpose was to identify if there is an association between COVID-19 infection and sinus tachycardia in the post-acute phase, namely post-COVID-19 tachycardia (PCT) other than inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST) and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Methods This retrospective observational study entails 1,425 patients admitted for COVID-19 infection with the interest in finding an association with PCT. The prevalence of PCT was evaluated using descriptive statistics, predictions of patient characteristics and comorbidities were identified using multinomial logistic regression, and associations between patient comorbidities and characteristics were evaluated with corresponding Pearson Chi-square test and post hoc tests Phi and Cramer's V. Results The percentage of patients with PCT in our sample of interest was an average of 28.18%. There was a strong association of PCT with patients of age group less than 65 years. Other clinical characteristics, such as shorter length of stay, unknown smoking status, and patients with commercial type insurance, had significant association with PCT. COVID-19 severity categorized as "less severe", readmission rates within 30 days, and patients with less comorbidities were more likely to be associated with PCT. Conclusions PCT is likely a separate entity from IST and POTS, and an important entity under the umbrella of post-COVID-19 syndrome. It warrants further studies to elucidate the underlying pathophysiology and to confirm its presence as a distinct entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jifeng Wang
- Internal Medicine Department, Northeast Georgia Medical Center, GME, Gainesville, GA, USA
| | - Dhaval Patel
- Internal Medicine Department, Northeast Georgia Medical Center, GME, Gainesville, GA, USA
| | - Shane Robinson
- GME Research, Northeast Georgia Medical Center, Gainesville, GA, USA
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Kell DB, Khan MA, Kane B, Lip GYH, Pretorius E. Possible Role of Fibrinaloid Microclots in Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS): Focus on Long COVID. J Pers Med 2024; 14:170. [PMID: 38392604 PMCID: PMC10890060 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14020170] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a common accompaniment of a variety of chronic, inflammatory diseases, including long COVID, as are small, insoluble, 'fibrinaloid' microclots. We here develop the argument, with accompanying evidence, that fibrinaloid microclots, through their ability to block the flow of blood through microcapillaries and thus cause tissue hypoxia, are not simply correlated with but in fact, by preceding it, may be a chief intermediary cause of POTS, in which tachycardia is simply the body's exaggerated 'physiological' response to hypoxia. Similar reasoning accounts for the symptoms bundled under the term 'fatigue'. Amyloids are known to be membrane disruptors, and when their targets are nerve membranes, this can explain neurotoxicity and hence the autonomic nervous system dysfunction that contributes to POTS. Taken together as a system view, we indicate that fibrinaloid microclots can serve to link POTS and fatigue in long COVID in a manner that is at once both mechanistic and explanatory. This has clear implications for the treatment of such diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas B Kell
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability, Building 220, Chemitorvet 200, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Muhammed Asad Khan
- Directorate of Respiratory Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester M23 9LT, UK
| | - Binita Kane
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
- Manchester University Foundation Trust and School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Gregory Y H Lip
- Liverpool Centre for Cardiovascular Science at University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital, Liverpool L14 3PE, UK
- Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Etheresia Pretorius
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool L69 7ZB, UK
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
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Negrut N, Menegas G, Kampioti S, Bourelou M, Kopanyi F, Hassan FD, Asowed A, Taleouine FZ, Ferician A, Marian P. The Multisystem Impact of Long COVID: A Comprehensive Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:244. [PMID: 38337760 PMCID: PMC10855167 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14030244] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: COVID-19 was responsible for the latest pandemic, shaking and reshaping healthcare systems worldwide. Its late clinical manifestations make it linger in medical memory as a debilitating illness over extended periods. (2) Methods: the recent literature was systematically analyzed to categorize and examine the symptomatology and pathophysiology of Long COVID across various bodily systems, including pulmonary, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, neuropsychiatric, dermatological, renal, hematological, and endocrinological aspects. (3) Results: The review outlines the diverse clinical manifestations of Long COVID across multiple systems, emphasizing its complexity and challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Factors such as pre-existing conditions, initial COVID-19 severity, vaccination status, gender, and age were identified as influential in the manifestation and persistence of Long COVID symptoms. This condition is highlighted as a debilitating disease capable of enduring over an extended period and presenting new symptoms over time. (4) Conclusions: Long COVID emerges as a condition with intricate multi-systemic involvement, complicating its diagnosis and treatment. The findings underscore the necessity for a nuanced understanding of its diverse manifestations to effectively manage and address the evolving nature of this condition over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoleta Negrut
- Department of Psycho-Neuroscience and Recovery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| | - Georgios Menegas
- Department of Orthopaedics, Achillopouleio General Hospital of Volos, Polymeri 134, 38222 Volos, Greece;
| | - Sofia Kampioti
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania (M.B.); (F.D.H.)
| | - Maria Bourelou
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania (M.B.); (F.D.H.)
| | - Francesca Kopanyi
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania (M.B.); (F.D.H.)
| | - Faiso Dahir Hassan
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania (M.B.); (F.D.H.)
| | - Anamaria Asowed
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania (M.B.); (F.D.H.)
| | - Fatima Zohra Taleouine
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 250 Euston Road, London NW1 2PG, UK;
| | - Anca Ferician
- Department of Medical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (A.F.)
| | - Paula Marian
- Department of Medical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania; (A.F.)
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Važgėlienė D, Kubilius R, Bileviciute-Ljungar I. The Impact of Previous Comorbidities on New Comorbidities and Medications after a Mild SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Lithuanian Cohort. J Clin Med 2024; 13:623. [PMID: 38276129 PMCID: PMC10816360 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13020623] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional study investigates new comorbidities and new medications after a mild SARS-CoV-2 infection. Data were collected after an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection by online survey in a Lithuanian cohort. Sociodemographic data, SARS-CoV-2-related symptoms, previous and new comorbidities, and medications were analysed. The results of 895 participants (mean age: 44 years) show that 91% were women, 58% had higher education, and 84% were working. Among those, 473 (52.8%) answered being "healthy" before infection; 823 (92%) indicated being positive on diagnostic tests; and 841 (94%) were non-hospitalized. Asymptomatic infection was reported by 17 participants (1.9%). Participants reporting any comorbidity before a SARS-CoV-2 infection reported more frequently having remaining symptoms compared to those who were "healthy", particularly in relation to neurological symptoms. Thirteen percent of participants reported new comorbidities, and thirty-five percent started new medication. Among new medications, an intake of vitamins/supplements (21%) and anti-inflammatory drugs (4%) was more often reported by "unhealthy" participants. Regression analysis revealed that new cardiovascular and pulmonary diagnoses predicted each other. Participants reporting prior neurological disorders tended to have an increased risk of intaking new vitamins/supplements and anti-inflammatory drugs after infection. The results indicate a significantly increased consumption of medication, particularly unprescribed substances, after SARS-CoV-2, indicating a need of more research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dovilė Važgėlienė
- Department of Physical Rehabilitation Medicine, Kaunas Clinic of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania (R.K.)
- Department of Nursing, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Raimondas Kubilius
- Department of Physical Rehabilitation Medicine, Kaunas Clinic of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania (R.K.)
- Department of Nursing, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Indre Bileviciute-Ljungar
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Danderyd University Hospital, 182 57 Stockholm, Sweden
- Multidisciplinary Pain Clinic, Capio St. Göran Hospital, 112 19 Stockholm, Sweden
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8
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Kuo PY, Chen PH, Tsai SF, Lin WL, Hung CT, Huang SM. Psychometric evaluation of an adult post-COVID-19 symptom tool: a development and validation study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:664. [PMID: 38182859 PMCID: PMC10770111 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51287-1] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was aimed to develop and validate an instrument for post-COVID-19 symptoms in adults. Data were collected from adults with a previous COVID-19 diagnosis in Taiwan. We developed the initial instrument through systematic review and expert feedback. Its validity was tested using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and criterion-related validity, while its reliability was tested using Cronbach's alpha. In total, 310 adults participated in this study. Examination of the EFA clearly classified a five-factor model with 24 items (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin = 0.903; Bartlett's test of sphericity: X2 = 5242.956, df = 276, p < 0.01). The goodness of fit indices of the CFA were as follows: chi-square = 635.172 (p < 0.01), normed chi-square = 2.669, standardized root mean square residual = 0.077, root mean square error of approximation = 0.073, comparative fit index = 0.922, and Tuker and Lewis index = 0.910. The value of Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total items was 0.941, and the values for the subscales ranged from 0.813 to 0.924. The instrument exhibited acceptable psychometric properties, proving it to be a valuable tool for evaluating post-COVID-19 symptoms in patients at hospitals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Yuan Kuo
- Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Ho Chen
- Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Feng Tsai
- Department of Nursing, MacKay Medical College, No. 46, Section 3, Zhongzheng Road, Sanzhi District, New Taipei City, 252, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ling Lin
- Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Tai Hung
- Department of Nursing, MacKay Medical College, No. 46, Section 3, Zhongzheng Road, Sanzhi District, New Taipei City, 252, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Miauh Huang
- Department of Nursing, MacKay Medical College, No. 46, Section 3, Zhongzheng Road, Sanzhi District, New Taipei City, 252, Taiwan.
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9
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Mahdi A, Zhao A, Fredengren E, Fedorowski A, Braunschweig F, Nygren-Bonnier M, Runold M, Bruchfeld J, Nickander J, Deng Q, Checa A, Desta L, Pernow J, Ståhlberg M. Dysregulations in hemostasis, metabolism, immune response, and angiogenesis in post-acute COVID-19 syndrome with and without postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: a multi-omic profiling study. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20230. [PMID: 37981644 PMCID: PMC10658082 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47539-1] [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: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-acute COVID-19 (PACS) are associated with cardiovascular dysfunction, especially postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Patients with PACS, both in the absence or presence of POTS, exhibit a wide range of persisting symptoms long after the acute infection. Some of these symptoms may stem from alterations in cardiovascular homeostasis, but the exact mechanisms are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to provide a broad molecular characterization of patients with PACS with (PACS + POTS) and without (PACS-POTS) POTS compared to healthy subjects, including a broad proteomic characterization with a focus on plasma cardiometabolic proteins, quantification of cytokines/chemokines and determination of plasma sphingolipid levels. Twenty-one healthy subjects without a prior COVID-19 infection (mean age 43 years, 95% females), 20 non-hospitalized patients with PACS + POTS (mean age 39 years, 95% females) and 22 non-hospitalized patients with PACS-POTS (mean age 44 years, 100% females) were studied. PACS patients were non-hospitalized and recruited ≈18 months after the acute infection. Cardiometabolic proteomic analyses revealed a dysregulation of ≈200 out of 700 analyzed proteins in both PACS groups vs. healthy subjects with the majority (> 90%) being upregulated. There was a large overlap (> 90%) with no major differences between the PACS groups. Gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed alterations in hemostasis/coagulation, metabolism, immune responses, and angiogenesis in PACS vs. healthy controls. Furthermore, 11 out of 33 cytokines/chemokines were significantly upregulated both in PACS + POTS and PACS-POTS vs. healthy controls and none of the cytokines were downregulated. There were no differences in between the PACS groups in the cytokine levels. Lastly, 16 and 19 out of 88 sphingolipids were significantly dysregulated in PACS + POTS and PACS-POTS, respectively, compared to controls with no differences between the groups. Collectively, these observations suggest a clear and distinct dysregulation in the proteome, cytokines/chemokines, and sphingolipid levels in PACS patients compared to healthy subjects without any clear signature associated with POTS. This enhances our understanding and might pave the way for future experimental and clinical investigations to elucidate and/or target resolution of inflammation and micro-clots and restore the hemostasis and immunity in PACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahdi
- Department of Medicine; Solna, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Allan Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emelie Fredengren
- Department of Medicine; Solna, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Medicine; Solna, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Frieder Braunschweig
- Department of Medicine; Solna, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Nygren-Bonnier
- Division of Physiotherapy, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Women's Health and Allied Health Professionals Theme, Medical Unit Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Runold
- Department of Medicine; Solna, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Allergy, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Judith Bruchfeld
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jannike Nickander
- Department of Clinical Physiology, Karolinska University Hospital, and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qiaolin Deng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonio Checa
- Unit of Integrative Metabolomics, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Liyew Desta
- Department of Medicine; Solna, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Pernow
- Department of Medicine; Solna, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcus Ståhlberg
- Department of Medicine; Solna, Karolinska Institute, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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10
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Jiang Y, Cheng Y, Xiao J, Wang Y, Chen G, Zhang Y. Analysis of the correlation between heart rate variability and palpitation symptoms in female patients with long COVID. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1273156. [PMID: 38045913 PMCID: PMC10690811 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1273156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives To analyze the correlation between heart rate variability (HRV) and palpitation symptoms in female patients with long COVID. Methods A total of 272 female healthcare workers who were infected with SARS-CoV-2 for the first time in December 2022 at Fuzhou First Hospital affiliated with Fujian Medical University, were selected as study subjects. These subjects were divided into three groups based on their symptoms: a group with palpitations (70 cases), a group without palpitations but with other symptoms (124 cases), and a group consisting of asymptomatic cases (78 cases). The study compared the general information, COMPASS-31 scores, quality of life scores, and HRV parameters among the three groups. Furthermore, it analyzed the factors influencing palpitation symptoms in female patients with long COVID. Results Compared to the other two groups, the HRV parameters SDNN, HRVIndex, LF, and TP were significantly reduced in the group with palpitations (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that HRVIndex (p = 0.016; OR: 0.966, 95% CI: 0.940∼0.994) had a significant impact on palpitation symptoms in female patients with long COVID. Conclusions The symptoms of palpitations in female patients with long COVID were found to be related to HRV parameters. Autonomic dysfunction may be connected to the occurrence of palpitation symptoms in long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fuzhou First Hospital Affiliated with Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute of Fuzhou City, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fuzhou First Hospital Affiliated with Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute of Fuzhou City, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jingwen Xiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fuzhou First Hospital Affiliated with Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute of Fuzhou City, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yicheng Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fuzhou First Hospital Affiliated with Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute of Fuzhou City, Fuzhou, China
| | - Geng Chen
- Department of Nursing, Fuzhou First Hospital Affiliated with Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Fuzhou First Hospital Affiliated with Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Cardiovascular Disease Research Institute of Fuzhou City, Fuzhou, China
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Fedorowski A, Olsén MF, Nikesjö F, Janson C, Bruchfeld J, Lerm M, Hedman K. Cardiorespiratory dysautonomia in post-COVID-19 condition: Manifestations, mechanisms and management. J Intern Med 2023; 294:548-562. [PMID: 37183186 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
A significant proportion of COVID-19 patients experience debilitating symptoms for months after the acute infection. According to recent estimates, approximately 1 out of 10 COVID-19 convalescents reports persistent health issues more than 3 months after initial recovery. This 'post-COVID-19 condition' may include a large variety of symptoms from almost all domains and organs, and for some patients it may mean prolonged sick-leave, homestay and strongly limited activities of daily life. In this narrative review, we focus on the symptoms and signs of post-COVID-19 condition in adults - particularly those associated with cardiovascular and respiratory systems, such as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome or airway disorders - and explore the evidence for chronic autonomic dysfunction as a potential underlying mechanism. The most plausible hypotheses regarding cellular and molecular mechanisms behind the wide spectrum of observed symptoms - such as lingering viruses, persistent inflammation, impairment in oxygen sensing systems and circulating antibodies directed to blood pressure regulatory components - are discussed. In addition, an overview of currently available pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options is presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Monika Fagevik Olsén
- Department of Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation/Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Frida Nikesjö
- Department of Respiratory Medicine in Linköping, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Christer Janson
- Department of Medical Sciences: Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Judith Bruchfeld
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Solna, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Lerm
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Inflammation and Infection, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Kristofer Hedman
- Department of Clinical Physiology in Linköping, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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12
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Aykaç S, Eker Büyükşireci D, Boyaci H. An analysis of neuropathic pain, vasomotor manifestations, and sympathetic skin reactions in post-COVID-19 patients relative to healthy individuals. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35819. [PMID: 37904350 PMCID: PMC10615396 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to assess the incidence of neuropathic pain, vasomotor symptoms, and sympathetic skin responses (SSR) in patients who have recovered from COVID-19 infection and contrast these findings with healthy controls. The study encompassed 56 post-COVID-19 patients and 40 healthy controls (group 1: post-COVID-19 patients, and group 2: healthy controls). The presence of autonomic dysfunction symptoms (ADS) and orthostatic hypotension following COVID-19 infection was documented in group 1. Concurrently, fatigue and forgetfulness levels were appraised using the numerical rating scale, and the leeds assessment of neuropathic symptoms and signs pain scale was deployed to probe for the incidence of neuropathic pain among participants. SSR of all participants was conducted bilaterally from median and tibial nerves using an electroneuromyographic device. Among post-COVID-19 patients, neuropathic pain was observed in 17.9% of cases. There were no notable variations in the initiation and magnitude of bilateral median and tibial nerve SSR across the 2 groups. Significant discrepancies were observed in ADS scores between groups 1 and 2 (P = .001). Furthermore, a positive correlation was established between the latencies of the left median nerve SSR and ADS scores (R = 0.339, P = .014). The SSR patterns were congruous between healthy individuals and post-COVID-19 patients. However, a higher prevalence of autonomic dysfunction symptoms and correlations among SSR, autonomic dysfunction scores, fatigue, and forgetfulness levels were identified among post-COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serdar Aykaç
- Hitit University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Çorum, Turkey
| | - Dilek Eker Büyükşireci
- Hitit University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Çorum, Turkey
| | - Hilal Boyaci
- Hitit University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Chest Diseases, Çorum, Turkey
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13
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Noureddine S, Roux-Claudé P, Eberst G, Westeel V, Barnig C, Claudé F. [The role of the cardiopulmonary exercise test and pulmonary rehabilitation in long COVID-19]. Rev Mal Respir 2023; 40:604-622. [PMID: 37357041 PMCID: PMC10289121 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmr.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Long COVID refers to persistent symptoms, lasting more than 4 weeks after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, even though the infection itself has been successfully controlled and remedied. Patient complaints are diverse, and the underlying physiopathological mechanisms are not well understood. Dyspnea and muscle fatigue are among the most commonly reported symptoms. STATE OF THE ART Cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) has been recognized as a useful tool in investigation of unexplained dyspnea. In patients with chronic lung disease, pulmonary rehabilitation is a program designed to counteract dyspnea, to increase exercise capacity and to improve quality of life. PERSPECTIVES Publications on CPET and pulmonary rehabilitation are needed in order to deepen comprehension and enhance management of long-COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS CPET reports have shown that symptoms persisting in the aftermath of acute SARS-CoV-2 infection may be related to deconditioning, a common occurrence after ICU stay, to cardiac dysautonomia subsequent to critical infections and, finally, to dysfunctional breathing subsequent to mild infections. These findings justify pulmonary rehabilitation, which has proven to be effective regardless of the severity of the initial infection, not only immediately after hospital discharge, but also at later points in time.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Noureddine
- Service de pneumologie, d'oncologie thoracique et d'allergologie respiratoire, CHU de Besançon, 3, boulevard Alexandre-Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France.
| | - P Roux-Claudé
- Service de pneumologie, d'oncologie thoracique et d'allergologie respiratoire, CHU de Besançon, 3, boulevard Alexandre-Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France
| | - G Eberst
- Service de pneumologie, d'oncologie thoracique et d'allergologie respiratoire, CHU de Besançon, 3, boulevard Alexandre-Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France
| | - V Westeel
- Service de pneumologie, d'oncologie thoracique et d'allergologie respiratoire, CHU de Besançon, 3, boulevard Alexandre-Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France
| | - C Barnig
- Service de pneumologie, d'oncologie thoracique et d'allergologie respiratoire, CHU de Besançon, 3, boulevard Alexandre-Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France; UMR1098 Inserm, établissement français du sang de Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, 8, rue du Docteur-Jean-François-Xavier-Girod, 25000 Besançon, France
| | - F Claudé
- Service de pneumologie, d'oncologie thoracique et d'allergologie respiratoire, CHU de Besançon, 3, boulevard Alexandre-Fleming, 25030 Besançon cedex, France
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14
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Marques KC, Quaresma JAS, Falcão LFM. Cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction in "Long COVID": pathophysiology, heart rate variability, and inflammatory markers. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1256512. [PMID: 37719983 PMCID: PMC10502909 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1256512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID is characterized by persistent signs and symptoms that continue or develop for more than 4 weeks after acute COVID-19 infection. Patients with Long COVID experience a cardiovascular autonomic imbalance known as dysautonomia. However, the underlying autonomic pathophysiological mechanisms behind this remain unclear. Current hypotheses include neurotropism, cytokine storms, and inflammatory persistence. Certain immunological factors indicate autoimmune dysfunction, which can be used to identify patients at a higher risk of Long COVID. Heart rate variability can indicate autonomic imbalances in individuals suffering from Long COVID, and measurement is a non-invasive and low-cost method for assessing cardiovascular autonomic modulation. Additionally, biochemical inflammatory markers are used for diagnosing and monitoring Long COVID. These inflammatory markers can be used to improve the understanding of the mechanisms driving the inflammatory response and its effects on the sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways of the autonomic nervous system. Autonomic imbalances in patients with Long COVID may result in lower heart rate variability, impaired vagal activity, and substantial sympathovagal imbalance. New research on this subject must be encouraged to enhance the understanding of the long-term risks that cardiovascular autonomic imbalances can cause in individuals with Long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juarez Antônio Simões Quaresma
- Center for Biological Health Sciences, State University of Pará (UEPA), Belém, Brazil
- School of Medicine, São Paulo University (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Tropical Medicine Center, Federal University of Pará (UFPA), Belém, Brazil
| | - Luiz Fábio Magno Falcão
- Center for Biological Health Sciences, State University of Pará (UEPA), Belém, Brazil
- School of Medicine, São Paulo University (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
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15
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Gómez-Moyano E, Rodríguez-Capitán J, Gaitán Román D, Reyes Bueno JA, Villalobos Sánchez A, Espíldora Hernández F, González Angulo GE, Molina Mora MJ, Thurnhofer-Hemsi K, Molina-Ramos AI, Romero-Cuevas M, Jiménez-Navarro M, Pavón-Morón FJ. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and other related dysautonomic disorders after SARS-CoV-2 infection and after COVID-19 messenger RNA vaccination. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1221518. [PMID: 37654428 PMCID: PMC10467287 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1221518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a challenge for our society due to the post-acute sequelae of the disease. Persistent symptoms and long-term multiorgan complications, known as post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, can occur beyond 4 weeks from the onset of the COVID-19 infection. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is considered a variety of dysautonomia, which is characterized by chronic symptoms that occur with standing and a sustained increase in heart rate, without orthostatic hypotension. POTS can lead to debilitating symptoms, significant disability, and impaired quality of life. In this narrative review, the etiopathogenic basis, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis, and socioeconomic impact of POTS, as well as other related dysautonomic disorders, after COVID-19 infection and SARS-CoV-2 postvaccination, were discussed. After a search conducted in March 2023, a total of 89 relevant articles were selected from the PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science databases. The review highlights the importance of recognizing and managing POTS after COVID-19 infection and vaccination, and the approach to autonomic disorders should be known by all specialists in different medical areas. The diagnosis of POTS requires a comprehensive clinical assessment, including a detailed medical history, physical examination, orthostatic vital signs, and autonomic function tests. The treatment of POTS after COVID-19 infection or vaccination is mainly focused on lifestyle modifications, such as increased fluid and salt intake, exercise, and graduated compression stockings. Pharmacotherapy, such as beta-blockers, fludrocortisone, midodrine, and ivabradine, may also be used in selected cases. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms, risk factors, and optimal treatment strategies for this complication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jorge Rodríguez-Capitán
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga, Spain
| | - Daniel Gaitán Román
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Karl Thurnhofer-Hemsi
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Department of Computer Languages and Computer Sciences, University of Malaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Molina-Ramos
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga, Spain
| | - Miguel Romero-Cuevas
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga, Spain
| | - Manuel Jiménez-Navarro
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga, Spain
- Department of Medicine and Dermatology, University of Malaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Pavón-Morón
- Centro de Investigación en Red de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), IBIMA-Plataforma BIONAND, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
- Department of Cardiology, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga, Spain
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16
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Mclaughlin M, Cerexhe L, Macdonald E, Ingram J, Sanal-Hayes NEM, Meach R, Carless D, Sculthorpe N. A Cross-Sectional Study of Symptom Prevalence, Frequency, Severity, and Impact of Long-COVID in Scotland: Part I. Am J Med 2023:S0002-9343(23)00460-6. [PMID: 37481021 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Commonly reported symptoms of long COVID may have different patterns of prevalence and presentation across different countries. While some limited data have been reported for the United Kingdom, national specificity for Scotland is less clear. We present a cross-sectional survey to examine the symptom prevalence, frequency, and severity of long COVID for people living with the condition in Scotland. METHODS An online survey was created in the English language and was available between April 21, 2022 and August 5, 2022. Participants were included if they were ≥18 years old, living in Scotland, and had self-diagnosed or confirmed long COVID; and excluded if they were hospitalized during their initial infection. Within this article we quantify symptom prevalence, frequency, severity, and duration. RESULTS Participants (n = 253) reported the most prevalent long-COVID symptoms to be post-exertional malaise (95%), fatigue/tiredness (85%), and cognitive impairment (68%). Fatigue/tiredness, problems with activities of daily living (ADL), and general pain were most frequently occurring, while sleep difficulties, problems with ADL, and nausea were the most severe. Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation associated with symptom number, severity, and frequency, whereas vaccine status, age, sex, and smoking status had limited or no association. CONCLUSIONS These findings outline the challenges faced for those living with long COVID and highlight the need for longitudinal research to ascertain a better understanding of the condition and its longer-term societal impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Mclaughlin
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom.
| | - Luke Cerexhe
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Eilidh Macdonald
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Joanne Ingram
- School of Education and Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Paisley, United Kingdom
| | - Nilihan E M Sanal-Hayes
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom; School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Salford, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Meach
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - David Carless
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas Sculthorpe
- Sport and Physical Activity Research Institute, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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17
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Lanfranchi F, Maggio S, Delucchi C, Bertoldi F, Corica F, De Feo MS, Marini C, Aloè T, Frantellizzi V, De Vincentis G, Morbelli S, Sambuceti G, Barisione E, Bauckneht M. The added value of lung perfusion scintigraphy semiquantitative measures in post-COVID patients with persistent dyspnea without pulmonary embolism. Expert Rev Med Devices 2023; 20:1243-1249. [PMID: 37897179 DOI: 10.1080/17434440.2023.2277236] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent dyspnea is frequent in post-COVID patients, even in the absence of pulmonary embolism (PE). In this scenario, the role of lung perfusion scintigraphy is unclear. The present study correlated scintigraphy-based semiquantitative perfusion parameters with chest high-resolution computed tomography (hrCT) volumetric indexes and clinical data in post-COVID patients with persistent dyspnea. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Sixty patients (30 post-COVID and 30 not previously affected by COVID-19) with persistent dyspnea submitted to lung perfusion scintigraphy and hrCT were retrospectively recruited. Perfusion rates of the pulmonary fields and hrCT-based normalized inflated, emphysematous, infiltrated, collapsed, and vascular lung volumes were calculated. Inflammatory and coagulation biomarkers were collected. PE at imaging was an exclusion criterion. RESULTS Compared to controls, reduced perfusion rates of the lower pulmonary fields and higher perfusion rates of the middle ones were observed in post-COVID patients, while hrCT findings were superimposable between the two groups. Perfusion rates of lower pulmonary fields were significantly associated only with abnormal lung volumes at hrCT. CONCLUSIONS In post-COVID dyspnea without PE, lung perfusion scintigraphy may reveal a pulmonary involvement not detectable by hrCT. Post-COVID patients may show decreased perfusion rates of lower pulmonary fields in the presence of normal vascular density and markers of inflammation/coagulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Maggio
- Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlo Delucchi
- Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Bertoldi
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Corica
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomopathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Silvia De Feo
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomopathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Marini
- Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
- CNR Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, Milan, Italy
| | - Teresita Aloè
- Interventional Pulmonology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Viviana Frantellizzi
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomopathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe De Vincentis
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomopathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Morbelli
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianmario Sambuceti
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuela Barisione
- Interventional Pulmonology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Matteo Bauckneht
- Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Nuclear Medicine, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
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18
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Abstract
From the onset of the pandemic, evidence of cardiac involvement in acute COVID-19 abounded. Cardiac presentations ranged from arrhythmias to ischemia, myopericarditis/myocarditis, ventricular dysfunction to acute heart failure, and even cardiogenic shock. Elevated serum cardiac troponin levels were prevalent among hospitalized patients with COVID-19; the higher the magnitude of troponin elevation, the greater the COVID-19 illness severity and in-hospital death risk. Whether these consequences were due to direct SARS-CoV-2 infection of cardiac cells or secondary to inflammatory responses steered early cardiac autopsy studies. SARS-CoV-2 was reportedly detected in endothelial cells, cardiac myocytes, and within the extracellular space. However, findings were inconsistent and different methodologies had their limitations. Initial autopsy reports suggested that SARS-CoV-2 myocarditis was common, setting off studies to find and phenotype inflammatory infiltrates in the heart. Nonetheless, subsequent studies rarely detected myocarditis. Microthrombi, cardiomyocyte necrosis, and inflammatory infiltrates without cardiomyocyte damage were much more common. In vitro and ex vivo experimental platforms have assessed the cellular tropism of SARS-CoV-2 and elucidated mechanisms of viral entry into and replication within cardiac cells. Data point to pericytes as the primary target of SARS-CoV-2 in the heart. Infection of pericytes can account for the observed pericyte and endothelial cell death, innate immune response, and immunothrombosis commonly observed in COVID-19 hearts. These processes are bidirectional and synergistic, rendering a definitive order of events elusive. Single-cell/nucleus analyses of COVID-19 myocardial tissue and isolated cardiac cells have provided granular data about the cellular composition and cell type-specific transcriptomic signatures of COVID-19 and microthrombi-positive COVID-19 hearts. Still, much remains unknown and more in vivo studies are needed. This review seeks to provide an overview of the current understanding of COVID-19 cardiac pathophysiology. Cell type-specific mechanisms and the studies that provided such insights will be highlighted. Given the unprecedented pace of COVID-19 research, more mechanistic details are sure to emerge since the writing of this review. Importantly, our current knowledge offers significant clues about the cardiac pathophysiology of long COVID-19, the increased postrecovery risk of cardiac events, and thus, the future landscape of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Tsai
- Division of Cardiology, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, New York, NY (E.J.T.)
| | - Daniela Cˇiháková
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (D.C.)
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19
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Turner S, Khan MA, Putrino D, Woodcock A, Kell DB, Pretorius E. Long COVID: pathophysiological factors and abnormalities of coagulation. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2023; 34:321-344. [PMID: 37080828 PMCID: PMC10113134 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Acute COVID-19 infection is followed by prolonged symptoms in approximately one in ten cases: known as Long COVID. The disease affects ~65 million individuals worldwide. Many pathophysiological processes appear to underlie Long COVID, including viral factors (persistence, reactivation, and bacteriophagic action of SARS CoV-2); host factors (chronic inflammation, metabolic and endocrine dysregulation, immune dysregulation, and autoimmunity); and downstream impacts (tissue damage from the initial infection, tissue hypoxia, host dysbiosis, and autonomic nervous system dysfunction). These mechanisms culminate in the long-term persistence of the disorder characterized by a thrombotic endothelialitis, endothelial inflammation, hyperactivated platelets, and fibrinaloid microclots. These abnormalities of blood vessels and coagulation affect every organ system and represent a unifying pathway for the various symptoms of Long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Turner
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa
| | - M Asad Khan
- North West Lung Centre, Manchester University Hospitals, Manchester, M23 9LT, UK
| | - David Putrino
- Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ashley Woodcock
- The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK; Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, CityLabs, Manchester, M13 9NQ, UK
| | - Douglas B Kell
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK; The Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Biosustainability, Building 220, Kemitorvet, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - Etheresia Pretorius
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland, 7602, South Africa; Department of Biochemistry and Systems Biology, Institute of Systems, Molecular and Integrative Biology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Crown St, Liverpool, L69 7ZB, UK.
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20
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McLachlan CS, Truong H. A Narrative Review of Commercial Platforms Offering Tracking of Heart Rate Variability in Corporate Employees to Detect and Manage Stress. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2023; 10:jcdd10040141. [PMID: 37103020 PMCID: PMC10142541 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd10040141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in employees being at risk of significant stress. There is increased interest by employers to offer employees stress monitoring via third party commercial sensor-based devices. These devices assess physiological parameters such as heart rate variability and are marketed as an indirect measure of the cardiac autonomic nervous system. Stress is correlated with an increase in sympathetic nervous activity that may be associated with an acute or chronic stress response. Interestingly, recent studies have shown that individuals affected with COVID will have some residual autonomic dysfunction that will likely render it difficult to track both stress and stress reduction using heart rate variability. The aims of the present study are to explore web and blog information using five operational commercial technology solution platforms that offer heart rate variability for stress detection. Across five platforms we found a number that combined HRV with other biometrics to assess stress. The type of stress being measured was not defined. Importantly, no company considered cardiac autonomic dysfunction because of post-COVID infection and only one other company mentioned other factors affecting the cardiac autonomic nervous system and how this may impact HRV accuracy. All companies suggested they could only assess associations with stress and were careful not to claim HRV could diagnosis stress. We recommend that managers think carefully about whether HRV is accurate enough for their employees to manage their stress during COVID.
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21
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Abu Hamdh B, Nazzal Z. A prospective cohort study assessing the relationship between long-COVID symptom incidence in COVID-19 patients and COVID-19 vaccination. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4896. [PMID: 36966161 PMCID: PMC10039348 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30583-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Current studies about the long-term effects of COVID-19 show a wide range of symptoms. This prospective cohort study aimed to find the incidence of long-COVID symptoms and the associated risk factors. We followed 669 confirmed COVID-19 patients. Sociodemographic and clinical data were extracted from medical records and collected via semi-structured telephone interviews on days 10, 30, 60, and 90. The incidence of long-COVID symptoms was 41.6% (95% CI 37.8-45.4%). Females [aOR = 1.5 (95% CI 1.1-2.3)], the elderly [aOR = 4.9 (95% CI 2.0-11.3)], and those who required hospitalization [aOR = 5.0 (95% CI 1.3-3.7)] were at a higher risk of developing long-COVID. Patients with dyspnea at day 10 [aOR: 2.4 (95% CI 1.6-3.7] and fatigue at day 60 [aOR: 3.1 (95% CI 1.5-6.3] were also at risk. While non-vaccinated patients were almost seven times more likely to report long-COVID symptoms than vaccinated patients [aOR: 6.9 (95% CI 4.2-11.3)]. In conclusion, long-COVID was common among COVID-19 patients, with higher rates among females, older age groups, hospitalized patients, and those with dyspnea and fatigue, while vaccination provided protection. Interventions should educate health professionals, raise general public awareness about the risks and consequences of Long COVID, and the value of vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bayan Abu Hamdh
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Graduate Studies, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Zaher Nazzal
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, Box 7707, Nablus, Palestine.
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22
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Sherif ZA, Gomez CR, Connors TJ, Henrich TJ, Reeves WB. Pathogenic mechanisms of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). eLife 2023; 12:e86002. [PMID: 36947108 PMCID: PMC10032659 DOI: 10.7554/elife.86002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19, with persistent and new onset of symptoms such as fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and cognitive dysfunction that last for months and impact everyday functioning, is referred to as Long COVID under the general category of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC). PASC is highly heterogenous and may be associated with multisystem tissue damage/dysfunction including acute encephalitis, cardiopulmonary syndromes, fibrosis, hepatobiliary damages, gastrointestinal dysregulation, myocardial infarction, neuromuscular syndromes, neuropsychiatric disorders, pulmonary damage, renal failure, stroke, and vascular endothelial dysregulation. A better understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying PASC is essential to guide prevention and treatment. This review addresses potential mechanisms and hypotheses that connect SARS-CoV-2 infection to long-term health consequences. Comparisons between PASC and other virus-initiated chronic syndromes such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome will be addressed. Aligning symptoms with other chronic syndromes and identifying potentially regulated common underlining pathways may be necessary for understanding the true nature of PASC. The discussed contributors to PASC symptoms include sequelae from acute SARS-CoV-2 injury to one or more organs, persistent reservoirs of the replicating virus or its remnants in several tissues, re-activation of latent pathogens such as Epstein-Barr and herpes viruses in COVID-19 immune-dysregulated tissue environment, SARS-CoV-2 interactions with host microbiome/virome communities, clotting/coagulation dysregulation, dysfunctional brainstem/vagus nerve signaling, dysautonomia or autonomic dysfunction, ongoing activity of primed immune cells, and autoimmunity due to molecular mimicry between pathogen and host proteins. The individualized nature of PASC symptoms suggests that different therapeutic approaches may be required to best manage specific patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaki A Sherif
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Howard University College of MedicineWashington, District of ColumbiaUnited States
| | - Christian R Gomez
- Division of Lung Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)BethesdaUnited States
| | - Thomas J Connors
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and New York - Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's HospitalNew YorkUnited States
| | - Timothy J Henrich
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of CaliforniaSan FranciscoUnited States
| | - William Brian Reeves
- Department of Medicine, Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine, University of TexasSan AntonioUnited States
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23
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Wu J, Wang L, Hua Y, Li M, Zhou L, Bates DW, Yang J. Trend and Co-occurrence Network of COVID-19 Symptoms From Large-Scale Social Media Data: Infoveillance Study. J Med Internet Res 2023; 25:e45419. [PMID: 36812402 PMCID: PMC10131634 DOI: 10.2196/45419] [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: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND For an emergent pandemic, such as COVID-19, the statistics of symptoms based on hospital data may be biased or delayed due to the high proportion of asymptomatic or mild-symptom infections that are not recorded in hospitals. Meanwhile, the difficulty in accessing large-scale clinical data also limits many researchers from conducting timely research. OBJECTIVE Given the wide coverage and promptness of social media, this study aimed to present an efficient workflow to track and visualize the dynamic characteristics and co-occurrence of symptoms for the COVID-19 pandemic from large-scale and long-term social media data. METHODS This retrospective study included 471,553,966 COVID-19-related tweets from February 1, 2020, to April 30, 2022. We curated a hierarchical symptom lexicon for social media containing 10 affected organs/systems, 257 symptoms, and 1808 synonyms. The dynamic characteristics of COVID-19 symptoms over time were analyzed from the perspectives of weekly new cases, overall distribution, and temporal prevalence of reported symptoms. The symptom evolutions between virus strains (Delta and Omicron) were investigated by comparing the symptom prevalence during their dominant periods. A co-occurrence symptom network was developed and visualized to investigate inner relationships among symptoms and affected body systems. RESULTS This study identified 201 COVID-19 symptoms and grouped them into 10 affected body systems. There was a significant correlation between the weekly quantity of self-reported symptoms and new COVID-19 infections (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.8528; P<.001). We also observed a 1-week leading trend (Pearson correlation coefficient=0.8802; P<.001) between them. The frequency of symptoms showed dynamic changes as the pandemic progressed, from typical respiratory symptoms in the early stage to more musculoskeletal and nervous symptoms in the later stages. We identified the difference in symptoms between the Delta and Omicron periods. There were fewer severe symptoms (coma and dyspnea), more flu-like symptoms (throat pain and nasal congestion), and fewer typical COVID symptoms (anosmia and taste altered) in the Omicron period than in the Delta period (all P<.001). Network analysis revealed co-occurrences among symptoms and systems corresponding to specific disease progressions, including palpitations (cardiovascular) and dyspnea (respiratory), and alopecia (musculoskeletal) and impotence (reproductive). CONCLUSIONS This study identified more and milder COVID-19 symptoms than clinical research and characterized the dynamic symptom evolution based on 400 million tweets over 27 months. The symptom network revealed potential comorbidity risk and prognostic disease progression. These findings demonstrate that the cooperation of social media and a well-designed workflow can depict a holistic picture of pandemic symptoms to complement clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiageng Wu
- School of Public Health and the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lumin Wang
- School of Public Health and the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yining Hua
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Minghui Li
- School of Public Health and the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David W Bates
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jie Yang
- School of Public Health and the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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24
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Dini FL, Baldini U, Bytyçi I, Pugliese NR, Bajraktari G, Henein MY. Acute pericarditis as a major clinical manifestation of long COVID-19 syndrome. Int J Cardiol 2023; 374:129-134. [PMID: 36513284 PMCID: PMC9734068 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2022.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The long COVID-19 syndrome has been recently described and some reports have suggested that acute pericarditis represents important manifestation of long COVID-19 syndrome. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence and clinical characteristics of patients with long COVID-19, presenting with acute pericarditis. METHODS We retrospectively included 180 patients (median age 47 years, 62% female) previously diagnosed with COVID-19, exhibiting persistence or new-onset symptoms ≥12 weeks from a negative naso-pharyngeal SARS CoV2 swamp test. The original diagnosis of COVID-19 infection was determined by a positive swab. All patients had undergone a thorough physical examination. Patients with suspected heart involvement were referred to a complete cardiovascular evaluation. Echocardiography was performed based on clinical need and diagnosis of acute pericarditis was achieved according to current guidelines. RESULTS Among the study population, shortness of breath/fatigue was reported in 52%, chest pain/discomfort in 34% and heart palpitations/arrhythmias in 37%. Diagnosis of acute pericarditis was made in 39 patients (22%). Mild-to-moderate pericardial effusion was reported in 12, while thickened and bright pericardial layers with small effusions (< 5 mm) with or without comet tails arising from the pericardium (pericardial B-lines) in 27. Heart palpitations/arrhythmias (OR:3.748, p = 0.0030), and autoimmune disease and allergic disorders (OR:4.147, p = 0.0073) were independently related to the diagnosis of acute pericarditis, with a borderline contribution of less likelihood of hospitalization during COVID-19 (OR: 0.100, p = 0.0512). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest a high prevalence of acute pericarditis in patients with long COVID-19 syndrome. Autoimmune and allergic disorders, and palpitations/arrhythmias were frequently associated with pericardial disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Lloyd Dini
- Centro Medico Sant'Agostino, Milano, Italy; University Clinical Centre of Kosova, Prishtina, Kosovo.
| | | | - Ibadete Bytyçi
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; University Clinical Centre of Kosova, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | | | - Gani Bajraktari
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; University Clinical Centre of Kosova, Prishtina, Kosovo
| | - Michael Y Henein
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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25
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Espinosa-Gonzalez AB, Master H, Gall N, Halpin S, Rogers N, Greenhalgh T. Orthostatic tachycardia after covid-19. BMJ 2023; 380:e073488. [PMID: 36828559 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2022-073488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Harsha Master
- Lead covid assessment and rehabilitation service, Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust, UK
| | | | - Stephen Halpin
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, UK
| | | | - Trisha Greenhalgh
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
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26
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Therapeutic Approaches to Dysautonomia in Childhood, with a Special Focus on Long COVID. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10020316. [PMID: 36832445 PMCID: PMC9955589 DOI: 10.3390/children10020316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysautonomia seems to be important for the pathophysiology of psychosomatic diseases and, more recently, for long COVID. This concept may explain the clinical symptoms and could help open new therapeutic approaches. METHODS We compared our data from an analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) in an active standing test in 28 adolescents who had developed an inappropriate sinus tachycardia (IST, n = 13) or postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS, n = 15) after contracting COVID-19 disease and/or vaccination with 64 adolescents from our database who developed dysautonomia due to psychosomatic diseases prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. We prove the effects of our treatment: omega-3 fatty acid supplementation (O3-FA, n = 18) in addition to propranolol (low dose, up to 20-20-0 mg, n = 32) or ivabradine 5-5-0 mg (n = 17) on heart rate regulation and heart rate variability (HRV). RESULTS The HRV data were not different between the adolescents with SARS-CoV-2-related disorders and the adolescents with dysautonomia prior to the pandemic. The heart rate increases in children with POTS while standing were significantly lower after low-dose propranolol (27.2 ± 17.4 bpm***), ivabradine (23.6 ± 8.12 bpm*), and O-3-FA (25.6 ± 8.4 bpm*). The heart rate in children with IST while lying/standing was significantly lower after propranolol (81.6 ± 10.1 bpm**/101.8 ± 18.8***), ivabradine (84.2 ± 8.4 bpm***/105.4 ± 14.6**), and O-3-FA (88.6 ± 7.9 bpm*/112.1/14.9*). CONCLUSIONS The HRV data of adolescents with dysautonomia after COVID-19 disease/vaccination are not significantly different from a historical control of adolescents with dysautonomia due to psychosomatic diseases prior to the pandemic. Low-dose propranolol > ivabradine > omega-3 fatty acids significantly decrease elevated heart rates in patients with IST and the heart rate increases in patients with POTS and may be beneficial in these children with dysautonomia.
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27
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Mahmoud A, Kania B, Geris S, Akroush W, Manickam R, Azzam MHK. The unpredictability of labile blood pressure: Afferent baroreflex failure in a critical patient with multiple thyroid surgeries and COVID-19 infection. Radiol Case Rep 2023; 18:715-718. [PMCID: PMC9742062 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2022.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The carotid sinus-arterial baroreflex is essential in maintaining blood pressure (BP) regulation. Afferent baroreflex failure (ABF) can present with labile changes in BP within seconds and can be secondary to neck surgery or radiation. We present here the first case, to our knowledge, of ABF precipitated by thyroidectomy, in a patient with active COVID-19 pneumonia, causing difficult control of severely labile BP in a critical care unit. Contributing factors included her critical illness state with upregulation of IL-6 leading to pituitary-adrenal axis alteration, her thyroidectomy further exacerbating autonomic dysfunction, as well as downregulation of ACE2 via COVID-19 infection. Management was achieved with a combination of midodrine and clonidine catered to specific BP thresholds. Additional research with a multidisciplinary approach is warranted to fully optimize the treatment of ABF in patients with neck surgery and or inflammatory conditions such as COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anas Mahmoud
- Department of Medicine, St. Joseph's University Medical Center, 703 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503, USA
| | - Brooke Kania
- Department of Medicine, St. Joseph's University Medical Center, 703 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503, USA,Corresponding author
| | - Shady Geris
- Department of Medicine, St. Joseph's University Medical Center, 703 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503, USA
| | - Wadah Akroush
- Department of Medicine, St. Joseph's University Medical Center, 703 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503, USA
| | - Rajapriya Manickam
- Department of Critical Care, St. Joseph's University Medical Center, 703 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503, USA
| | - Moh'd Hazem K Azzam
- Department of Critical Care, St. Joseph's University Medical Center, 703 Main St, Paterson, NJ 07503, USA
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28
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Shrestha AB, Mehta A, Pokharel P, Mishra A, Adhikari L, Shrestha S, Yadav RS, Khanal S, Sah R, Nowrouzi-Kia B, Padhi BK, Chattu VK. Long COVID Syndrome and Cardiovascular Manifestations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13030491. [PMID: 36766599 PMCID: PMC9913936 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13030491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Long COVID syndrome is a significant cause of morbidity in COVID-19 patients who remain symptomatic with varied clinical presentations beyond three weeks. Furthermore, the relevance of considering cardiovascular outcomes in post-COVID-19 syndrome is important in the current COVID-19 pandemic; (2) Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed for this systematic review and meta-analysis. Systematic searches were conducted from multiple databases without language restrictions until October 8, 2022, to find studies evaluating cardiovascular outcomes such as arrhythmias, myocardium and pericardium diseases, coronary vessel disease, and thromboembolic disorders in post-COVID cases. The pooled odds ratio (OR), and standard mean difference (SMD) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed to find the association; (3) Results: Altogether, seven studies with a total of 8,126,462 (cases: 1,321,305; controls: 6,805,157) participants were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled odds ratios of cardiovascular outcomes were significantly higher in post-COVID cases (OR > 1, p < 0.05) than in controls. However, the mortality (OR: 4.76, p = 0.13), and heart rate variability (SMD: -0.06, p = 0.91) between cases and controls were not statistically significant; (4) Conclusions: Significant cardiovascular sequelae in long COVID syndrome highlight the importance of careful cardiac monitoring of COVID-19 patients in the post-COVID phase to address cardiovascular complications as soon as possible; larger-scale prospective studies are required for accurate estimation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhigan Babu Shrestha
- Department of Internal Medicine, M Abdur Rahim Medical College, Dinajpur 5200, Bangladesh
| | - Aashna Mehta
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4008 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Pashupati Pokharel
- Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu 44613, Nepal
| | - Aakash Mishra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kathmandu Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu 21266, Nepal
| | - Lukash Adhikari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Patan Academy of Health Sciences, Lagankhel, Lalitpur 26500, Nepal
| | - Sajina Shrestha
- Department of Internal Medicine, KIST Medical College, Patan 14142, Nepal
| | - Randhir Sagar Yadav
- College of Medicine Jacksonville Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Surakshya Khanal
- Maharajgunj Medical Campus, Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu 44613, Nepal
| | - Ranjit Sah
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine, Kathmandu 44613, Nepal
- Dr. D.Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune 411037, India
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (V.K.C.); Tel.: +1-416-946-3249 (V.K.C.)
| | - Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia
- ReSTORE Lab, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 2E8, Canada
| | - Bijaya Kumar Padhi
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Vijay Kumar Chattu
- ReSTORE Lab, Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 2E8, Canada
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha 442107, India
- Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, India
- Correspondence: (R.S.); (V.K.C.); Tel.: +1-416-946-3249 (V.K.C.)
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29
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Root-Bernstein R, Churchill E, Oliverio S. T Cell Receptor Sequences Amplified during Severe COVID-19 and Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children Mimic SARS-CoV-2, Its Bacterial Co-Infections and Host Autoantigens. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021335. [PMID: 36674851 PMCID: PMC9861234 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Published hypervariable region V-beta T cell receptor (TCR) sequences were collected from people with severe COVID-19 characterized by having various autoimmune complications, including blood coagulopathies and cardiac autoimmunity, as well as from patients diagnosed with the Kawasaki disease (KD)-like multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). These were compared with comparable published v-beta TCR sequences from people diagnosed with KD and from healthy individuals. Since TCR V-beta sequences are supposed to be complementary to antigens that induce clonal expansion, it was surprising that only a quarter of the TCR sequences derived from severe COVID-19 and MIS-C patients mimicked SARS-CoV-2 proteins. Thirty percent of the KD-derived TCR mimicked coronaviruses other than SARS-CoV-2. In contrast, only three percent of the TCR sequences from healthy individuals and those diagnosed with autoimmune myocarditis displayed similarities to any coronavirus. In each disease, significant increases were found in the amount of TCRs from healthy individuals mimicking specific bacterial co-infections (especially Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcal and Streptococcal antigens) and host autoantigens targeted by autoimmune diseases (especially myosin, collagen, phospholipid-associated proteins, and blood coagulation proteins). Theoretical explanations for these surprising observations and implications to unravel the causes of autoimmune diseases are explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Root-Bernstein
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Elizabeth Churchill
- School of Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, USA
| | - Shelby Oliverio
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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30
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Burton C, Dawes H, Goodwill S, Thelwell M, Dalton C. Within and between-day variation and associations of symptoms in Long Covid: Intensive longitudinal study. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280343. [PMID: 36656830 PMCID: PMC9851560 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with Long Covid (Post Covid-19 Condition) describe multiple symptoms which vary between and within individuals over relatively short time intervals. We aimed to describe the real-time associations between different symptoms and between symptoms and physical activity at the individual patient level. METHODS AND FINDINGS Intensive longitudinal study of 82 adults with self-reported Long Covid (median duration 12-18 months). Data collection involved a smartphone app with 5 daily entries over 14 days and continuous wearing of a wrist accelerometer. Data items included 7 symptoms (Visual Analog Scales) and perceived demands in the preceding period (Likert scales). Activity was measured using mean acceleration in the 3-hour periods preceding and following app data entry. Analysis used within-person correlations of symptoms pairs and both pooled and individual symptom networks derived from graphical vector autoregression. App data was suitable for analysis from 74 participants (90%) comprising 4022 entries representing 77.6% of possible entries. Symptoms varied substantially within individuals and were only weakly autocorrelated. The strongest between-subject symptom correlations were of fatigue with pain (partial coefficient 0.5) and cognitive difficulty with light-headedness (0.41). Pooled within-subject correlations showed fatigue correlated with cognitive difficulty (partial coefficient 0.2) pain (0.19) breathlessness (0.15) and light-headedness (0.12) but not anxiety. Cognitive difficulty was correlated with anxiety and light-headedness (partial coefficients 0.16 and 0.17). Individual participant correlation heatmaps and symptom networks showed no clear patterns indicative of distinct phenotypes. Symptoms, including fatigue, were inconsistently correlated with prior or subsequent physical activity: this may reflect adjustment of activity in response to symptoms. Delayed worsening of symptoms after the highest activity peak was observed in 7 participants. CONCLUSION Symptoms of Long Covid vary within individuals over short time scales, with heterogenous patterns of symptom correlation. The findings are compatible with altered central symptom processing as an additional factor in Long Covid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Burton
- Academic Unit of Primary Medical Care, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Helen Dawes
- College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Goodwill
- Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Thelwell
- Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Dalton
- Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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31
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Spahic JM, Hamrefors V, Johansson M, Ricci F, Melander O, Sutton R, Fedorowski A. Malmö POTS symptom score: Assessing symptom burden in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. J Intern Med 2023; 293:91-99. [PMID: 36111700 PMCID: PMC10087729 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a common cardiovascular autonomic disorder characterized by excessive heart rate (HR) increase on standing and symptoms of orthostatic intolerance, posing significant limitations on functional capacity. No objective tool exists to classify symptom burden in POTS. METHODS We conducted a case-control study in 62 POTS patients and 50 healthy controls to compare symptom burden between groups using the newly developed, self-rating, 12-item, Malmö POTS Score (MAPS; 0-10 per item, total range 0-120) based on patients own perception of symptoms through visual analogue scale assessment. We have also explored correlations between symptom severity assessed by MAPS, basic clinical parameters and postural haemodynamic changes. RESULTS POTS patients showed significantly higher total MAPS score (78 ± 20 vs. 14 ± 12, p < 0.001), higher baseline systolic blood pressure (BP), diastolic BP and HR (p < 0.001) compared with healthy controls. The most prominent symptoms in POTS were palpitations, fatigue and concentration difficulties. Haemodynamic parameters on standing were significantly correlated with palpitations in POTS after adjustment for age and sex (lower systolic and diastolic BP, and higher HR) (p < 0.001 for all). Orthostatic HR was significantly associated with concentration difficulties and total MAPS score. The optimal cut-point value of MAPS to differentiate POTS and healthy controls was ≥42 (sensitivity, 97%; specificity, 98%). CONCLUSIONS Symptom severity, as assessed by MAPS score, is fivefold higher in POTS compared with healthy individuals. The new MAPS score can be useful as a semiquantitative system to assess symptom burden, monitor disease progression and evaluate pre-test likelihood of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmina Medic Spahic
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Viktor Hamrefors
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Madeleine Johansson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Fabrizio Ricci
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Olle Melander
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Internal Medicine, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Richard Sutton
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Liviero F, Scapellato ML, Folino F, Moretto A, Mason P, Pavanello S. Persistent Increase of Sympathetic Activity in Post-Acute COVID-19 of Paucisymptomatic Healthcare Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:830. [PMID: 36613152 PMCID: PMC9820028 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs) represent a population with a significant burden of paucisymptomatic COVID-19, as the general population. We evaluated autonomic nervous system activity by means of heart rate variability (HRV) in HCWs during health surveillance visits. Short-term electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were obtained 30 days (IQR 5.25-55.75) after a negative naso-pharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV-2 in 44 cases and compared with ECGs of 44 controls with similar age and sex distribution. Time and frequency domain HRV were evaluated. HCWs who used drugs, had comorbidities that affected HRV, or were hospitalized with severe COVID-19 were excluded. Frequency domain HRV analysis showed a significantly higher low/high-frequency power ratio (LF/HF) in the case study compared with controls (t = 2.84, p = 0.006). In time domain HRV analysis, mean standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD) were significantly lower for cases compared with controls (t = -2.64, p = 0.01 and t = -3.27, p = 0.002, respectively). In the post-acute phase of infection, SARS-CoV-2 produces an autonomic imbalance mirrored by a reduction in HRV. These results are consistent with epidemiological data that suggest a higher risk of acute cardiovascular complications in the first 30 days after COVID-19 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Liviero
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- University Hospital of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Scapellato
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- University Hospital of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Franco Folino
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- University Hospital of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Angelo Moretto
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- University Hospital of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Paola Mason
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- University Hospital of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Sofia Pavanello
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, and Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital of Padua, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
- University Hospital of Padova, Via Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
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Oikonomou E, Lampsas S, Theofilis P, Souvaliotis N, Papamikroulis GA, Katsarou O, Kalogeras K, Pantelidis P, Papaioannou TG, Tsatsaragkou A, Marinos G, Siasos G, Tousoulis D, Vavuranakis M. Impaired left ventricular deformation and ventricular-arterial coupling in post-COVID-19: association with autonomic dysregulation. Heart Vessels 2023; 38:381-393. [PMID: 36169708 PMCID: PMC9516516 DOI: 10.1007/s00380-022-02180-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has extended implications namely the long COVID-19 syndrome. We assessed over-time changes in left ventricular (LV) function, aortic stiffness, autonomic function, and ventricular-arterial coupling (VAC) in post-COVID-19 patients. We followed 34 post-COVID-19 subjects, up to 6 months post-hospital discharge. Subjects without COVID-19 served as control. We evaluated LV global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS), arterial stiffness [carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV)], and heart rate variability -standard deviation of normal RR intervals (SDNN). VAC was estimated as the ratio of cf-PWV to LV-GLS. Post-COVID-19 individuals (1-month post-hospital discharge) presented with impaired LV-GLS [-18.4%(3.1) vs. -22.0%(2.7), P < 0.001], cf-PWV [12.1 m/s (3.2) vs. 9.6 m/s (1.9), P < 0.001], SDNN [111.3 ms (22.6) vs. 147.2 ms (14.0), P < 0.001], and VAC [-0.68 (0.22) vs. -0.44 (0.10), P < 0.001] compared to control. LV-GLS, SDNN, and VAC improved at the 6-month follow-up however they did not reach control levels. In post-COVID-19 subjects, SDNN and VAC were correlated at the 1-month (R = 0.499, P = 0.003) and 6-month (R = 0.372, P = 0.04) follow-up. Long COVID-19 syndrome was associated with impaired LV-GLS, SDNN, and VAC. Post-COVID-19 subjects presented with autonomic dysregulation associated with aortic stiffness, ventricular-arterial impairment, and LV dysfunction, even 6-months post-hospital discharge. These abnormalities may be related to the presence of long COVID-19 syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelos Oikonomou
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, Mesogeion 152, 11527 Athens, Greece ,1st Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Stamatios Lampsas
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, Mesogeion 152, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Theofilis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Nektarios Souvaliotis
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, Mesogeion 152, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - George Aggelos Papamikroulis
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, Mesogeion 152, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Ourania Katsarou
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, Mesogeion 152, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Kalogeras
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, Mesogeion 152, 11527 Athens, Greece ,1st Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Panteleimon Pantelidis
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, Mesogeion 152, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Theodore G. Papaioannou
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, Mesogeion 152, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Tsatsaragkou
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, Mesogeion 152, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Georgios Marinos
- 1st Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Gerasimos Siasos
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, Mesogeion 152, 11527 Athens, Greece ,Cardiovascular Division, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - Dimitris Tousoulis
- 1st Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Manolis Vavuranakis
- 3rd Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Sotiria Chest Disease Hospital, Mesogeion 152, 11527 Athens, Greece ,1st Department of Cardiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
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Long COVID and rheumatology: Clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic implications. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2022; 36:101794. [PMID: 36369208 PMCID: PMC9641578 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2022.101794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
As of this writing, it is estimated that there have been nearly 600 million cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) around the world with over six million deaths. While shocking, these figures do not fully illustrate the morbidity associated with this disease. It is also estimated that between 10% and 30% of those who survive COVID-19 develop persistent symptoms after the acute infection has passed. These individuals, who most often experienced initial infections with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) considered mild to moderate in severity, often display a broad array of symptoms. Collectively, this disorder or syndrome is now referred to as Long COVID (among other designations), and it represents a national/international health crisis. The most frequently reported symptoms associated with Long COVID include chronic fatigue with post exertional features, neurocognitive dysfunction, breathlessness, and somatic pain. Long COVID can range in severity from mild to severely debilitating, with resultant loss of quality of life and productivity. For now, there are many unanswered questions surrounding Long COVID: how can it be best defined, what is needed for accurate diagnosis, what is causing it, and how should it be best managed. How rheumatologists will engage in the Long COVID pandemic is another question; at the minimum, we will be called upon to evaluate and manage our own patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases who have developed it. This review focuses on addressing the disease essentials, providing both declarative and procedural knowledge to prepare rheumatologists for how to address Long COVID: understanding its origins, its current case definitions, epidemiology, pathobiology and clinical manifestations. Finally, it will provide an outline on how to clinically approach patients with possible Long COVID and initiate treatment and/or guide them on how to best manage it.
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Muacevic A, Adler JR. A Review of Long COVID With a Special Focus on Its Cardiovascular Manifestations. Cureus 2022; 14:e31933. [PMID: 36582565 PMCID: PMC9793803 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.31933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has been the cause of the century's worst pandemic so far: coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It has led to unprecedented mortality and morbidity, resulting in devastating consequences worldwide. The acute manifestations of COVID-19 including respiratory as well as multisystem involvement have been causes of great concern among physicians. However, the long-term effects of the coronavirus have left many patients battling with chronic symptoms, ranging from extreme fatigue to cardiomyopathy. In this article, we review the chronic manifestations of COVID-19 with a focus on cardiovascular manifestations. We discuss the pathophysiology, post-acute sequelae, clinical manifestations, approach to the laboratory diagnosis of cardiovascular manifestations of long COVID, and a proposed multidisciplinary treatment method. We also explore the relationship between vaccination and the long COVID syndrome.
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Sarcoidosis and COVID-19: At the Cross-Road between Immunopathology and Clinical Manifestation. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102525. [PMID: 36289785 PMCID: PMC9599235 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been associated with dysregulation of the immune system featuring inappropriate immune responses, exacerbation of inflammatory responses, and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in patients with severe disease. Sarcoidosis, also known as Besnier-Boeck-Schaumann disease, is an idiopathic granulomatous multisystem disease characterized by dense epithelioid non-necrotizing lesions with varying degrees of lymphocytic inflammation. These two diseases have similar clinical manifestations and may influence each other at multiple levels, eventually affecting their clinical courses and prognosis. Notably, sarcoidosis patients are at high risk of severe COVID-19 pneumonia because of the underlying lung disease and chronic immunosuppressive treatment. In this narrative review, we will discuss interactions between sarcoidosis and COVID-19 in terms of clinical manifestations, treatment, and pathogenesis, including the role of the dysregulated renin-angiotensin system, altered immune responses involving increased cytokine levels and immune system hyperactivation, and cellular death pathways.
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37
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Body Weight May Have a Role on Neuropathy and Mobility after Moderate to Severe COVID-19: An Exploratory Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58101401. [PMID: 36295562 PMCID: PMC9610119 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58101401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Among the extra-pulmonary manifestations of COVID-19, neuromuscular signs and symptoms are frequent. We aimed to assess the correlation between neuromuscular abnormalities (electrophysiological) and mobility measures (Berg Balance Scale and Timed-Up-and-Go test) twice, at least 6 weeks after hospital discharge and 6 months later, taking into account cognitive performance, nutrition, muscle strength, and submaximal exercise capacity. Materials and Methods: 43 patients (51.4 ± 9.3 years old) accepted to participate in the study; they had a dyspnea score ≤ 3 (Borg scale), and no history of neurology/neuromuscular/orthopedic disorders, but high frequency of overweight/obesity and weight loss during hospital stay. The two evaluations included physical examination, cognitive assessment, nutritional evaluation, muscle strength (hand-grip and quadriceps dynamometry), electromyography, Barthel Index, Six-Minute- Walk-Test (6MWT), Berg Balance Scale and Timed-Up-and-Go test. Bivariate and repeated measures covariance analyses were performed (significance level of 0.05). Results: Electrophysiological abnormalities were evident in 67% of the patients, which were associated with diminished performance on the 6MWT, the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed-Up-and-Go test. At each evaluation and between evaluations, scores on the Berg Balance Scale were related to the body mass index (BMI) at hospital admission and the 6MWT (MANCoVA R ≥ 0.62, p = 0.0001), while the time to perform the Timed-Up-and-Go test was related to the electrophysiological abnormalities, weight loss during hospital stay, sex, handgrip strength, and the 6MWT (MANCoVA, R ≥ 0.62, p < 0.0001). We concluded that, after hospital discharge, patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 may have neuromuscular abnormalities that can be related to BMI/weight loss, and contribute to mobility decrease. In patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 and high BMI/ large weight loss, neuromuscular and intended mobility assessments could be required to provide early rehabilitation. Apart from the 6MWT, handgrip dynamometry and the Timed-Up-and-Go test were useful tools to quickly assess fitness and mobility.
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Network autonomic analysis of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 and postural tachycardia syndrome. Neurol Sci 2022; 43:6627-6638. [PMID: 36169757 PMCID: PMC9517969 DOI: 10.1007/s10072-022-06423-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background The autonomic nervous system (ANS) is a complex network where sympathetic and parasympathetic domains interact inside and outside of the network. Correlation-based network analysis (NA) is a novel approach enabling the quantification of these interactions. The aim of this study is to assess the applicability of NA to assess relationships between autonomic, sensory, respiratory, cerebrovascular, and inflammatory markers on post-acute sequela of COVID-19 (PASC) and postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Methods In this retrospective study, datasets from PASC (n = 15), POTS (n = 15), and matched controls (n = 11) were analyzed. Networks were constructed from surveys (autonomic and sensory), autonomic tests (deep breathing, Valsalva maneuver, tilt, and sudomotor test) results using heart rate, blood pressure, cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv), capnography, skin biopsies for assessment of small fiber neuropathy (SFN), and various inflammatory markers. Networks were characterized by clusters and centrality metrics. Results Standard analysis showed widespread abnormalities including reduced orthostatic CBFv in 100%/88% (PASC/POTS), SFN 77%/88%, mild-to-moderate dysautonomia 100%/100%, hypocapnia 87%/100%, and elevated inflammatory markers. NA showed different signatures for both disorders with centrality metrics of vascular and inflammatory variables playing prominent roles in differentiating PASC from POTS. Conclusions NA is suitable for a relationship analysis between autonomic and nonautonomic components. Our preliminary analyses indicate that NA can expand the value of autonomic testing and provide new insight into the functioning of the ANS and related systems in complex disease processes such as PASC and POTS. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10072-022-06423-y.
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39
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Sotzny F, Filgueiras IS, Kedor C, Freitag H, Wittke K, Bauer S, Sepúlveda N, Mathias da Fonseca DL, Baiocchi GC, Marques AHC, Kim M, Lange T, Plaça DR, Luebber F, Paulus FM, De Vito R, Jurisica I, Schulze-Forster K, Paul F, Bellmann-Strobl J, Rust R, Hoppmann U, Shoenfeld Y, Riemekasten G, Heidecke H, Cabral-Marques O, Scheibenbogen C. Dysregulated autoantibodies targeting vaso- and immunoregulatory receptors in Post COVID Syndrome correlate with symptom severity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:981532. [PMID: 36238301 PMCID: PMC9552223 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.981532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Most patients with Post COVID Syndrome (PCS) present with a plethora of symptoms without clear evidence of organ dysfunction. A subset of them fulfills diagnostic criteria of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Symptom severity of ME/CFS correlates with natural regulatory autoantibody (AAB) levels targeting several G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR). In this exploratory study, we analyzed serum AAB levels against vaso- and immunoregulatory receptors, mostly GPCRs, in 80 PCS patients following mild-to-moderate COVID-19, with 40 of them fulfilling diagnostic criteria of ME/CFS. Healthy seronegative (n=38) and asymptomatic post COVID-19 controls (n=40) were also included in the study as control groups. We found lower levels for various AABs in PCS compared to at least one control group, accompanied by alterations in the correlations among AABs. Classification using random forest indicated AABs targeting ADRB2, STAB1, and ADRA2A as the strongest classifiers (AABs stratifying patients according to disease outcomes) of post COVID-19 outcomes. Several AABs correlated with symptom severity in PCS groups. Remarkably, severity of fatigue and vasomotor symptoms were associated with ADRB2 AAB levels in PCS/ME/CFS patients. Our study identified dysregulation of AAB against various receptors involved in the autonomous nervous system (ANS), vaso-, and immunoregulation and their correlation with symptom severity, pointing to their role in the pathogenesis of PCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Sotzny
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Franziska Sotzny, ; Igor Salerno Filgueiras, ; Otavio Cabral-Marques, ; Carmen Scheibenbogen,
| | - Igor Salerno Filgueiras
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Franziska Sotzny, ; Igor Salerno Filgueiras, ; Otavio Cabral-Marques, ; Carmen Scheibenbogen,
| | - Claudia Kedor
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Helma Freitag
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten Wittke
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Bauer
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nuno Sepúlveda
- Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
- CEAUL – Centro de Estatística e Aplicações da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Gabriela Crispim Baiocchi
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre H. C. Marques
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Myungjin Kim
- Data Science Initiative, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Tanja Lange
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Desirée Rodrigues Plaça
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Finn Luebber
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Frieder M. Paulus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Roberta De Vito
- Department of Biostatistics and the Data Science Initiative, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Igor Jurisica
- Osteoarthritis Research Program, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Schroeder Arthritis Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Data Science Discovery Centre for Chronic Diseases, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Neuroimmunology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Friedemann Paul
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Judith Bellmann-Strobl
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Rebekka Rust
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Uta Hoppmann
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Yehuda Shoenfeld
- Zabludowicz Center for Autoimmune Diseases, Sheba Medical Center, Affiliated with the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
- Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | | | - Otavio Cabral-Marques
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Interunit PostGraduate Program on Bioinformatics, Institute of Mathematics and Statistics (IME), University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analyses, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy, and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Sao Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Franziska Sotzny, ; Igor Salerno Filgueiras, ; Otavio Cabral-Marques, ; Carmen Scheibenbogen,
| | - Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute for Medical Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Franziska Sotzny, ; Igor Salerno Filgueiras, ; Otavio Cabral-Marques, ; Carmen Scheibenbogen,
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Are Nutraceuticals Effective in COVID-19 and Post-COVID Prevention and Treatment? Foods 2022; 11:foods11182884. [PMID: 36141012 PMCID: PMC9498392 DOI: 10.3390/foods11182884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [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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Haunhorst S, Bloch W, Wagner H, Ellert C, Krüger K, Vilser DC, Finke K, Reuken P, Pletz MW, Stallmach A, Puta C. Long COVID: a narrative review of the clinical aftermaths of COVID-19 with a focus on the putative pathophysiology and aspects of physical activity. OXFORD OPEN IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 3:iqac006. [PMID: 36846561 PMCID: PMC9494493 DOI: 10.1093/oxfimm/iqac006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The pandemic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause multi-systemic symptoms that can persist beyond the acute symptomatic phase. The post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), also referred to as long COVID, describe the persistence of symptoms and/or long-term complications beyond 4 weeks from the onset of the acute symptoms and are estimated to affect at least 20% of the individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 regardless of their acute disease severity. The multi-faceted clinical picture of long COVID encompasses a plethora of undulating clinical manifestations impacting various body systems such as fatigue, headache, attention disorder, hair loss and exercise intolerance. The physiological response to exercise testing is characterized by a reduced aerobic capacity, cardiocirculatory limitations, dysfunctional breathing patterns and an impaired ability to extract and use oxygen. Still, to this day, the causative pathophysiological mechanisms of long COVID remain to be elucidated, with long-term organ damage, immune system dysregulation and endotheliopathy being among the hypotheses discussed. Likewise, there is still a paucity of treatment options and evidence-based strategies for the management of the symptoms. In sum, this review explores different aspects of long COVID and maps the literature on what is known about its clinical manifestations, potential pathophysiological mechanisms, and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Haunhorst
- Department of Sports Medicine and Health Promotion, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena 07749, Germany,Department of Movement Science, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Bloch
- Department for Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, Institute for Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne 50933, Germany
| | - Heiko Wagner
- Department of Movement Science, University of Münster, Münster 48149, Germany
| | - Claudia Ellert
- Department for Vascular Surgery, Lahn-Dill Clinics Wetzlar, Wetzlar 35578, Germany
| | - Karsten Krüger
- Department of Exercise Physiology and Sports Therapy, Institute of Sports Science, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen 35394, Germany
| | - Daniel C Vilser
- Hospital for Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Kathrin Finke
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Philipp Reuken
- Clinic for Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Mathias W Pletz
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Andreas Stallmach
- Clinic for Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Christian Puta
- Correspondence address. Department for Sports Medicine and Health Promotion, Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena, Wöllnitzer Straße 42, Jena 07749, Germany. Tel: +49 3641 9-45607; Fax: +49 3641 9-45652; E-mail:
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Ogungbe O, Gilotra NA, Davidson PM, Farley JE, Dennison Himmelfarb CR, Post WS, Commodore-Mensah Y. Cardiac postacute sequelae symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 in community-dwelling adults: cross-sectional study. Open Heart 2022. [PMCID: PMC9445235 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2022-002084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To examine risk factors for cardiac-related postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) in community-dwelling adults after acute COVID-19 infection. Methods We performed a cross-sectional analysis among adults who tested positive for COVID-19. Outcomes were self-reported cardiac-related PASC. We conducted stepwise multivariable logistic regression to assess association between the risk factors (existing cardiovascular disease (CVD), pre-existing conditions, days since positive test, COVID-19 hospitalisation, age, sex, education, income) and cardiac-related PASC. Results In a sample of 442 persons, mean (SD) age was 45.4 (16.2) years, 71% were women, 13% were black, 46% had pre-existing conditions, 23% had cardiovascular (CV) risk factors and 4% had CVD. Prevalence of cardiac PASC was 43% and newly diagnosed cardiac conditions were 27%. The odds for cardiac-related PASC were higher among persons with underlying pre-existing conditions (adjusted OR (aOR): 2.00, 95% CI: 1.28 to 3.10) and among those who were hospitalised (aOR: 3.03, 95% CI: 1.58 to 5.83). Conclusions More than a third of persons with COVID-19 reported cardiac-related PASC symptoms. Underlying CVD, pre-existing diseases, age and COVID-19 hospitalisation are possible risk factors for cardiac-related PASC symptoms. COVID-19 may exacerbate CV risk factors and increase risk of complications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nisha A Gilotra
- Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Patricia M Davidson
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- University of Wollongong, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason E Farley
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- The Center for Infectious Disease and Nursing Innovation, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Cheryl R Dennison Himmelfarb
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Wendy S Post
- Division of Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yvonne Commodore-Mensah
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Aydin E, Aydin S, Gül M, Yetim M, Demir M, Özkan C, Karakurt M, Burak C, Bayraktar MF, Temizer O, Erbay İ, Muştu M, Karagöz A, Üzoğullari İR, Şen T, Özeke Ö, Topaloğlu S, Aras D, Tanboğa Hİ. Influence of Intermittent Fasting During Ramadan on Circadian Variation of Symptom-Onset and Prehospital Time Delay in Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction. Angiology 2022; 74:569-578. [PMID: 35975875 DOI: 10.1177/00033197221114087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Ramadan interferes with circadian rhythms mainly by disturbing the routine patterns of feeding and smoking. The objective of this study was to investigate the circadian pattern of ST elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI) during the month of Ramadan. We studied consecutive STEMI patients 1 month before and after Ramadan (non-Ramadan group-NRG) and during Ramadan (Ramadan group-RG). The RG group was also divided into two groups, based on whether they chose to fast: fasting (FG) and non-fasting group (NFG). The time of STEMI onset was compared. A total of 742 consecutive STEMI patients were classified into 4 groups by 6 h intervals according to time-of-day at symptom onset. No consistent circadian variation in the onset of STEMI was observed both between the RG (P = .938) and NRG (P = .766) or between the FG (P = .232) and NFG (P = .523). When analyzed for subgroups of the study sample, neither smoking nor diabetes showed circadian rhythm. There was a trend towards a delay from symptom onset to hospital presentation, particularly at evening hours in the RG compared with the control group. In conclusion, there was no significant difference in STEMI onset time, but the time from symptom onset to hospital admission was significantly delayed during Ramadan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ertan Aydin
- Cardiology, Prof. Dr A. İlhan Özdemir Training and Research Hospital, Giresun University, Giresun, Turkey
| | | | - Murat Gül
- Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Aksaray University, Aksaray, Turkey
| | - Mucahit Yetim
- Cardiology, Erol Olçok Training and Research Hospital, Hitit University, Çorum, Turkey
| | - Mevlüt Demir
- Cardiology, Evliya Celebi Training and Research Hospital, Kütahya Health Sciences University, Kutahya, Turkey
| | - Can Özkan
- Cardiology, Muş State Hospital, Muş, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Karakurt
- Cardiology, Kırıkkale Yuksek Ihtisas Hospital, Kırıkkale, Turkey
| | - Cengiz Burak
- Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, 485644Kafkas University, Kars, Turkey
| | | | | | - İlke Erbay
- Cardiology, Muş State Hospital, Muş, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Muştu
- Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, Karaman, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Karagöz
- Cardiology, Prof. Dr A. İlhan Özdemir Training and Research Hospital, Giresun University, Giresun, Turkey
| | | | - Taner Şen
- Cardiology, Evliya Celebi Training and Research Hospital, Kütahya Health Sciences University, Kutahya, Turkey
| | - Özcan Özeke
- Cardiology, Ankara City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serkan Topaloğlu
- Cardiology, Ankara City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dursun Aras
- Cardiology, Ankara City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey
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Drogalis-Kim D, Kramer C, Duran S. Ongoing Dizziness Following Acute COVID-19 Infection: A Single Center Pediatric Case Series. Pediatrics 2022; 150:188138. [PMID: 35642018 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2022-056860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dizziness is a common concern discussed at adolescent medical visits. In this series, we describe 9 pediatric patients with postacute sequelae of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus disease 2 (SARS-CoV-2) who presented with persistent, debilitating dizziness for weeks to months after their acute infection. METHODS Among the 9 patients, median age was 14 years (range: 11 to 17), 6 were female, and 8 had not received any SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. Five patients met diagnostic criteria for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) by active standing testing and benefited from a combination of nonpharmacologic therapy (NPT) and medication. RESULTS NPT alone did not improve symptoms in any patients. Patients who did not meet conventional criteria for POTS, but continued to have symptoms despite NPT compliance, also demonstrated subjective improvement in dizziness when medications were initiated. The majority of patients experienced improvement in dizziness and quality of life, including returning to sports teams and a regular school schedule. CONCLUSIONS A review of the postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 literature demonstrates increasing recognition of a subset of patients who develop autonomic dysfunction, including POTS, although the etiology and prognosis are not completely understood. Our case series aims to highlight the phenomenon of dysautonomia after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and its response to therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Drogalis-Kim
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology.,Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Collin Kramer
- Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Silvestre Duran
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology.,Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio
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Gyöngyösi M, Alcaide P, Asselbergs FW, Brundel BJJM, Camici GG, da Costa Martins P, Ferdinandy P, Fontana M, Girao H, Gnecchi M, Gollmann-Tepeköylü C, Kleinbongard P, Krieg T, Madonna R, Paillard M, Pantazis A, Perrino C, Pesce M, Schiattarella GG, Sluijter JPG, Steffens S, Tschöpe C, Van Linthout S, Davidson SM. Long COVID and the cardiovascular system - elucidating causes and cellular mechanisms in order to develop targeted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies: A joint Scientific Statement of the ESC Working Groups on Cellular Biology of the Heart and Myocardial & Pericardial Diseases. Cardiovasc Res 2022; 119:336-356. [PMID: 35875883 PMCID: PMC9384470 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvac115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID has become a world-wide, non-communicable epidemic, caused by long-lasting multi-organ symptoms that endure for weeks or months after SARS-CoV-2 infection has already subsided. This scientific document aims to provide insight into the possible causes and therapeutic options available for the cardiovascular manifestations of long COVID. In addition to chronic fatigue, which is a common symptom of long COVID, patients may present with chest pain, ECG abnormalities, postural orthostatic tachycardia, or newly developed supraventricular or ventricular arrhythmias. Imaging of the heart and vessels has provided evidence of chronic, post-infectious peri-myocarditis with consequent left or right ventricular failure, arterial wall inflammation or micro-thrombosis in certain patient populations. Better understanding of the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of long COVID will aid in the development of effective treatment strategies for its cardiovascular manifestations. A number of mechanisms have been proposed, including those involving direct effects on the myocardium, micro-thrombotic damage to vessels or endothelium, or persistent inflammation. Unfortunately, existing circulating biomarkers, coagulation and inflammatory markers, are not highly predictive for either the presence or outcome of long COVID when measured 3 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Further studies are needed to understand underlying mechanisms, identify specific biomarkers and guide future preventive strategies or treatments to address long COVID and its cardiovascular sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariann Gyöngyösi
- Corresponding Author: Mariann Gyöngyösi Division of Cardiology, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria Tel.: +43-1-40400-46140 , Fax: +43-1-40400-42160
| | - Pilar Alcaide
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Folkert W Asselbergs
- Department of Cardiology, Division Heart & Lungs, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands,Health Data Research UK and Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bianca J J M Brundel
- Department of Physiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Giovanni G Camici
- Center for Molecular Cardiology, University of Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland,University Heart Center, Department of Cardiology, University Hospital, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Paula da Costa Martins
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands,Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Sciences and Engineering, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Péter Ferdinandy
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary,Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Marianna Fontana
- Royal Free Hospital London, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Henrique Girao
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), Faculty of Medicine, Univ Coimbra, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Massimiliano Gnecchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Cardiology, University of Pavia,Unit of Translational Cardiology, Division of Cardiology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Petra Kleinbongard
- Institut für Pathophysiologie, Westdeutsches Herz- und Gefäßzentrum, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Krieg
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rosalinda Madonna
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Cardiology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Melanie Paillard
- Laboratoire CarMeN-équipe IRIS, INSERM, INRA, Université Claude Bernard Lyon-1, INSA-Lyon, Univ-Lyon, 69500 Bron, France
| | - Antonis Pantazis
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom; Cardiovascular Research Centre at Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cinzia Perrino
- Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples
| | - Maurizio Pesce
- Unità di Ingegneria Tissutale cardiovascolare, Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS
| | - Gabriele G Schiattarella
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Federico II University, Naples, Italy,Center for Cardiovascular Research (CCR), Department of Cardiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany,Translational Approaches in Heart Failure and Cardiometabolic Disease, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Joost P G Sluijter
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Cardiology, UMC Utrecht Regenerative Medicine Center,Circulatory Health Laboratory, Utrecht University, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine Steffens
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich,Germany and Munich Heart Alliance, DZHK partner site Munich, Germany
| | - Carsten Tschöpe
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité, - Universitätmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner site Berlin and Dept Cardiology (CVK), Charité, Berlin; Germany
| | - Sophie Van Linthout
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) at Charité, - Universitätmedizin Berlin, BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner site Berlin and Dept Cardiology (CVK), Charité, Berlin; Germany
| | - Sean M Davidson
- The Hatter Cardiovascular Institute, University College London, 67 Chenies Mews, WC1E 6HX, London, United Kingdom
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Loh D, Reiter RJ. Melatonin: Regulation of Viral Phase Separation and Epitranscriptomics in Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:8122. [PMID: 35897696 PMCID: PMC9368024 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23158122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The relentless, protracted evolution of the SARS-CoV-2 virus imposes tremendous pressure on herd immunity and demands versatile adaptations by the human host genome to counter transcriptomic and epitranscriptomic alterations associated with a wide range of short- and long-term manifestations during acute infection and post-acute recovery, respectively. To promote viral replication during active infection and viral persistence, the SARS-CoV-2 envelope protein regulates host cell microenvironment including pH and ion concentrations to maintain a high oxidative environment that supports template switching, causing extensive mitochondrial damage and activation of pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling cascades. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial distress induce dynamic changes to both the host and viral RNA m6A methylome, and can trigger the derepression of long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE1), resulting in global hypomethylation, epigenetic changes, and genomic instability. The timely application of melatonin during early infection enhances host innate antiviral immune responses by preventing the formation of "viral factories" by nucleocapsid liquid-liquid phase separation that effectively blockades viral genome transcription and packaging, the disassembly of stress granules, and the sequestration of DEAD-box RNA helicases, including DDX3X, vital to immune signaling. Melatonin prevents membrane depolarization and protects cristae morphology to suppress glycolysis via antioxidant-dependent and -independent mechanisms. By restraining the derepression of LINE1 via multifaceted strategies, and maintaining the balance in m6A RNA modifications, melatonin could be the quintessential ancient molecule that significantly influences the outcome of the constant struggle between virus and host to gain transcriptomic and epitranscriptomic dominance over the host genome during acute infection and PASC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doris Loh
- Independent Researcher, Marble Falls, TX 78654, USA;
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Impact of mild COVID-19 on balance function in young adults, a prospective observational study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12181. [PMID: 35842493 PMCID: PMC9287704 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16397-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Balance is of essential importance in human life. The aim of the study is to examine the incidence of balance impairments in young adults who have recovered from mild COVID-19. The study involved 100 subjects, divided into two groups: the study group (50 individuals) comprised subjects who had recovered from mild COVID-19, and the control group (50 individuals) consisted of healthy subjects matched for gender and age. Balance was assessed using a force platform and clinical tests such as: timed up and go test, 15-s step test, sit-to-stand test and 6-min walk test. The assessment on the platform showed greater balance impairments in the trials with eyes closed; more specifically, compared to the controls, in trials with double-leg support the subjects from the study group acquired significantly higher scores in X average (lateral coordinates) (p < 0.05), Path length, V average (average Centre of Foot Pressure Velocity) (p < 0.05) and Area circular (p < 0.01), with even more significant results in trials with single-leg support in X average (p < 0.001), Y average (anterior–posterior coordinates) (p < 0.001) and Path length (p = 0.004). Higher scores in the timed up and go test were found in the study group (p = 0.013). The control group had higher scores in the remaining tests. The current findings show that mild COVID-19 may lead to balance impairments in young adults. Statistically significant differences in balance were found between the subjects in the study group and the healthy controls. Further studies in this area should take into account more age groups, and patients recovered from severe COVID-19, and should investigate long-term consequences of COVID-19 reflected by balance problems.
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48
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COVID-19 Vaccination Might Induce Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome: A Case Report. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10070991. [PMID: 35891154 PMCID: PMC9323926 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10070991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
We report a case of new-onset postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in a healthy 46-year-old female after a single dose of the BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. There have been three prior reports of new-onset postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome after COVID-19 vaccination. Predominant symptoms noted included fatigue, brain fog, headache, sinus tachycardia, and dizziness. Management includes noninvasive therapies, behavioral approaches, and pharmacologic regimens. Here, the patient presented with fatigue, palpitations, dizziness, and presyncope, with symptoms beginning 7 days after vaccination. Presenting vitals included temperature within normal limits, inappropriate tachycardia, up to 120 beats per minute, blood pressure of 128/87 mm of mercury, and 100% saturation in room air. Her management included lifestyle changes, dietary supplements, and ivabradine. Further studies are needed to evaluate prevalence, etiology, and optimal management.
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Carmona-Torre F, Mínguez-Olaondo A, López-Bravo A, Tijero B, Grozeva V, Walcker M, Azkune-Galparsoro H, López de Munain A, Alcaide AB, Quiroga J, Del Pozo JL, Gómez-Esteban JC. Dysautonomia in COVID-19 Patients: A Narrative Review on Clinical Course, Diagnostic and Therapeutic Strategies. Front Neurol 2022; 13:886609. [PMID: 35720084 PMCID: PMC9198643 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.886609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization sounded the COVID-19 pandemic alarm. While efforts in the first few months focused on reducing the mortality of infected patients, there is increasing data on the effects of long-term infection (Post-COVID-19 condition). Among the different symptoms described after acute infection, those derived from autonomic dysfunction are especially frequent and limiting. Objective To conduct a narrative review synthesizing current evidence of the signs and symptoms of dysautonomia in patients diagnosed with COVID-19, together with a compilation of available treatment guidelines. Results Autonomic dysfunction associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection occurs at different temporal stages. Some of the proposed pathophysiological mechanisms include direct tissue damage, immune dysregulation, hormonal disturbances, elevated cytokine levels, and persistent low-grade infection. Acute autonomic dysfunction has a direct impact on the mortality risk, given its repercussions on the respiratory, cardiovascular, and neurological systems. Iatrogenic autonomic dysfunction is a side effect caused by the drugs used and/or admission to the intensive care unit. Finally, late dysautonomia occurs in 2.5% of patients with Post-COVID-19 condition. While orthostatic hypotension and neurally-mediated syncope should be considered, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) appears to be the most common autonomic phenotype among these patients. A review of diagnostic and treatment guidelines focused on each type of dysautonomic condition was done. Conclusion Symptoms deriving from autonomic dysfunction involvement are common in those affected by COVID-19. These symptoms have a great impact on the quality of life both in the short and medium to long term. A better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of Post-COVID manifestations that affect the autonomic nervous system, and targeted therapeutic management could help reduce the sequelae of COVID-19, especially if we act in the earliest phases of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Carmona-Torre
- Infectious Disease Service, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,COVID-19 Department, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Immune and Infectious Inflammatory Diseases Research, IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ane Mínguez-Olaondo
- Neurology Department, Donostia University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, San Sebastián, Spain.,ATHENEA Neuroclinics, Policlínica Gipuzkoa Grupo Quironsalud, Donostia, Spain.,Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain.,Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba López-Bravo
- Neurology Department, Hospital Reina Sofía de Tudela-OSASUNBIDEA, Tudela, Spain.,Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS-A), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Beatriz Tijero
- Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain.,Neurodegenerative Diseases Group Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Neurology Department, Cruces University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | - Michaela Walcker
- ATHENEA Neuroclinics, Policlínica Gipuzkoa Grupo Quironsalud, Donostia, Spain
| | - Harkaitz Azkune-Galparsoro
- Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain.,Infectious Disease Department, Donostia University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, San Sebastián, Spain.,Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Adolfo López de Munain
- Neurology Department, Donostia University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, San Sebastián, Spain.,ATHENEA Neuroclinics, Policlínica Gipuzkoa Grupo Quironsalud, Donostia, Spain.,Neuroscience Area, Biodonostia Research Institute, San Sebastián, Spain.,Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
| | - Ana Belen Alcaide
- COVID-19 Department, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Pulmonary Department, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Jorge Quiroga
- COVID-19 Department, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Immune and Infectious Inflammatory Diseases Research, IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain.,Internal Medicine Department, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose Luis Del Pozo
- Infectious Disease Service, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,COVID-19 Department, University Clinic of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,Immune and Infectious Inflammatory Diseases Research, IdiSNA, Navarra Institute for Health Research, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Gómez-Esteban
- ATHENEA Neuroclinics, Policlínica Gipuzkoa Grupo Quironsalud, Donostia, Spain.,Neurology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Deusto, Bilbao, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Institute Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Neurodegenerative Diseases Group Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Neurology Department, Cruces University Hospital-OSAKIDETZA, Barakaldo, Spain.,Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Leioa, Spain
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Cardiovascular Tropism and Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061137. [PMID: 35746609 PMCID: PMC9228192 DOI: 10.3390/v14061137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The extrapulmonary manifestation of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), became apparent early in the ongoing pandemic. It is now recognized that cells of the cardiovascular system are targets of SARS-CoV-2 infection and associated disease pathogenesis. While some details are emerging, much remains to be understood pertaining to the mechanistic basis by which SARS-CoV-2 contributes to acute and chronic manifestations of COVID-19. This knowledge has the potential to improve clinical management for the growing populations of patients impacted by COVID-19. Here, we review the epidemiology and pathophysiology of cardiovascular sequelae of COVID-19 and outline proposed disease mechanisms, including direct SARS-CoV-2 infection of major cardiovascular cell types and pathogenic effects of non-infectious viral particles and elicited inflammatory mediators. Finally, we identify the major outstanding questions in cardiovascular COVID-19 research.
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