1
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Emerson ND, Lavretsky H, Pittman WQ, Viswanathan N, Siddarth P. An open trial of biofeedback for long COVID. J Psychosom Res 2024; 179:111625. [PMID: 38458016 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Biofeedback is a therapeutic treatment model that teaches self-regulation of autonomic functions to alleviate stress-related symptoms. "Long COVID" refers to chronic physical and cognitive sequelae post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study examined the efficacy of a six-week intervention, consisting of weekly one-hour sessions combining heart rate variability and temperature biofeedback, for alleviating mood symptoms, somatic symptoms and sleep disturbance of patients diagnosed with long COVID. METHODS Data were collected from 20 adult participants aged 22-63 (Mage = 44.1, SDage = 12.2) with varying long COVID symptoms. Within this single arm design, 16 of the 20 participants completed all six sessions of biofeedback; 14 completed an assessment at the three-month post-treatment time point. RESULTS Participants self-reported significant improvements in somatic, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, sleep quality, quality of life, and number of "bad days" immediately after the intervention and three months later (Cohen's d effect size (ES) = 1.09-0.46). Reduced number of medical doctor visits (ES = 0.85) and prescription drug use over the last month (odds ratio = 0.33), as well as improved emotional wellbeing (ES = 0.97) were observed at the three-month time point only. CONCLUSION Results suggest that this short, readily scalable intervention can be potentially efficacious in alleviating symptoms of long COVID. Despite notable improvements, the major limitation of this study is its lack of control group. While a randomized trial merits study, biofeedback appears to be a brief, effective, non-invasive, and low-cost treatment option for patients with chronic somatic symptoms secondary to SARS-CoV-2 infection. CLINICALTRIALS govID: NCT05120648.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natacha D Emerson
- UCLA Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, United States.
| | - Helen Lavretsky
- UCLA Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, United States
| | - William Q Pittman
- UCLA Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, United States
| | - Nisha Viswanathan
- UCLA Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, United States
| | - Prabha Siddarth
- UCLA Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, United States
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lee C, Greenwood DC, Master H, Balasundaram K, Williams P, Scott JT, Wood C, Cooper R, Darbyshire JL, Gonzalez AE, Davies HE, Osborne T, Corrado J, Iftekhar N, Rogers N, Delaney B, Greenhalgh T, Sivan M. Prevalence of orthostatic intolerance in long covid clinic patients and healthy volunteers: A multicenter study. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29486. [PMID: 38456315 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29486] [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: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Orthostatic intolerance (OI), including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (PoTS) and orthostatic hypotension (OH), are often reported in long covid, but published studies are small with inconsistent results. We sought to estimate the prevalence of objective OI in patients attending long covid clinics and healthy volunteers and associations with OI symptoms and comorbidities. Participants with a diagnosis of long covid were recruited from eight UK long covid clinics, and healthy volunteers from general population. All undertook standardized National Aeronautics and Space Administration Lean Test (NLT). Participants' history of typical OI symptoms (e.g., dizziness, palpitations) before and during the NLT were recorded. Two hundred seventy-seven long covid patients and 50 frequency-matched healthy volunteers were tested. Healthy volunteers had no history of OI symptoms or symptoms during NLT or PoTS, 10% had asymptomatic OH. One hundred thirty (47%) long covid patients had previous history of OI symptoms and 144 (52%) developed symptoms during the NLT. Forty-one (15%) had an abnormal NLT, 20 (7%) met criteria for PoTS, and 21 (8%) had OH. Of patients with an abnormal NLT, 45% had no prior symptoms of OI. Relaxing the diagnostic thresholds for PoTS from two consecutive abnormal readings to one abnormal reading during the NLT, resulted in 11% of long covid participants (an additional 4%) meeting criteria for PoTS, but not in healthy volunteers. More than half of long covid patients experienced OI symptoms during NLT and more than one in 10 patients met the criteria for either PoTS or OH, half of whom did not report previous typical OI symptoms. We therefore recommend all patients attending long covid clinics are offered an NLT and appropriate management commenced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassie Lee
- Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Harsha Master
- Covid Assessment and Rehabilitation Service, Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust, Welwyn Garden City, UK
| | - Kumaran Balasundaram
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Respiratory & Infection Theme, Glenfield Hospital, Leicester, UK
| | - Paul Williams
- Covid Assessment and Rehabilitation Service, Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust, Welwyn Garden City, UK
| | - Janet T Scott
- Development and Innovation Department, NHS Highlands, Inverness, UK
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Glasgow, UK
| | - Conor Wood
- Birmingham Community Healthcare, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rowena Cooper
- Development and Innovation Department, NHS Highlands, Inverness, UK
| | - Julie L Darbyshire
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Helen E Davies
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, UK
| | - Thomas Osborne
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Leeds, UK
| | - Joanna Corrado
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Leeds, UK
| | - Nafi Iftekhar
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Brendan Delaney
- Department of Surgery & Cancer, Imperial College, Faculty of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Trish Greenhalgh
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Manoj Sivan
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Leeds, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yong SJ, Halim A, Liu S, Halim M, Alshehri AA, Alshahrani MA, Alshahrani MM, Alfaraj AH, Alburaiky LM, Khamis F, Muzaheed, AlShehail BM, Alfaresi M, Al Azmi R, Albayat H, Al Kaabi NA, Alhajri M, Al Amri KAS, Alsalman J, Algosaibi SA, Al Fares MA, Almanaa TN, Almutawif YA, Mohapatra RK, Rabaan AA. Pooled rates and demographics of POTS following SARS-CoV-2 infection versus COVID-19 vaccination: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Auton Neurosci 2023; 250:103132. [PMID: 38000119 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2023.103132] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To address recent concerns of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) occurring after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination. METHODS We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus as of 1st June 2023. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of pooled POTS rate in SARS-CoV-2-infected and COVID-19-vaccinated groups from epidemiological studies, followed by subgroup analyses by characteristic. Meta-analysis of risk ratio was conducted to compare POTS rate in infected versus uninfected groups. Meta-analysis of demographics was also performed to compare cases of post-infection and post-vaccination POTS from case reports and series. RESULTS We estimated the pooled POTS rate of 107.75 (95 % CI: 9.73 to 273.52) and 3.94 (95 % CI: 0 to 16.39) cases per 10,000 (i.e., 1.08 % and 0.039 %) in infected and vaccinated individuals based on 5 and 2 studies, respectively. Meta-regression revealed age as a significant variable influencing 86.2 % variance of the pooled POTS rate in infected population (P < 0.05). Moreover, POTS was 2.12-fold more likely to occur in infected than uninfected individuals (RR = 2.12, 95 % CI: 1.71 to 2.62, P < 0.001). Meta-analyzed demographics for cases of post-infection (n = 43) and post-vaccination (n = 17) POTS found no significant differences in several variables between groups, except that the time from exposure to symptom onset was shorter for cases of post-vaccination POTS (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Although evidence is limited for post-vaccination POTS, our study showed that POTS occur more frequently following SARS-CoV-2 infection than COVID-19 vaccination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shin Jie Yong
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Medical and Life Sciences, Sunway University, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Alice Halim
- Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiliang Liu
- Centre for Surveillance and Applied Research, Public Health Agency of Canada, Ontario, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael Halim
- Department of Biomedical Science, School of Science, Engineering and Environment, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmad A Alshehri
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed M Alshahrani
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal H Alfaraj
- Pediatric Department, Abqaiq General Hospital, First Eastern Health Cluster, Abqaiq, Saudi Arabia
| | - Lamees M Alburaiky
- Pediatric Department, Safwa General Hospital, Eastern Health Cluster, Safwa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faryal Khamis
- Infection Diseases unit, Department of Internal Medicine, The Royal Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Muzaheed
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bashayer M AlShehail
- Pharmacy Practice Department, College of Clinical Pharmacy, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mubarak Alfaresi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Zayed Military Hospital, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Reyouf Al Azmi
- Infection Prevention and Control, Eastern Health Cluster, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hawra Albayat
- Infectious Disease Department, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nawal A Al Kaabi
- Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi Health Services Company, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; College of Medicine and Health Science, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mashael Alhajri
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Jameela Alsalman
- Infection Disease Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Manama, Bahrain
| | - Sarah A Algosaibi
- Academic and Clinical Training, Eastern Health Cluster, Rural Health Network, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona A Al Fares
- Department of Internal Medicine, King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taghreed N Almanaa
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yahya A Almutawif
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ranjan K Mohapatra
- Department of Chemistry, Government College of Engineering, Keonjhar, India
| | - Ali A Rabaan
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia; College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Department of Public Health and Nutrition, The University of Haripur, Haripur, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Altmann DM, Whettlock EM, Liu S, Arachchillage DJ, Boyton RJ. The immunology of long COVID. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:618-634. [PMID: 37433988 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-023-00904-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 94.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Long COVID is the patient-coined term for the disease entity whereby persistent symptoms ensue in a significant proportion of those who have had COVID-19, whether asymptomatic, mild or severe. Estimated numbers vary but the assumption is that, of all those who had COVID-19 globally, at least 10% have long COVID. The disease burden spans from mild symptoms to profound disability, the scale making this a huge, new health-care challenge. Long COVID will likely be stratified into several more or less discrete entities with potentially distinct pathogenic pathways. The evolving symptom list is extensive, multi-organ, multisystem and relapsing-remitting, including fatigue, breathlessness, neurocognitive effects and dysautonomia. A range of radiological abnormalities in the olfactory bulb, brain, heart, lung and other sites have been observed in individuals with long COVID. Some body sites indicate the presence of microclots; these and other blood markers of hypercoagulation implicate a likely role of endothelial activation and clotting abnormalities. Diverse auto-antibody (AAB) specificities have been found, as yet without a clear consensus or correlation with symptom clusters. There is support for a role of persistent SARS-CoV-2 reservoirs and/or an effect of Epstein-Barr virus reactivation, and evidence from immune subset changes for broad immune perturbation. Thus, the current picture is one of convergence towards a map of an immunopathogenic aetiology of long COVID, though as yet with insufficient data for a mechanistic synthesis or to fully inform therapeutic pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel M Altmann
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Emily M Whettlock
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Siyi Liu
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Deepa J Arachchillage
- Centre for Haematology, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Haematology, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Rosemary J Boyton
- Department of Infectious Disease, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
- Lung Division, Royal Brompton and Harefield Hospitals, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
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: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Perumal R, Shunmugam L, Naidoo K, Wilkins D, Garzino-Demo A, Brechot C, Vahlne A, Nikolich J. Biological mechanisms underpinning the development of long COVID. iScience 2023; 26:106935. [PMID: 37265584 PMCID: PMC10193768 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
As COVID-19 evolves from a pandemic to an endemic disease, the already staggering number of people that have been or will be infected with SARS-CoV-2 is only destined to increase, and the majority of humanity will be infected. It is well understood that COVID-19, like many other viral infections, leaves a significant fraction of the infected with prolonged consequences. Continued high number of SARS-CoV-2 infections, viral evolution with escape from post-infection and vaccinal immunity, and reinfections heighten the potential impact of Long COVID. Hence, the impact of COVID-19 on human health will be seen for years to come until more effective vaccines and pharmaceutical treatments become available. To that effect, it is imperative that the mechanisms underlying the clinical manifestations of Long COVID be elucidated. In this article, we provide an in-depth analysis of the evidence on several potential mechanisms of Long COVID and discuss their relevance to its pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rubeshan Perumal
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)-CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban 4001, South Africa
- Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care, Division of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 4001, South Africa
- Department of Immunobiology and the University of Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Letitia Shunmugam
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)-CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Kogieleum Naidoo
- South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC)-CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), Durban 4001, South Africa
| | - Dave Wilkins
- The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Alfredo Garzino-Demo
- The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova 1- 35129, Italy
| | - Christian Brechot
- The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Infectious Disease and International Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Anders Vahlne
- The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 17165, Sweden
| | - Janko Nikolich
- The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- The Aegis Consortium for Pandemic-Free Future, University of Arizona Health Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Perumal R, Shunmugam L, Naidoo K, Abdool Karim SS, Wilkins D, Garzino-Demo A, Brechot C, Parthasarathy S, Vahlne A, Nikolich JŽ. Long COVID: a review and proposed visualization of the complexity of long COVID. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1117464. [PMID: 37153597 PMCID: PMC10157068 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1117464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-Acute Sequelae of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus - 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, or Long COVID, is a prevailing second pandemic with nearly 100 million affected individuals globally and counting. We propose a visual description of the complexity of Long COVID and its pathogenesis that can be used by researchers, clinicians, and public health officials to guide the global effort toward an improved understanding of Long COVID and the eventual mechanism-based provision of care to afflicted patients. The proposed visualization or framework for Long COVID should be an evidence-based, dynamic, modular, and systems-level approach to the condition. Furthermore, with further research such a framework could establish the strength of the relationships between pre-existing conditions (or risk factors), biological mechanisms, and resulting clinical phenotypes and outcomes of Long COVID. Notwithstanding the significant contribution that disparities in access to care and social determinants of health have on outcomes and disease course of long COVID, our model focuses primarily on biological mechanisms. Accordingly, the proposed visualization sets out to guide scientific, clinical, and public health efforts to better understand and abrogate the health burden imposed by long COVID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rubeshan Perumal
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) - CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
- Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care, Division of Internal Medicine, School Clinical Medicine, Nelson R Mandela School of Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
- Long COVID Taskforce, The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Letitia Shunmugam
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) - CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Kogieleum Naidoo
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) - CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Salim S. Abdool Karim
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) - CAPRISA HIV-TB Pathogenesis and Treatment Research Unit, Durban, South Africa
| | - Dave Wilkins
- Long COVID Taskforce, The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alfredo Garzino-Demo
- Long COVID Taskforce, The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Christian Brechot
- Long COVID Taskforce, The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sairam Parthasarathy
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine and University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Anders Vahlne
- Long COVID Taskforce, The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Division of Clinical Microbiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Janko Ž. Nikolich
- Long COVID Taskforce, The Global Virus Network, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Immunobiology and the University of Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson, Tucson, AZ, United States
- The Aegis Consortium for Pandemic-Free Future, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, United States
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
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
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ormiston CK, Świątkiewicz I, Taub PR. Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome as a sequela of COVID-19. Heart Rhythm 2022; 19:1880-1889. [PMID: 35853576 PMCID: PMC9287587 DOI: 10.1016/j.hrthm.2022.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) is a complex multisystem disorder characterized by orthostatic intolerance and tachycardia and may be triggered by viral infection. Recent reports indicate that 2%-14% of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors develop POTS and 9%-61% experience POTS-like symptoms, such as tachycardia, orthostatic intolerance, fatigue, and cognitive impairment within 6-8 months of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Pathophysiological mechanisms of post-COVID-19 POTS are not well understood. Current hypotheses include autoimmunity related to SARS-CoV-2 infection, autonomic dysfunction, direct toxic injury by SARS-CoV-2 to the autonomic nervous system, and invasion of the central nervous system by SARS-CoV-2. Practitioners should actively assess POTS in patients with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome symptoms. Given that the symptoms of post-COVID-19 POTS are predominantly chronic orthostatic tachycardia, lifestyle modifications in combination with the use of heart rate-lowering medications along with other pharmacotherapies should be considered. For example, ivabradine or β-blockers in combination with compression stockings and increasing salt and fluid intake has shown potential. Treatment teams should be multidisciplinary, including physicians of various specialties, nurses, psychologists, and physiotherapists. Additionally, more resources to adequately care for this patient population are urgently needed given the increased demand for autonomic specialists and clinics since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering our limited understanding of post-COVID-19 POTS, further research on topics such as its natural history, pathophysiological mechanisms, and ideal treatment is warranted. This review evaluates the current literature available on the associations between COVID-19 and POTS, possible mechanisms, patient assessment, treatments, and future directions to improving our understanding of post-COVID-19 POTS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cameron K Ormiston
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Iwona Świątkiewicz
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; Department of Cardiology and Internal Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University Torun, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Pam R Taub
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, California.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
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.
Collapse
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:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
The potential role of ischaemia-reperfusion injury in chronic, relapsing diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Long COVID, and ME/CFS: evidence, mechanisms, and therapeutic implications. Biochem J 2022; 479:1653-1708. [PMID: 36043493 PMCID: PMC9484810 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ischaemia–reperfusion (I–R) injury, initiated via bursts of reactive oxygen species produced during the reoxygenation phase following hypoxia, is well known in a variety of acute circumstances. We argue here that I–R injury also underpins elements of the pathology of a variety of chronic, inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, ME/CFS and, our chief focus and most proximally, Long COVID. Ischaemia may be initiated via fibrin amyloid microclot blockage of capillaries, for instance as exercise is started; reperfusion is a necessary corollary when it finishes. We rehearse the mechanistic evidence for these occurrences here, in terms of their manifestation as oxidative stress, hyperinflammation, mast cell activation, the production of marker metabolites and related activities. Such microclot-based phenomena can explain both the breathlessness/fatigue and the post-exertional malaise that may be observed in these conditions, as well as many other observables. The recognition of these processes implies, mechanistically, that therapeutic benefit is potentially to be had from antioxidants, from anti-inflammatories, from iron chelators, and via suitable, safe fibrinolytics, and/or anti-clotting agents. We review the considerable existing evidence that is consistent with this, and with the biochemical mechanisms involved.
Collapse
|