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Szarvas Z, Fekete M, Szollosi GJ, Kup K, Horvath R, Shimizu M, Tsuhiya F, Choi HE, Wu HT, Fazekas-Pongor V, Pete KN, Cserjesi R, Bakos R, Gobel O, Gyongyosi K, Pinter R, Kolozsvari D, Kovats Z, Yabluchanskiy A, Owens CD, Ungvari Z, Tarantini S, Horvath G, Muller V, Varga JT. Optimizing cardiopulmonary rehabilitation duration for long COVID patients: an exercise physiology monitoring approach. GeroScience 2024; 46:4163-4183. [PMID: 38771423 PMCID: PMC11336035 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-024-01179-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The presence of prolonged symptoms after COVID infection worsens the workability and quality of life. 200 adults with long COVID syndrome were enrolled after medical, physical, and mental screening, and were divided into two groups based on their performance. The intervention group (n = 100) received supervised rehabilitation at Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University with the registration number 160/2021 between 01/APR/2021-31/DEC/2022, while an age-matched control group (n = 100) received a single check-up. To evaluate the long-term effects of the rehabilitation, the intervention group was involved in a 2- and 3-month follow-up, carrying out cardiopulmonary exercise test. Our study contributes understanding long COVID rehabilitation, emphasizing the potential benefits of structured cardiopulmonary rehabilitation in enhancing patient outcomes and well-being. Significant difference was found between intervention group and control group at baseline visit in pulmonary parameters, as forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume, forced expiratory volume, transfer factor for carbon monoxide, transfer coefficient for carbon monoxide, and oxygen saturation (all p < 0.05). Our follow-up study proved that a 2-week long, patient-centered pulmonary rehabilitation program has a positive long-term effect on people with symptomatic long COVID syndrome. Our data showed significant improvement between two and three months in maximal oxygen consumption (p < 0.05). Multidisciplinary, individualized approach may be a key element of a successful cardiopulmonary rehabilitation in long COVID conditions, which improves workload, quality of life, respiratory function, and status of patients with long COVID syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsofia Szarvas
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Monika Fekete
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergo Jozsef Szollosi
- Coordination Center for Research in Social Sciences, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Katica Kup
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Rita Horvath
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Maya Shimizu
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Fuko Tsuhiya
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ha Eun Choi
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Huang-Tzu Wu
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Vince Fazekas-Pongor
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kinga Nedda Pete
- Doctoral School of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Renata Cserjesi
- Institute of Psychology, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Regina Bakos
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Gobel
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kata Gyongyosi
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Renata Pinter
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dora Kolozsvari
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Kovats
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Andriy Yabluchanskiy
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Cameron D Owens
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Zoltan Ungvari
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Stefano Tarantini
- International Training Program in Geroscience, Doctoral School of Basic and Translational Medicine/Department of Public Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Oklahoma Center for Geroscience and Healthy Brain Aging, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Vascular Cognitive Impairment, Neurodegeneration and Healthy Brain Aging Program, Department of Neurosurgery, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, College of Public Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Gabor Horvath
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Veronika Muller
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Janos Tamas Varga
- Department of Pulmonology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
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Vroegindeweij A, Houtveen J, Lucassen DA, Van De Putte EM, Wulffraat NM, Nijhof SL, Swart JF. Individual outcomes after tailored versus generic self-management strategies for persistent fatigue in youth with a fatigue syndrome or rheumatic condition: A multiple single-case study. Br J Health Psychol 2024; 29:712-730. [PMID: 38531612 DOI: 10.1111/bjhp.12722] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine individual outcomes after tailored lifestyle (PROfeel) or generic dietary advice as self-management intervention for persistent fatigue in adolescents and young adults with a chronic condition, to compare participants who did and did not benefit and to explore changes to factors in the biopsychosocial model of fatigue after PROfeel. METHOD A multiple single-case AB-phase design was embedded in a randomized crossover trial (N = 45). Intensive longitudinal data (ILD) on outcomes 'fatigue severity', 'self-efficacy' and 'quality of life' (QoL) were collected through weekly smartphone measurement for 20 weeks. ILD on biopsychosocial factors were collected through experience sampling methodology for 28 days pre-post first intervention. Baseline characteristics were compared with t-tests and chi-square tests. Permutation distancing tests were used to assess change over time in all ILD. RESULTS Regarding weekly measurements, nineteen participants (42.22%) showed small to large positive outcomes (drange = .05 to 2.59), mostly after PROfeel. Eleven participants (24.44%) showed small to moderate negative outcomes (drange = -.02 to -2.46), mostly after dietary advice. Fatigue severity improved most, followed by self-efficacy. Participants who benefitted showed higher QoL levels and lower fatigue and pain levels compared with others at baseline (all p < .02). When positive outcomes were observed after PROfeel, typically ≥1 biopsychosocial factor had been targeted successfully. CONCLUSION Self-management advice has more potential when tailored to individual characteristics, including the biopsychosocial model of fatigue. PROfeel appears particularly useful as fatigue intervention for individuals with relatively less severe symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anouk Vroegindeweij
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology/Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Houtveen
- Department of Paediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Desiree A Lucassen
- Division of Human Nutrition and Health, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Elise M Van De Putte
- Department of Paediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nico M Wulffraat
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology/Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne L Nijhof
- Department of Paediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joost F Swart
- Department of Paediatric Rheumatology/Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Docampo MJ, Batruch M, Oldrati P, Berenjeno-Correa E, Hilty M, Leventhal G, Lutterotti A, Martin R, Sospedra M. Clinical and Immunologic Effects of Paraprobiotics in Long-COVID Patients: A Pilot Study. NEUROLOGY(R) NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2024; 11:e200296. [PMID: 39106427 PMCID: PMC11318528 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000200296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES After the enormous health burden during the acute stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are now facing another important challenge, that is, long-COVID, a clinical condition with often disabling signs and symptoms of the neuropsychiatric, gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, and immune systems. While the pathogenesis of this syndrome is still poorly understood, alterations of immune function and the gut microbiota seem to play important roles. Because affected individuals are frequently unable to work for prolonged periods and suffer numerous health compromises, effective treatments represent a major unmet medical need. Multiple potential therapies have been tried, but none is approved yet. Approaches that are able to influence the immune system and gut microbiota such as probiotics and paraprobiotics, i.e., nonviable probiotics, seem promising candidates. We, therefore, evaluated the clinical and immunologic effects of paraprobiotics in a small pilot study. METHODS A total of 6 patients with long-COVID were followed systematically for more than 12 months after disease onset using standardized validated questionnaires, a smartphone app, and wearable sensors to assess neurocognitive function, fatigue, depressiveness, autonomic nervous system alterations, and quality of life. We then offered patients defined paraprobiotics for 4 weeks and evaluated them at the end of the treatment period using the same questionnaires, smartphone app, and wearable sensors. In addition, a comprehensive immunophenotyping and gut microbiota analysis was performed before and after treatment. RESULTS Improvements in several of the neurologic symptoms such as dysautonomia, fatigue, and depression were documented using both patient-reported outcomes and data from the smartphone app and wearable sensors. Of interest, the expression of activation markers on some immune cell populations such as B cells and nonclassical monocytes and the expression of toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) on T cells were reduced after paraprobiotics treatment. DISCUSSION Our results suggest that paraprobiotics might exert positive effects in patients with long-COVID most likely by modulating immune cell activation and expression of TLR2 on T cells. Further studies with paraprobiotics should confirm the promising observations of this small pilot study and hopefully not only improve the outcome of long-COVID but also unravel the pathomechanisms of this condition. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This study provides Class IV evidence that paraprobiotics increase the probability of favorable changes of clinical and immunologic markers in patients with long-COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José Docampo
- From the Neuroimmunology and MS Research (nims) (M.J.D., M.B., P.O., E.B.-C., M.H., A.L., R.M., M.S.), Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University Zurich; Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care (P.O.), University of Zürich; Cellerys AG (P.O., A.L., R.M., M.S.), Schlieren; Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich (E.B.-C.); Neurozentrum Bellevue (M.H., A.L.); PharmaBiome AG (G.L.), Schlieren, Switzerland; and Therapeutic Immune Design (R.M.), Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mattei Batruch
- From the Neuroimmunology and MS Research (nims) (M.J.D., M.B., P.O., E.B.-C., M.H., A.L., R.M., M.S.), Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University Zurich; Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care (P.O.), University of Zürich; Cellerys AG (P.O., A.L., R.M., M.S.), Schlieren; Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich (E.B.-C.); Neurozentrum Bellevue (M.H., A.L.); PharmaBiome AG (G.L.), Schlieren, Switzerland; and Therapeutic Immune Design (R.M.), Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pietro Oldrati
- From the Neuroimmunology and MS Research (nims) (M.J.D., M.B., P.O., E.B.-C., M.H., A.L., R.M., M.S.), Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University Zurich; Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care (P.O.), University of Zürich; Cellerys AG (P.O., A.L., R.M., M.S.), Schlieren; Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich (E.B.-C.); Neurozentrum Bellevue (M.H., A.L.); PharmaBiome AG (G.L.), Schlieren, Switzerland; and Therapeutic Immune Design (R.M.), Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ernesto Berenjeno-Correa
- From the Neuroimmunology and MS Research (nims) (M.J.D., M.B., P.O., E.B.-C., M.H., A.L., R.M., M.S.), Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University Zurich; Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care (P.O.), University of Zürich; Cellerys AG (P.O., A.L., R.M., M.S.), Schlieren; Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich (E.B.-C.); Neurozentrum Bellevue (M.H., A.L.); PharmaBiome AG (G.L.), Schlieren, Switzerland; and Therapeutic Immune Design (R.M.), Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marc Hilty
- From the Neuroimmunology and MS Research (nims) (M.J.D., M.B., P.O., E.B.-C., M.H., A.L., R.M., M.S.), Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University Zurich; Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care (P.O.), University of Zürich; Cellerys AG (P.O., A.L., R.M., M.S.), Schlieren; Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich (E.B.-C.); Neurozentrum Bellevue (M.H., A.L.); PharmaBiome AG (G.L.), Schlieren, Switzerland; and Therapeutic Immune Design (R.M.), Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gabriel Leventhal
- From the Neuroimmunology and MS Research (nims) (M.J.D., M.B., P.O., E.B.-C., M.H., A.L., R.M., M.S.), Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University Zurich; Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care (P.O.), University of Zürich; Cellerys AG (P.O., A.L., R.M., M.S.), Schlieren; Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich (E.B.-C.); Neurozentrum Bellevue (M.H., A.L.); PharmaBiome AG (G.L.), Schlieren, Switzerland; and Therapeutic Immune Design (R.M.), Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Lutterotti
- From the Neuroimmunology and MS Research (nims) (M.J.D., M.B., P.O., E.B.-C., M.H., A.L., R.M., M.S.), Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University Zurich; Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care (P.O.), University of Zürich; Cellerys AG (P.O., A.L., R.M., M.S.), Schlieren; Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich (E.B.-C.); Neurozentrum Bellevue (M.H., A.L.); PharmaBiome AG (G.L.), Schlieren, Switzerland; and Therapeutic Immune Design (R.M.), Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roland Martin
- From the Neuroimmunology and MS Research (nims) (M.J.D., M.B., P.O., E.B.-C., M.H., A.L., R.M., M.S.), Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University Zurich; Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care (P.O.), University of Zürich; Cellerys AG (P.O., A.L., R.M., M.S.), Schlieren; Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich (E.B.-C.); Neurozentrum Bellevue (M.H., A.L.); PharmaBiome AG (G.L.), Schlieren, Switzerland; and Therapeutic Immune Design (R.M.), Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mireia Sospedra
- From the Neuroimmunology and MS Research (nims) (M.J.D., M.B., P.O., E.B.-C., M.H., A.L., R.M., M.S.), Department of Neurology, University Hospital and University Zurich; Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care (P.O.), University of Zürich; Cellerys AG (P.O., A.L., R.M., M.S.), Schlieren; Universitäts-Kinderspital Zürich (E.B.-C.); Neurozentrum Bellevue (M.H., A.L.); PharmaBiome AG (G.L.), Schlieren, Switzerland; and Therapeutic Immune Design (R.M.), Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Janvrin ML, Banaag A, Landry T, Vincent C, Koehlmoos TP. BMI changes among U.S. Navy and Marine Corps active-duty service members during the COVID-19 pandemic, 2019-2021. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2289. [PMID: 39174905 PMCID: PMC11342622 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19699-w] [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: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the daily life and routines of Americans across the United States (U.S.), including those of our active-duty service members (ADSMs). Limited movement orders enacted during this time to promote social distancing prohibited access to fitness and dining facilities for ADSMs. This study aims to expand on previous work identifying changes in body mass index (BMI) among U.S. Army service members by identifying changes in body mass index (BMI) among active-duty service members from both the Navy and Marine Corps during the same time period. METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study of active-duty service members from the Navy and Marine Corps using data from the Military Health System Data Repository. BMI was calculated and categorized according to CDC guidelines both before (February 2019 - January 2020) and during the pandemic (September 2020 - June 2021). Women who were pregnant or delivered during and one year prior to the study periods were excluded. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests evaluating mean BMI, percent change, and the Stuart-Maxwell test for marginal homogeneity. RESULTS We identified 98,330 active-duty Sailors and 55,298 active-duty Marines for inclusion in this study. During the pandemic period the percentage of Sailors with Underweight decreased by 11%, Healthy weight decreased by 11.1%, Overweight increased by 2.1%, and the percentage of Sailors with Obesity increased by 16.5%. During this same time period, Marines with Underweight decreased by 1%, Healthy weight decreased by 16%, Overweight increased by 3.0%, and Marines with Obesity increased by 51%. The largest increases in service members with overweight and obesity observed among both cohorts were among female service members, service members under age 20, and service members with a Junior Enlisted rank. CONCLUSIONS Significant increases in obesity were observed amongst active-duty United States Navy and Marine Corps service members during DoD pandemic mitigation efforts. Increased rates of obesity likely effected fitness and force readiness. Future interventions should be targeted at younger, Junior-Enlisted Marines and Sailors to promote healthy lifestyles and provide education on nutrition, appropriate exercise, sleep hygiene, and stress management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Lynn Janvrin
- Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA.
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, 6720A Rockledge Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA.
| | - Amanda Banaag
- Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, 6720A Rockledge Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20817, USA
| | - Travis Landry
- Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
| | - Carey Vincent
- Uniformed Services University, 4301 Jones Bridge Rd, Bethesda, MD, 20814, USA
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Potcovaru CG, Salmen T, Potcovaru AM, Săndulescu IM, Chiriac O, Balasa AC, Diaconu LS, Poenaru D, Pantea Stoian A, Cinteza D, Berteanu M. The Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 on Disability after Post-Acute Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2024; 13:4694. [PMID: 39200836 PMCID: PMC11355617 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13164694] [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: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: The long-term effect of the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is not fully known. Severe cases of COVID-19 have resulted in disability that can be assessed in a biopsychosocial manner with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health with the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) questionnaire. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects on disability of COVID-19 three years after post-acute rehabilitation using WHODAS 2.0. Methods: This single-center cohort study included patients with severe COVID-19 who underwent immediate post-discharge post-acute rehabilitation intervention. Three years later, patients were assessed via telephone using the WHODAS 2.0 questionnaire. Results: Of the 69 patients identified in the hospital database, 27 responded. A total of 16 patients refused to respond due to emotional distress. The mean age was 63.4 ± 8.6 years, 81.5% were independent in the community, 55.3% had been previously admitted to the ICU, and the median rehabilitation hospitalization duration was 18 (11.5,24) days. Comorbidities included type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) (55.5%), grade 2 high blood pressure (62.9%), pressure ulcers (37%), peripheral neurologic deficits (62.9%), and central neurological deficits (14.8%). ICU admission was significantly correlated with advanced rehabilitation needs (measured by the level of the rehabilitation (p < 0.01) and longer hospitalizations (measured by total days in the hospital (p < 0.001). The overall disability score was 35.09%, significantly influenced by DM and central neurological deficits. Conclusions: Central neurological deficits and DM are associated with higher disability scores. Tailored rehabilitation programs, ongoing medical assessment, integrated care models, and patient education are essential for improving long-term outcomes after COVID-19 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia-Gabriela Potcovaru
- Doctoral School of Carol Davila, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.-G.P.)
- National Institute of Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Balneoclimatology, 030079 Bucharest, Romania (D.P.)
| | - Teodor Salmen
- Doctoral School of Carol Davila, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.-G.P.)
| | - Ana Mădălina Potcovaru
- Faculty of Administration and Public Management, Bucharest University of Economic Studies, 010374 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ioana-Miruna Săndulescu
- Doctoral School of Carol Davila, University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania; (C.-G.P.)
- National Institute of Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Balneoclimatology, 030079 Bucharest, Romania (D.P.)
| | - Ovidiu Chiriac
- National Institute of Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Balneoclimatology, 030079 Bucharest, Romania (D.P.)
| | - Ana-Cristinel Balasa
- National Institute of Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Balneoclimatology, 030079 Bucharest, Romania (D.P.)
| | - Laura Sorina Diaconu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Daniela Poenaru
- National Institute of Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Balneoclimatology, 030079 Bucharest, Romania (D.P.)
| | - Anca Pantea Stoian
- Department of Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Delia Cinteza
- National Institute of Rehabilitation, Physical Medicine and Balneoclimatology, 030079 Bucharest, Romania (D.P.)
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department 9, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Berteanu
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department 9, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Carol Davila, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
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da Silva R, Vallinoto ACR, dos Santos EJM. The Silent Syndrome of Long COVID and Gaps in Scientific Knowledge: A Narrative Review. Viruses 2024; 16:1256. [PMID: 39205230 PMCID: PMC11359800 DOI: 10.3390/v16081256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is still a major public health concern, mainly due to the persistence of symptoms or the appearance of new symptoms. To date, more than 200 symptoms of long COVID (LC) have been described. The present review describes and maps its relevant clinical characteristics, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and genetic and nongenetic risk factors. Given the currently available evidence on LC, we demonstrate that there are still gaps and controversies in the diagnosis, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and detection of prognostic and predictive factors, as well as the role of the viral strain and vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosilene da Silva
- Laboratory of Genetics of Complex Diseases, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
| | - Antonio Carlos Rosário Vallinoto
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
- Laboratory of Virology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Eduardo José Melo dos Santos
- Laboratory of Genetics of Complex Diseases, Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
- Graduate Program in Biology of Infectious and Parasitic Agents, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
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Oliveira MR, Hoffman M, Jones AW, Holland AE, Borghi-Silva A. Effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Exercise Capacity, Dyspnea, Fatigue, and Peripheral Muscle Strength in Patients With Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2024; 105:1559-1570. [PMID: 38311096 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2024.01.007] [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: 09/18/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with persistent symptoms after COVID-19 infection. In addition, to compare the modalities of PR services (face-to-face and telerehabilitation) and the duration of PR in weeks (4-8 weeks and >8 weeks). DATA SOURCES PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase (Elsevier), Central/Cochrane Library, SciELO Citation Index (Web of Science), and CINAHL. STUDY SELECTION Studies determining the effects of PR in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome were included and grouped according to PR delivery modality. DATA EXTRACTION Data extraction and quality assessment were independently performed by 2 reviewers. The methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 1 (RoB-1). DATA SYNTHESIS The literature search retrieved 1406 articles, of which 7 studies explored the effects of PR on patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome, with 188 patients randomized to PR. The mean age of participants was 50 years and 49% were women. Meta-analysis showed an increase in exercise capacity with PR compared with control (6-minute walking test: mean difference: 60.56 m, 95% confidence interval: 40.75-80.36), a reduction in fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale: -0.90, -1.49 to -0.31) but no change in dyspnea (-0.57, -1.32 to 0.17) and muscle strength (3.03, -1.89 to 7.96). There were no differences between telerehabilitation and face-to-face PR regarding effects on peripheral muscle strength (P=.42), dyspnea (P=.83), and fatigue (P=.34). There were no differences between programs 4-8 weeks and >8 weeks regarding exercise capacity (P=.83), peripheral muscle strength (P=.42), and dyspnea (P=.76). CONCLUSIONS PR improves exercise capacity and reduces fatigue in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. Duration of PR (4-8 weeks vs > 8 weeks) or PR modality (telerehabilitation vs face-to-face) did not affect outcomes but data were limited and based on subgroup analysis. Further evidence is required to determine the optimal delivery mode and duration of PR for post-COVID-19 syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murilo Rezende Oliveira
- Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy Laboratory, Physiotherapy Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil; Respiratory Research@Alfred, Monash University, São Carlos (SP), Brazil.
| | - Mariana Hoffman
- Respiratory Research@Alfred, Monash University, São Carlos (SP), Brazil
| | - Arwel W Jones
- Respiratory Research@Alfred, Monash University, São Carlos (SP), Brazil
| | - Anne E Holland
- Respiratory Research@Alfred, Monash University, São Carlos (SP), Brazil; Physiotherapy Department, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Audrey Borghi-Silva
- Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy Laboratory, Physiotherapy Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil; Healthy Living for Pandemic Event Protection (HL - PIVOT) Network, Chicago, IL
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8
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Wiebe M, Mackay M, Krishnan R, Tian J, Larsson J, Modanloo S, Job McIntosh C, Sztym M, Elton-Smith G, Rose A, Ho C, Greenshaw A, Cao B, Chan A, Hayward J. Feasibility characteristics of wrist-worn fitness trackers in health status monitoring for post-COVID patients in remote and rural areas. PLOS DIGITAL HEALTH 2024; 3:e0000571. [PMID: 39172978 PMCID: PMC11340956 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Common, consumer-grade biosensors mounted on fitness trackers and smartwatches can measure an array of biometrics that have potential utility in post-discharge medical monitoring, especially in remote/rural communities. The feasibility characteristics for wrist-worn biosensors are poorly described for post-COVID conditions and rural populations. METHODS We prospectively recruited patients in rural communities who were enrolled in an at-home rehabilitation program for post-COVID conditions. They were asked to wear a FitBit Charge 2 device and biosensor parameters were analyzed [e.g. heart rate, sleep, and activity]. Electronic patient reported outcome measures [E-PROMS] for mental [bi-weekly] and physical [daily] symptoms were collected using SMS text or email [per patient preference]. Exit surveys and interviews evaluated the patient experience. RESULTS Ten patients were observed for an average of 58 days and half [N = 5] were monitored for 8 weeks or more. Five patients [50%] had been hospitalized with COVID [mean stay = 41 days] and 4 [36%] had required mechanical ventilation. As baseline, patients had moderate to severe levels of anxiety, depression, and stress; fatigue and shortness of breath were the most prevalent physical symptoms. Four patients [40%] already owned a smartwatch. In total, 575 patient days of patient monitoring occurred across 10 patients. Biosensor data was usable for 91.3% of study hours and surveys were completed 82.1% and 78.7% of the time for physical and mental symptoms, respectively. Positive correlations were observed between stress and resting heart rate [r = 0.360, p<0.01], stress and daily steps [r = 0.335, p<0.01], and anxiety and daily steps [r = 0.289, p<0.01]. There was a trend toward negative correlation between sleep time and physical symptom burden [r = -0.211, p = 0.05]. Patients reported an overall positive experience and identified the potential for wearable devices to improve medical safety and access to care. Concerns around data privacy/security were infrequent. CONCLUSIONS We report excellent feasibility characteristics for wrist-worn biosensors and e-PROMS as a possible substrate for multi-modal disease tracking in post-COVID conditions. Adapting consumer-grade wearables for medical use and scalable remote patient monitoring holds great potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Wiebe
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Marnie Mackay
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Ragur Krishnan
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Julie Tian
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Jakob Larsson
- Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Setayesh Modanloo
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Christiane Job McIntosh
- Neurosciences, Rehabilitation and Vision Strategic Clinical Network, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Melissa Sztym
- Covenant Health Rural Health Services, Edmonton, Canada
| | | | - Alyssa Rose
- Covenant Health Rural Health Services, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Chester Ho
- Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, Canada
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Andrew Greenshaw
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Bo Cao
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Andrew Chan
- Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Jake Hayward
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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9
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Baig AM, Rosko S, Jaeger B, Gerlach J, Rausch H. Unraveling the enigma of long COVID: novel aspects in pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment protocols. Inflammopharmacology 2024; 32:2075-2090. [PMID: 38771409 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-024-01483-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Long COVID, now unmistakably identified as a syndromic entity encompassing a complex spectrum of symptoms, demands immediate resolution of its elusive pathogenic underpinnings. The intricate interplay of diverse factors presents a complex puzzle, difficult to resolve, and thus poses a substantial challenge. As instances of long COVID manifest by repeated infections of SARS-CoV-2 and genetic predisposition, a detailed understanding in this regard is needed. This endeavor is a comprehensive exploration and analysis of the cascading pathogenetic events driven by viral persistence and replication. Beyond its morbidity, long COVID, more disabling than fatal, exacts one of the most substantial tolls on public health in contemporary times, with the potential to cripple national economies. The paper introduces a unified theory of long COVID, detailing a novel pathophysiological framework that interlinks persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection, autoimmunity, and systemic vascular pathology. We posit a model where viral reservoirs, immune dysregulation, and genetic predispositions converge to perpetuate disease. It challenges prevailing hypotheses with new evidence, suggesting innovative diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. The paper aims to shift the paradigm in long COVID research by providing an integrative perspective that encapsulates the multifaceted nature of the condition. We explain the immunological mechanisms, hypercoagulability states, and viral reservoirs in the skull that feed NeuroCOVID in patients with long COVID. Also, this study hints toward a patient approach and how to prioritize treatment sequences in long COVID patients in hospitals and clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sandy Rosko
- Clinicum St. George, Rosenheimer Str. 6-8, Bad Aibling, Germany
| | - Beate Jaeger
- Clinicum St. George, Rosenheimer Str. 6-8, Bad Aibling, Germany
| | - Joachim Gerlach
- Clinicum St. George, Rosenheimer Str. 6-8, Bad Aibling, Germany
| | - Hans Rausch
- Clinicum St. George, Rosenheimer Str. 6-8, Bad Aibling, Germany
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10
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Gupta S, Dubey AK, Singh R, Kalra MK, Abraham A, Kumari V, Laird JR, Al-Maini M, Gupta N, Singh I, Viskovic K, Saba L, Suri JS. Four Transformer-Based Deep Learning Classifiers Embedded with an Attention U-Net-Based Lung Segmenter and Layer-Wise Relevance Propagation-Based Heatmaps for COVID-19 X-ray Scans. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:1534. [PMID: 39061671 PMCID: PMC11275579 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14141534] [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: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Diagnosing lung diseases accurately is crucial for proper treatment. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have advanced medical image processing, but challenges remain in their accurate explainability and reliability. This study combines U-Net with attention and Vision Transformers (ViTs) to enhance lung disease segmentation and classification. We hypothesize that Attention U-Net will enhance segmentation accuracy and that ViTs will improve classification performance. The explainability methodologies will shed light on model decision-making processes, aiding in clinical acceptance. Methodology: A comparative approach was used to evaluate deep learning models for segmenting and classifying lung illnesses using chest X-rays. The Attention U-Net model is used for segmentation, and architectures consisting of four CNNs and four ViTs were investigated for classification. Methods like Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping plus plus (Grad-CAM++) and Layer-wise Relevance Propagation (LRP) provide explainability by identifying crucial areas influencing model decisions. Results: The results support the conclusion that ViTs are outstanding in identifying lung disorders. Attention U-Net obtained a Dice Coefficient of 98.54% and a Jaccard Index of 97.12%. ViTs outperformed CNNs in classification tasks by 9.26%, reaching an accuracy of 98.52% with MobileViT. An 8.3% increase in accuracy was seen while moving from raw data classification to segmented image classification. Techniques like Grad-CAM++ and LRP provided insights into the decision-making processes of the models. Conclusions: This study highlights the benefits of integrating Attention U-Net and ViTs for analyzing lung diseases, demonstrating their importance in clinical settings. Emphasizing explainability clarifies deep learning processes, enhancing confidence in AI solutions and perhaps enhancing clinical acceptance for improved healthcare results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Gupta
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering, New Delhi 110063, India;
| | - Arun K. Dubey
- Department of Information Technology, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering, New Delhi 110063, India; (A.K.D.); (N.G.)
| | - Rajesh Singh
- Department of Research and Innovation, Uttaranchal Institute of Technology, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun 248007, India;
| | - Mannudeep K. Kalra
- Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA;
| | - Ajith Abraham
- Department of Computer Science, Bennett University, Greater Noida 201310, India;
| | - Vandana Kumari
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Galgotias University, Greater Noida 201310, India;
| | - John R. Laird
- Heart and Vascular Institute, Adventist Health St. Helena, St. Helena, CA 94574, USA;
| | - Mustafa Al-Maini
- Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology Institute, Toronto, ON M5G 1N8, Canada;
| | - Neha Gupta
- Department of Information Technology, Bharati Vidyapeeth’s College of Engineering, New Delhi 110063, India; (A.K.D.); (N.G.)
| | - Inder Singh
- Department of Radiology and Ultrasound, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Klaudija Viskovic
- Department of Radiology, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria (A.O.U.), 09100 Cagliari, Italy;
| | - Luca Saba
- Department of ECE, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA;
| | - Jasjit S. Suri
- Department of ECE, Idaho State University, Pocatello, ID 83209, USA;
- Stroke Diagnostics and Monitoring Division, AtheroPoint™, Roseville, CA 95661, USA
- Department of Computer Engineering, Graphic Era (Deemed to be University), Dehradun 248002, India
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Symbiosis Institute of Technology, Nagpur Campus 440008, Symbiosis International (Deemed University), Pune 412115, India
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11
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Gawryś J, Doroszko A, Dróżdż O, Trocha M, Gajecki D, Gawryś K, Szahidewicz-Krupska E, Rabczyński M, Kujawa K, Rola P, Stanek A, Sokołowski J, Madziarski M, Jankowska EA, Bronowicka-Szydełko A, Bednarska-Chabowska D, Kuźnik E, Madziarska K. The Usefulness of the C 2HEST Score in Predicting the Clinical Outcomes of COVID-19 in COPD and Non-COPD Cohorts. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1238. [PMID: 38930620 PMCID: PMC11205505 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061238] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/14/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) infected with SARS-CoV-2 indicate a higher risk of severe COVID-19 course, which is defined as the need for hospitalization in the intensive care unit, mechanical ventilation, or death. However, simple tools to stratify the risk in patients with COPD suffering from COVID-19 are lacking. The current study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of the C2HEST score in patients with COPD. A retrospective analysis of medical records from 2184 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 at the University Hospital in Wroclaw from February 2020 to June 2021, which was previously used in earlier studies, assessed outcomes such as mortality during hospitalization, all-cause mortality at 3 and 6 months, non-fatal discharge, as well as adverse clinical incidents. This re-analysis specifically examines the outcomes using a COPD split. In the COPD group, 42 deaths were recorded, including 18 in-hospital deaths. In-hospital mortality rates at 3 and 6 months did not significantly differ among C2HEST strata, nor did their impact on subsequent treatment. However, a notable association between the C2HEST score and prognosis was observed in the non-COPD cohort comprising 2109 patients. The C2HEST score's predictive ability is notably lower in COPD patients compared to non-COPD subjects, with COPD itself indicating a high mortality risk. However, C2HEST effectively identifies patients at high risk of cardiac complications during COVID-19, especially in non-COPD cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Gawryś
- Clinical Department of Internal and Occupational Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Str. 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.G.); (K.G.); (E.S.-K.)
| | - Adrian Doroszko
- Clinical Department of Cardiology, 4th Military Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Weigla 5 Str., 50-981 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.D.); (D.G.)
| | - Olgierd Dróżdż
- Clinical Department of Diabetology and Internal Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Str. 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.T.); (M.R.); (D.B.-C.); (E.K.); (K.M.)
| | - Małgorzata Trocha
- Clinical Department of Diabetology and Internal Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Str. 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.T.); (M.R.); (D.B.-C.); (E.K.); (K.M.)
| | - Damian Gajecki
- Clinical Department of Cardiology, 4th Military Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Weigla 5 Str., 50-981 Wroclaw, Poland; (A.D.); (D.G.)
| | - Karolina Gawryś
- Clinical Department of Internal and Occupational Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Str. 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.G.); (K.G.); (E.S.-K.)
| | - Ewa Szahidewicz-Krupska
- Clinical Department of Internal and Occupational Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Hypertension and Clinical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Str. 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (J.G.); (K.G.); (E.S.-K.)
| | - Maciej Rabczyński
- Clinical Department of Diabetology and Internal Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Str. 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.T.); (M.R.); (D.B.-C.); (E.K.); (K.M.)
| | - Krzysztof Kujawa
- Statistical Analysis Centre, Wroclaw Medical University, K. Marcinkowski Str. 2-6, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Piotr Rola
- Department of Cardiology, Provincial Specialized Hospital, Iwaszkiewicz Str. 5, 59-220 Legnica, Poland;
| | - Agata Stanek
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, Batory Str. 15, 41-902 Bytom, Poland;
| | - Janusz Sokołowski
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Str. 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Marcin Madziarski
- Clinical Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Street 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Ewa Anita Jankowska
- Institute of Heart Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Street 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Bronowicka-Szydełko
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Chałubińskiego St.10, 50-368 Wrocław, Poland;
| | - Dorota Bednarska-Chabowska
- Clinical Department of Diabetology and Internal Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Str. 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.T.); (M.R.); (D.B.-C.); (E.K.); (K.M.)
| | - Edwin Kuźnik
- Clinical Department of Diabetology and Internal Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Str. 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.T.); (M.R.); (D.B.-C.); (E.K.); (K.M.)
| | - Katarzyna Madziarska
- Clinical Department of Diabetology and Internal Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Borowska Str. 213, 50-556 Wroclaw, Poland; (M.T.); (M.R.); (D.B.-C.); (E.K.); (K.M.)
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12
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Ortiz-Ortigosa L, Gálvez-Álvarez P, Viñolo-Gil MJ, Rodriguez-Huguet M, Góngora-Rodríguez J, Martín-Valero R. Effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation programmes and/or respiratory muscle training in patients with post-COVID conditions: a systematic review. Respir Res 2024; 25:248. [PMID: 38890699 PMCID: PMC11186160 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02857-4] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The term "post-COVID-19 condition" refers to the symptomatology that appears between four to twelve weeks after Covid-19 infection. These symptoms can persist for weeks or even months, significantly diminishing the quality of life for affected individuals. The primary objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation programs and/or respiratory muscle training on respiratory sequelae in patients with post-COVID condition. METHODS The literature search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed, PEDro, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and Web of Science. Randomized clinical trials were included in which participants were aged 18 years or older. Articles were excluded if at least one of the therapies did not involve pulmonary rehabilitation or respiratory muscle training, if the participants were COVID positive, if studies lacked results, and finally, if interventions were conducted without supervision or at home. This review only encompasses supervised non-virtual interventions. This study adheres to the PRISMA statement and has been registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42023433843). RESULTS The outcomes obtained in the included studies are assessed across the following variables: Exercise capacity using the 6-minute walk test, Dyspnea, fatigue, Pulmonary function, Maximum inspiratory pressure, and Quality of life. CONCLUSION Despite the absence of a specific treatment at present, it was evident from this review that a well-structured pulmonary rehabilitation program that incorporates both aerobic and muscular strength exercises along with techniques and inspiratory muscle exercises was the most effective form of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Ortiz-Ortigosa
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, University of Malaga, Málaga, 29071, Spain
| | - Paula Gálvez-Álvarez
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, University of Malaga, Málaga, 29071, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Rocío Martín-Valero
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Science, University of Malaga, Málaga, 29071, Spain.
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13
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Kwok WC, Chau CH, Tam TCC, Lam FM, Ho JCM. Outcomes among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease after recovery from COVID-19 infection of different severity. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13881. [PMID: 38880813 PMCID: PMC11180653 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64670-9] [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: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
While studies have suggested increased risks of severe COVID-19 infection in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the persistent and delayed consequences of COVID-19 infection on patients with COPD upon recovery remain unknown. A prospective clinical study was conducted in Hong Kong to investigate the persistent and delayed outcomes of patients with COPD who had COVID-19 infection of different severity (mild-moderate COVID-19 and severe COVID-19), compared with those who did not. Chinese patients with COPD ≥ 40 years old were recruited from March to September 2021. They were prospectively followed up for 24.9 ± 5.0 months until 31st August 2023. The primary outcome was the deterioration in COPD control defined as the change in mMRC dyspnea scale. The secondary outcomes included the change in exacerbation frequency and non-COVID-19 respiratory mortality (including death from COPD exacerbation or bacterial pneumonia). 328 patients were included in the analysis. Patients with mild-moderate and severe COVID-19 infection had statistically significant increased risks of worsening of mMRC dyspnoea scale by increase in 1 score from baseline to follow-up with adjusted odds ratios of 4.44 (95% CI = 1.95-10.15, p < 0.001) and 6.77 (95% CI = 2.08-22.00, p = 0.001) respectively. Patients with severe COVID-19 infection had significantly increased risks of increase in severe COPD exacerbation frequency with adjusted odds ratios of 4.73 (95% CI = 1.55-14.41, p = 0.006) non-COVID-19 respiratory mortality from COPD exacerbation or pneumonia with adjusted hazard ratio of 11.25 (95% CI = 2.98-42.45, p < 0.001). After recovery from COVID-19, worsening of COPD control from worsening of dyspnea, increase in severe exacerbation frequency to non-COVID-19 respiratory mortality (COPD exacerbation and pneumonia) was observed among patients with severe COVID-19. Mild to moderate COVID-19 was also associated with symptomatic deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Chun Kwok
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, 4/F, Professorial Block, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Chi Hung Chau
- Tuberculosis and Chest Unit, Grantham Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Terence Chi Chun Tam
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, 4/F, Professorial Block, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Fai Man Lam
- Tuberculosis and Chest Unit, Grantham Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - James Chung Man Ho
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, 4/F, Professorial Block, 102 Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Thankachen SS, Devasenapathy N, Bassi A, Ghosh A, Arfin S, Gummidi B, Basheer A, Bangi A, Sahu D, Bhalla A, Blesson M, Jain M, Jha V. Colchicine to reduce coronavirus disease-19-related inflammation and cardiovascular complications in high-risk patients post-acute infection with SARS-COV-2-a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2024; 25:378. [PMID: 38863076 PMCID: PMC11167886 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08205-7] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is no known effective pharmacological therapy for long COVID, which is characterized by wide-ranging, multisystemic, fluctuating, or relapsing symptoms in a large proportion of survivors of acute COVID. This randomized controlled trial aims to assess the safety and efficacy of an anti-inflammatory agent colchicine, to reduce symptoms among those at high risk of developing long COVID. METHODS This multi-centre, parallel arm, 1:1 individual randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind superiority trial will enrol 350 individuals with persistent post-COVID symptoms. Participants will be randomized to either colchicine 0.5 mg once daily (< 70 kg) or twice daily (≥ 70 kg) or matched placebo for 26 weeks and will be followed up until 52 weeks after randomization. The primary trial objective is to demonstrate the superiority of colchicine over a placebo in improving distance walked in 6 min at 52 weeks from baseline. The secondary objectives are to assess the efficacy of colchicine compared to placebo with respect to lung function, inflammatory markers, constitutional symptoms, and mental health state. In a sub-sample of 100 participants, cardiac biomarkers of myocardial injury and myocardial oedema using MRI will be compared. DISCUSSION Persistent inflammatory response following SARS-CoV-19 is one of the postulated pathophysiological mechanisms of long COVID. Colchicine, a low-cost anti-inflammatory agent, acts via multiple inflammatory pathways and has an established safety profile. This trial will generate evidence for an important health priority that can rapidly translate into practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION This clinical trial has been registered prospectively on www. CLINICALTRIALS gov with registration CTRI/2021/11/038234 dated November 24, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Abhinav Bassi
- The George Institute for Global Health India, UNSW, New Delhi, India
| | - Arpita Ghosh
- The George Institute for Global Health India, UNSW, New Delhi, India
| | - Sumaiya Arfin
- The George Institute for Global Health India, UNSW, New Delhi, India
| | - Balaji Gummidi
- The George Institute for Global Health India, UNSW, New Delhi, India
| | - Aneesh Basheer
- Department of General Medicine, Dr. Moopen's Medical College, Wayanad, India
| | - Ashfak Bangi
- Department of General Medicine, Jivenrekha Multispeciality Hospital, Pune, India
| | - Dibakar Sahu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Sleep and Critical Care, All India Institute of Medical Science, Raipur, India
| | - Ashish Bhalla
- Department of Internal Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Merlin Blesson
- Department of General Medicine, Amrita Institute of Medical Science, Kochi, India
| | - Manish Jain
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, Jaipur, India
| | - Vivekanand Jha
- The George Institute for Global Health India, UNSW, New Delhi, India.
- School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Prasanna School of Public Health, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India.
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15
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Kozłowski P, Leszczyńska A, Ciepiela O. Long COVID Definition, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Epidemiology and Autoimmunity: A Narrative Review. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE OPEN 2024; 11:100068. [PMID: 39034937 PMCID: PMC11256271 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajmo.2024.100068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
The virus called SARS-CoV-2 emerged in 2019 and quickly spread worldwide, causing COVID-19. It has greatly impacted on everyday life, healthcare systems, and the global economy. In order to save as many lives as possible, precautions such as social distancing, quarantine, and testing policies were implemented, and effective vaccines were developed. A growing amount of data collected worldwide allowed the characterization of this new disease, which turned out to be more complex than other common respiratory tract infections. An increasing number of convalescents presented with a variety of nonspecific symptoms emerging after the acute infection. This possible new global health problem was identified and labelled as long COVID. Since then, a great effort has been made by clinicians and the scientific community to understand the underlying mechanisms and to develop preventive measures and effective treatment. The role of autoimmunity induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection in the development of long COVID is discussed in this review. We aim to deliver a description of several conditions with an autoimmune background observed in COVID-19 convalescents, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, antiphospholipid syndrome and related thrombosis, and Kawasaki disease highlighting a relationship between SARS-CoV-2 infection and the development of autoimmunity. However, further studies are required to determine its true clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Kozłowski
- Central Laboratory, University Clinical Centre of the Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Leszczyńska
- Central Laboratory, University Clinical Centre of the Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Olga Ciepiela
- Central Laboratory, University Clinical Centre of the Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
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16
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Jurek JM, Castro-Marrero J. A Narrative Review on Gut Microbiome Disturbances and Microbial Preparations in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: Implications for Long COVID. Nutrients 2024; 16:1545. [PMID: 38892479 PMCID: PMC11173566 DOI: 10.3390/nu16111545] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and long COVID are complex, multisystemic and long-term disabling conditions characterized by debilitating post-exertional malaise and other core symptoms related to immune dysregulation resultant from post-viral infection, including mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic neuroinflammation and gut dysbiosis. The reported associations between altered microbiota composition and cardinal symptoms of ME/CFS and long COVID suggest that the use of microbial preparations, such as probiotics, by restoring the homeostasis of the brain-immune-gut axis, may help in the management of symptoms in both conditions. Therefore, this review aims to investigate the implications of alerted gut microbiome and assess the evidence supporting use of microbial-based preparations, including probiotics, synbiotics, postbiotics alone and/or in combination with other nutraceuticals in the management of fatigue, inflammation and neuropsychiatric and gastrointestinal symptoms among patients with ME/CFS and long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Michalina Jurek
- Unit of Research in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long COVID, Rheumatology Research Division, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
- Grup de Recerca GEMMAIR (AGAUR)-Medicina Aplicada (URV), Departament de Medicina i Cirurgia, Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, 43005 Tarragona, Spain
| | - Jesus Castro-Marrero
- Unit of Research in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Long COVID, Rheumatology Research Division, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
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17
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Sunkersing D, Ramasawmy M, Alwan NA, Clutterbuck D, Mu Y, Horstmanshof K, Banerjee A, Heightman M. What is current care for people with Long COVID in England? A qualitative interview study. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080967. [PMID: 38760030 PMCID: PMC11107429 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080967] [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: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate current care for people with Long COVID in England. DESIGN In-depth, semistructured interviews with people living with Long COVID and Long COVID healthcare professionals; data analysed using thematic analysis. SETTING National Health Service England post-COVID-19 services in six clinics from November 2022 to July 2023. PARTICIPANTS 15 healthcare professionals and 21 people living with Long COVID currently attending or discharged (18 female; 3 male). RESULTS Health professionals and people with lived experience highlighted the multifaceted nature of Long COVID, including its varied symptoms, its impact on people's lives and the complexity involved in managing this condition. These impacts encompass physical, social, mental and environmental dimensions. People with Long COVID reported barriers in accessing primary care, as well as negative general practitioner consultations where they felt unheard or invalidated, though some positive interactions were also noted. Peer support or support systems proved highly valuable and beneficial for individuals, aiding their recovery and well-being. Post-COVID-19 services were viewed as spaces where overlooked voices found validation, offering more than medical expertise. Despite initial challenges, healthcare providers' increasing expertise in diagnosing and treating Long COVID has helped refine care approaches for this condition. CONCLUSION Long COVID care in England is not uniform across all locations. Effective communication, specialised expertise and comprehensive support systems are crucial. A patient-centred approach considering the unique complexities of Long COVID, including physical, mental health, social and environmental aspects is needed. Sustained access to post-COVID-19 services is imperative, with success dependent on offering continuous rehabilitation beyond rapid recovery, acknowledging the condition's enduring impacts and complexities.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Sunkersing
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mel Ramasawmy
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nisreen A Alwan
- Academic Unit of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Donna Clutterbuck
- Academic Unit of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Yi Mu
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Amitava Banerjee
- Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
| | - Melissa Heightman
- University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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18
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Chen H, Zhang Y, Qian Y, Shen Y, Guo H, Ma R, Lu B, Miao P, Xu B, Xu J, Chen B. A propensity score matched analysis of COVID-19 ongoing symptoms in primary medical staff members with different levels of stress in Jiangsu Province, China. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30502. [PMID: 38765114 PMCID: PMC11098781 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30502] [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: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Ongoing symptoms which originated from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections threaten the health of a broad population of patients. With recent changes in COVID-19 control measures in China, medical staff members are currently experiencing a high level of stress. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of ongoing symptomatic COVID-19 and explore the potential association between stress and ongoing COVID symptoms. Methods From January 17th to February 2, 2023, primary medical staff members in Jiangsu Province were surveyed using a self-designed questionnaire. Univariate multinomial logistic analysis was used to illustrate the relationship between stress and ongoing symptoms after matching the low- and high-stress groups in a 1:1 ratio based on propensity scores. Results Analysis revealed that 14.83 % (3785/25,516) of primary medical staff members infected with COVID-19 experienced ongoing symptoms, the most common of which included cough (9.51 %), dyspnea (9.51 %), sleep problems (4.40 %), anxiety (2.29 %), and reproductive system symptoms (1.89 %). In matched patients, higher stress levels were associated with a greater risk of ongoing symptoms than in patients without ongoing symptoms for 14 of the 15 reported symptoms in this study (odds ratios [ORs] > 1 and P < 0.05). Moreover, higher levels of stress were associated with a greater risk of more ongoing symptoms, and the overall ORs increased with the number of symptoms (ORs >1 and P < 0.05). Conclusion To mitigate the possibility of experiencing ongoing symptoms, healthcare organizations and local authority agencies should institute helpful measures to decrease stress levels such as medical staff augmentation and enabling all staff to have a reasonable work-life balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hualing Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongjie Zhang
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongkang Qian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ya Shen
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Haijian Guo
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Rongji Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Beier Lu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pengcheng Miao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Biyun Xu
- Medical Statistics and Analysis Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinshui Xu
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Bingwei Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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19
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Sarker AH, Hossain KMA, Kabir MF, Jahan S, Hossain MZ, Hossain T, Jahid IK. Comparing effectiveness of physiotherapy versus drug management on fatigue, physical functioning, and episodic disability for myalgic encephalomyelitis in post-COVID-19 condition: a study protocol of randomized control trial. Trials 2024; 25:321. [PMID: 38750586 PMCID: PMC11094988 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08077-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physiotherapy interventions effectively improved fatigue and physical functioning in non-COVID patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). There is a research gap on the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions versus drug management on ME/CFS in post-COVID-19 conditions (PCC). METHODS We planned a three-arm prospective randomized control trial on 135 PCC cases with ME/CFS who are diagnosed between 20 November 2023 and 20 May 2024 from a population-based cohort. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of physiotherapy interventions as adapted physical activity and therapeutic exercise (APTE) provided in institution-based care versus telemedicine compared with drug management (DM). Participants will be assigned to three groups with the concealed location process and block randomization with an enrollment ratio of 1:1:1. The post-treatment evaluation will be employed after 2 months of interventions, and follow-up will be taken after 6 months post-intervention. The Chalder fatigue scale will measure the primary outcome of fatigue. SF-36 and the disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) will measure the secondary outcome of physical functioning and episodic disability. DISCUSSION This study will address the research gap to determine the appropriate approach of physiotherapy or drug management for ME/CFS in PCC cases. The future direction of the study will contribute to developing evidence-based practice in post-COVID-19 condition rehabilitation. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial is registered prospectively from a primary Clinical Trial Registry side of WHO CTRI/2024/01/061987. Registered on 29 January 2024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Altaf Hossain Sarker
- Department of Microbiology, Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - K M Amran Hossain
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Feroz Kabir
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Sharmila Jahan
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Md Zahid Hossain
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Tofajjal Hossain
- Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Iqbal Kabir Jahid
- Department of Microbiology, Jashore University of Science and Technology (JUST), Jashore, 7408, Bangladesh.
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20
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Michalas M, Katsaras S, Spetsioti S, Spaggoulakis D, Antonoglou A, Asimakos A, Katsaounou P, Christakou A. The Effect of Physiotherapy on Dyspnea, Muscle Strength and Functional Status in Patients with Long COVID Syndrome. J Pers Med 2024; 14:515. [PMID: 38793097 PMCID: PMC11121916 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14050515] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients who were infected with COVID-19 may experience Long COVID syndrome. We examined the effectiveness of physiotherapy on dyspnea, muscle strength, and functional status in Long COVID syndrome. METHODS The exercise group underwent an 8-week supervised physiotherapeutic program consisting of interval aerobic exercise and strengthening exercises, each lasting 30 min. The control group did not engage in any exercise. Dyspnea, muscle strength, and functional status were assessed at the beginning and end of the intervention in both groups. RESULTS No significant baseline differences were found between the two groups. The exercise group demonstrated improvements compared to baseline in dyspnea, quadriceps muscle strength, and functional status. Specifically, there was a significant increase of 3.7 lifts in the 60-s sit-to-stand test (p = 0.01), an increase of 5.86 kg in right quadriceps muscle strength (p = 0.03), an increase of 8.26 kg in left quadriceps muscle strength (p = 0.01), and a decrease in dyspnea score by 0.95 points (p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Similar studies have reported improvements in dyspnea, muscle strength, and functional status in the exercise group. However, further research with larger sample sizes is needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail Michalas
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Peloponnese, 23100 Sparta, Greece; (M.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Stefanos Katsaras
- Department of Physiotherapy, School of Health Sciences, University of Peloponnese, 23100 Sparta, Greece; (M.M.); (S.K.)
| | - Stavroula Spetsioti
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (D.S.); (A.A.); (A.A.); (P.K.)
| | - Dimitrios Spaggoulakis
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (D.S.); (A.A.); (A.A.); (P.K.)
| | - Archontoula Antonoglou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (D.S.); (A.A.); (A.A.); (P.K.)
| | - Andreas Asimakos
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (D.S.); (A.A.); (A.A.); (P.K.)
| | - Paraskevi Katsaounou
- First Department of Critical Care Medicine, Evangelismos Hospital, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, 10676 Athens, Greece; (S.S.); (D.S.); (A.A.); (A.A.); (P.K.)
| | - Anna Christakou
- Department Physiotherapy, Lab Biomechanics, School of Health Sciences, University of Peloponnese, 23100 Sparta, Greece
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21
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Calcaterra V, Zanelli S, Foppiani A, Verduci E, Benatti B, Bollina R, Bombaci F, Brucato A, Cammarata S, Calabrò E, Cirnigliaro G, Della Torre S, Dell’osso B, Moltrasio C, Marzano AV, Nostro C, Romagnuolo M, Trotta L, Savasi V, Smiroldo V, Zuccotti G. Long COVID in Children, Adults, and Vulnerable Populations: A Comprehensive Overview for an Integrated Approach. Diseases 2024; 12:95. [PMID: 38785750 PMCID: PMC11120262 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12050095] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Long COVID affects both children and adults, including subjects who experienced severe, mild, or even asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. We have provided a comprehensive overview of the incidence, clinical characteristics, risk factors, and outcomes of persistent COVID-19 symptoms in both children and adults, encompassing vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and oncological patients. Our objective is to emphasize the critical significance of adopting an integrated approach for the early detection and appropriate management of long COVID. The incidence and severity of long COVID symptoms can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients and the course of disease in the case of pre-existing pathologies. Particularly, in fragile and vulnerable patients, the presence of PASC is related to significantly worse survival, independent from pre-existing vulnerabilities and treatment. It is important try to achieve an early recognition and management. Various mechanisms are implicated, resulting in a wide range of clinical presentations. Understanding the specific mechanisms and risk factors involved in long COVID is crucial for tailoring effective interventions and support strategies. Management approaches involve comprehensive biopsychosocial assessments and treatment of symptoms and comorbidities, such as autonomic dysfunction, as well as multidisciplinary rehabilitation. The overall course of long COVID is one of gradual improvement, with recovery observed in the majority, though not all, of patients. As the research on long-COVID continues to evolve, ongoing studies are likely to shed more light on the intricate relationship between chronic diseases, such as oncological status, cardiovascular diseases, psychiatric disorders, and the persistent effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This information could guide healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers in developing targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Calcaterra
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Università degli Sudi di Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (S.Z.); (E.V.)
| | - Sara Zanelli
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (S.Z.); (E.V.)
| | - Andrea Foppiani
- International Center for the Assessment of Nutritional Status and the Development of Dietary Intervention Strategies (ICANS-DIS), Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy;
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Medicine, Clinical Nutrition Unit, 20145 Milano, Italy
| | - Elvira Verduci
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (S.Z.); (E.V.)
- Department of Health Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Beatrice Benatti
- “Aldo Ravelli” Center for Nanotechnology and Neurostimulation, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy; (B.B.); (B.D.)
- Department of Psychiatry, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, University of Milano, 20154 Milano, Italy; (G.C.); (C.N.)
| | - Roberto Bollina
- Department of Medical Oncology, ASST Rhodense, 20024 Milano, Italy; (R.B.); (S.D.T.); (V.S.)
| | - Francesco Bombaci
- Department of Radiology, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, 20154 Milano, Italy;
| | - Antonio Brucato
- Department of Internal Medicine, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.B.); (E.C.); (L.T.)
| | - Selene Cammarata
- Department of Woman, Mother and Neonate, Luigi Sacco Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, 20154 Milano, Italy; (S.C.); (V.S.)
| | - Elisa Calabrò
- Department of Internal Medicine, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.B.); (E.C.); (L.T.)
| | - Giovanna Cirnigliaro
- Department of Psychiatry, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, University of Milano, 20154 Milano, Italy; (G.C.); (C.N.)
| | - Silvia Della Torre
- Department of Medical Oncology, ASST Rhodense, 20024 Milano, Italy; (R.B.); (S.D.T.); (V.S.)
| | - Bernardo Dell’osso
- “Aldo Ravelli” Center for Nanotechnology and Neurostimulation, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy; (B.B.); (B.D.)
- Department of Psychiatry, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, University of Milano, 20154 Milano, Italy; (G.C.); (C.N.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
- Centro per lo Studio dei Meccanismi Molecolari alla Base delle Patologie Neuro-Psico-Geriatriche, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Moltrasio
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy; (C.M.); (A.V.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Angelo Valerio Marzano
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy; (C.M.); (A.V.M.); (M.R.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Nostro
- Department of Psychiatry, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, University of Milano, 20154 Milano, Italy; (G.C.); (C.N.)
| | - Maurizio Romagnuolo
- Dermatology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milano, Italy; (C.M.); (A.V.M.); (M.R.)
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Lucia Trotta
- Department of Internal Medicine, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, 20154 Milano, Italy; (A.B.); (E.C.); (L.T.)
| | - Valeria Savasi
- Department of Woman, Mother and Neonate, Luigi Sacco Hospital, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, 20154 Milano, Italy; (S.C.); (V.S.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
| | - Valeria Smiroldo
- Department of Medical Oncology, ASST Rhodense, 20024 Milano, Italy; (R.B.); (S.D.T.); (V.S.)
| | - Gianvincenzo Zuccotti
- Pediatric Department, Buzzi Children’s Hospital, 20154 Milano, Italy; (S.Z.); (E.V.)
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20157 Milano, Italy
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22
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Fry L, Logemann A, Waldron E, Holker E, Porter J, Eskridge C, Naini S, Basso MR, Taylor SE, Melnik T, Whiteside DM. Emotional functioning in long COVID: Comparison to post-concussion syndrome using the Personality Assessment Inventory. Clin Neuropsychol 2024; 38:963-983. [PMID: 37838973 DOI: 10.1080/13854046.2023.2264546] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Recent studies on Long COVID found that patients report prominent emotional distress and significant correlations between distress and cognitive performance have been identified, raising the question of how to manage or treat these issues. To understand psychological functioning in Long COVID further, this study examined personality responses on the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) to compare psychological functioning in a Long COVID group with a post-concussion syndrome (PCS) group, a syndrome with a significant psychological component. Participants and methods: Participants included 201 consecutive Long COVID outpatients (Mean age = 48.87 years, mean education = 14.82, 71.6% Female, 82.6% White) and a comparison group of 102 consecutively referred PCS outpatients (Mean age = 46.08, mean education = 14.17, 63.7% Female, 88.2% White). Effect sizes and t-tests were calculated using the PAI validity, clinical, interpersonal, and treatment consideration scales as well as clinical subscales. Results: The results replicated earlier findings on the PAI in Long COVID by demonstrating that both Long COVID and PCS groups had the highest mean elevations on SOM and DEP scales but no statistically significant between group differences in mean scale elevations. Results support similarities in psychological functioning between Long COVID and PCS patients emphasizing the importance of evaluating psychological functioning in neuropsychological evaluations for these populations. Further, results suggest that psychological treatment strategies for PCS patients may be helpful for Long COVID patients, but more research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Fry
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Allison Logemann
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Eric Waldron
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Erin Holker
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jim Porter
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Courtney Eskridge
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Savana Naini
- Graduate School of Professional Psychology, University of St Thomas, Saint Paul, MN, USA
| | - Michael R Basso
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Sarah E Taylor
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Tanya Melnik
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Douglas M Whiteside
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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23
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Rathod N, Kumar S, Chavhan R, Acharya S, Rathod S. Navigating the Long Haul: A Comprehensive Review of Long-COVID Sequelae, Patient Impact, Pathogenesis, and Management. Cureus 2024; 16:e60176. [PMID: 38868283 PMCID: PMC11167581 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.60176] [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: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Long COVID, characterized by persistent symptoms following a SARS-CoV-2 infection, presents a significant public health challenge with wide-ranging implications. This comprehensive review explores the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, pathogenesis, risk factors, diagnosis, patient impact, management strategies, and long-term prognosis of COVID. Despite a varied symptomatology that spans multiple organ systems, including respiratory, neurological, and cardiovascular systems, this condition is primarily associated with chronic inflammation and potential viral persistence. Prevalence varies, influenced by the initial infection severity, demographic factors, and pre-existing conditions. The review emphasizes the necessity for healthcare systems to adapt to the needs of long-COVID patients by developing standardized diagnostic criteria and personalized, multidisciplinary treatment approaches. Current research gaps and future directions are identified, highlighting the urgent need for further studies on pathophysiological mechanisms and effective therapeutic interventions. This review aims to inform healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers, enhancing patient care and guiding ongoing and future research initiatives. The continuing global focus and collaborative efforts offer hope for improved outcomes for those affected by long COVID, marking an essential step towards addressing this emergent condition comprehensively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishant Rathod
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Roma Chavhan
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sourya Acharya
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Sagar Rathod
- Neurosurgery, Trivandrum Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, IND
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Mujovic N, Nikolic D, Markovic F, Stjepanovic M, Zekovic M, Ali HSH, Zivanovic D, Savic M, Laban M. The Effects of Six Weeks Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Functional and Psychological Outcomes in Long-COVID Patients: Preliminary Results from Serbian Single Center Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:671. [PMID: 38674318 PMCID: PMC11052156 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60040671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of six weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation on functional and psychological outcomes in long-COVID patients. Material and Methods: The prospective clinical study included 46 patients that were diagnosed with COVID-19. A respiratory rehabilitation program was implemented for six weeks. Further valuables were tested before the beginning of the rehabilitation program (admission) and six weeks after (discharge): SpO2, heart rate, respiratory rate, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Borg score, Sit-to-Stand (StS) test number of repetition, distance of 6-Minute Walking Test (6MWT), Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) 9 score and Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) anxiety score. These parameters were tested before the rehabilitation program on admission and at discharge and after the rehabilitation program on admission and at discharge. The results were presented with standard descriptive and analytical methods. Differences between the continuous variables before and after physical rehabilitation intervention were tested using the Wilcoxon test. Graphical analysis is presented with a box plot. Results: On discharge, in comparison with admission, the values of SpO2 were significantly lower (p = 0.007) before the 6MWT, and VAS scores were significantly higher (p = 0.036), while after the 6MWT, VAS scores were significantly lower (p < 0.001) as were Borg scores (p = 0.016). On discharge, in comparison with admission, the respiratory rate was significantly higher (p = 0.005) before the StS test, and Borg scores were significantly lower (p = 0.001), while after the StS test, SpO2 levels were significantly higher (p = 0.036) and VAS scores were significantly lower (p < 0.001), as were Borg scores (p = 0.008). After discharge, the values of the StS test were significantly higher (p = 0.011), PHQ9 scores were significantly lower (p < 0.001) and GAD anxiety scores were significantly lower as well (p = 0.005), while the distances measured in meters on the 6MWT were significantly increased (p < 0.001). Conclusions: A structured rehabilitation program in our study was shown to have beneficial effects on physiological, psychological and functional improvements in patients with long-COVID, and therefore it is advisable for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasa Mujovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (D.N.); (M.S.); (D.Z.); (M.S.)
- Center for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dejan Nikolic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (D.N.); (M.S.); (D.Z.); (M.S.)
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University Children’s Hospital, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Filip Markovic
- Clinic for Pulmonary Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (F.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Mihailo Stjepanovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (D.N.); (M.S.); (D.Z.); (M.S.)
- Clinic for Pulmonary Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (F.M.); (M.L.)
| | - Milica Zekovic
- Laboratory for Sports Medicine and Exercise Therapy, Institute of Medical Physiology “Rihard Burijan”, Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | | | - Dubravka Zivanovic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (D.N.); (M.S.); (D.Z.); (M.S.)
- Clinic of Dermatology and Venerology, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Savic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (D.N.); (M.S.); (D.Z.); (M.S.)
- Clinic for Lung Surgery, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marija Laban
- Clinic for Pulmonary Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (F.M.); (M.L.)
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Golzardi M, Hromić-Jahjefendić A, Šutković J, Aydin O, Ünal-Aydın P, Bećirević T, Redwan EM, Rubio-Casillas A, Uversky VN. The Aftermath of COVID-19: Exploring the Long-Term Effects on Organ Systems. Biomedicines 2024; 12:913. [PMID: 38672267 PMCID: PMC11048001 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12040913] [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: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) is a complicated disease that affects millions of people all over the world. Previous studies have shown that PASC impacts 10% of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients of which 50-70% are hospitalised. It has also been shown that 10-12% of those vaccinated against COVID-19 were affected by PASC and its complications. The severity and the later development of PASC symptoms are positively associated with the early intensity of the infection. RESULTS The generated health complications caused by PASC involve a vast variety of organ systems. Patients affected by PASC have been diagnosed with neuropsychiatric and neurological symptoms. The cardiovascular system also has been involved and several diseases such as myocarditis, pericarditis, and coronary artery diseases were reported. Chronic hematological problems such as thrombotic endothelialitis and hypercoagulability were described as conditions that could increase the risk of clotting disorders and coagulopathy in PASC patients. Chest pain, breathlessness, and cough in PASC patients were associated with the respiratory system in long-COVID causing respiratory distress syndrome. The observed immune complications were notable, involving several diseases. The renal system also was impacted, which resulted in raising the risk of diseases such as thrombotic issues, fibrosis, and sepsis. Endocrine gland malfunction can lead to diabetes, thyroiditis, and male infertility. Symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, and taste were also among reported observations due to several gastrointestinal disorders. Skin abnormalities might be an indication of infection and long-term implications such as persistent cutaneous complaints linked to PASC. CONCLUSIONS Long-COVID is a multidimensional syndrome with considerable public health implications, affecting several physiological systems and demanding thorough medical therapy, and more study to address its underlying causes and long-term effects is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Golzardi
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Hrasnicka Cesta 15, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (M.G.); (J.Š.)
| | - Altijana Hromić-Jahjefendić
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Hrasnicka Cesta 15, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (M.G.); (J.Š.)
| | - Jasmin Šutković
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Hrasnicka Cesta 15, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (M.G.); (J.Š.)
| | - Orkun Aydin
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Hrasnicka Cesta 15, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (O.A.); (P.Ü.-A.)
| | - Pinar Ünal-Aydın
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, International University of Sarajevo, Hrasnicka Cesta 15, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina; (O.A.); (P.Ü.-A.)
| | - Tea Bećirević
- Atrijum Polyclinic, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Elrashdy M. Redwan
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia;
- Centre of Excellence in Bionanoscience Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Therapeutic and Protective Proteins Laboratory, Protein Research Department, Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology Research Institute, City of Scientific Research and Technological Applications (SRTA-City), New Borg EL-Arab, Alexandria 21934, Egypt
| | - Alberto Rubio-Casillas
- Autlan Regional Hospital, Health Secretariat, Autlan 48900, Jalisco, Mexico;
- Biology Laboratory, Autlan Regional Preparatory School, University of Guadalajara, Autlan 48900, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Vladimir N. Uversky
- Department of Molecular Medicine and USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Research Institute, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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26
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Marques FRDM, Laranjeira C, Carreira L, Gallo AM, Baccon WC, Goes HDF, Salci MA. Managing long COVID symptoms and accessing health services in Brazil: A grounded theory analysis. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28369. [PMID: 38571660 PMCID: PMC10988007 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28369] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The worldwide community has shown significant interest in researching the management of Long COVID. However, there is scarce evidence about the daily experiences of people living with Long COVID and their insights into the healthcare services provided to them. Aims This study aims to understand the experience of Long COVID sufferers with their symptoms and in accessing health services. Method We employed Charmaz's grounded theory methodology, informed by constructivism, and applied the COREQ guidelines for qualitative research. Sixty-six Brazilians living with Long COVID participated in the study. The data was collected using semi-structured telephone interviews and analyzed using a constant comparative process. Findings The findings refer firstly to the consequences of persistent Long COVID symptoms. Secondly, they describe how the disease trajectory required Long COVID sufferers to reorganize their routines and develop adaptive strategies. Lastly, they reflect a diverse array of both positive and negative interactions inside the healthcare system conveyed by individuals suffering from Long COVID. These elements converge towards the core category of the study: "The limbo of Long COVID sufferers: between the persistence of symptoms and access to health services". Conclusions Long COVID is characterized by its varied nature, including a range of physical and emotional repercussions experienced by individuals. There is a need for enhanced comprehension and discourse about Long COVID across several domains, including the general public, policy-making entities, and healthcare professionals. In this sense, the development of specialized services or the reinforcement of existing services to support long COVID sufferers is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carlos Laranjeira
- School of Health Sciences, Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 2, Morro do Lena, Alto do Vieiro, Apartado 4137, 2411-901, Leiria, Portugal
- Centre for Innovative Care and Health Technology (ciTechCare), Polytechnic University of Leiria, Campus 5, Rua das Olhalvas, 2414-016 Leiria, Portugal
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), University of Évora, 7000-801, Évora, Portugal
| | - Lígia Carreira
- Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, 5790—Campus Universitário, Maringá, 87020-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Adriana Martins Gallo
- Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, 5790—Campus Universitário, Maringá, 87020-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Wanessa Cristina Baccon
- Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, 5790—Campus Universitário, Maringá, 87020-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Herbert de Freitas Goes
- Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, 5790—Campus Universitário, Maringá, 87020-900, PR, Brazil
| | - Maria Aparecida Salci
- Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Enfermagem, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, Avenida Colombo, 5790—Campus Universitário, Maringá, 87020-900, PR, Brazil
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27
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Ahmed S, Ahmad E, Ahmad B, Arif MH, Ilyas HMA, Hashmi N, Ahmad S. Long COVID-19 and primary care: Challenges, management and recommendations. Semergen 2024; 50:102188. [PMID: 38306758 DOI: 10.1016/j.semerg.2023.102188] [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: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Long COVID-19, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), is characterized by persistent symptoms after COVID-19 onset. This article explores the challenges, management strategies, and recommendations for addressing long COVID-19 in primary care settings. The epidemiology of long COVID-19 reveals significant variability, with a substantial portion of COVID-19 survivors experiencing post-acute symptoms. Pathophysiological mechanisms include viral persistence, endothelial dysfunction, autoimmunity, neurological dysregulation, and gastrointestinal dysbiosis. Multiple risk factors, including age, sex, pre-existing comorbidities, smoking, BMI, and acute COVID-19 severity, influence the development of long COVID-19. Effective management requires proactive measures such as vaccination, identification of high-risk populations, public awareness, and post-infection vaccination. Collaboration of primary care physicians with specialists is essential for holistic and individualized patient care. This article underscores the role of primary care physicians in diagnosing, managing, and mitigating the long-term effects of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Ahmed
- FMH College of Medicine and Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - E Ahmad
- FMH College of Medicine and Dentistry, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - B Ahmad
- D.G. Khan Medical College, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
| | - M H Arif
- D.G. Khan Medical College, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan
| | - H M A Ilyas
- Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
| | - N Hashmi
- D.G. Khan Medical College, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan; Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital, DG Khan, Pakistan
| | - S Ahmad
- D.G. Khan Medical College, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan; Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital, DG Khan, Pakistan
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28
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Sharma V. Recharge the cells to overcome the debilitating symptoms in long-COVID. J Postgrad Med 2024; 70:73-74. [PMID: 38506451 PMCID: PMC11160982 DOI: 10.4103/jpgm.jpgm_833_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- V Sharma
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Kuntikana, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
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29
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Sun D, Zhu X, Bao Z, Lin X. Association between healthy lifestyles and post-COVID-19 syndrome among college students. Ann Thorac Med 2024; 19:139-146. [PMID: 38766372 PMCID: PMC11100468 DOI: 10.4103/atm.atm_219_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-COVID-19 syndrome still occurs in some populations. A healthy lifestyle is widely recognized as a first-line treatment to increase the body's antiviral resistance and tissue repair, but it is unclear whether a healthy lifestyle can promote or alleviate the symptoms of post-COVID-19 syndrome. METHODS A stratified random sampling method was used to select 498 participants from three universities in Fujian as the target of the questionnaire survey. The survey focused on students' healthy lifestyles and the symptoms of fatigue, anxiety, dyspnea, and depression that are common in post-COVID-19 syndrome. RESULTS Two months after developing COVID-19, some students continued to experience fatigue, anxiety, dyspnea, and depression, with fatigue being the most prominent symptom. The results of the study showed that there was a significant negative correlation (P < 0.01) between a healthy lifestyle and fatigue, anxiety, dyspnea, and depression among university students. Furthermore, when analyzing the different subdimensions of healthy lifestyles among university students, it was found that all dimensions showed varying degrees of negative correlation with fatigue, anxiety, dyspnea, and depression, except for health-related behaviors and interpersonal behaviors, which showed no relationship with fatigue (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS By improving healthy lifestyles, long-term COVID-19 symptoms can be reduced and improved and contribute positively to patient recovery, providing a viable rehabilitation option for long-term COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dezhuo Sun
- Department of Recreation Tourism and Sports Management, Faculty of Education, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Xiangfei Zhu
- Department of Recreation Tourism and Sports Management, Faculty of Education, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Zhonghan Bao
- Department of Recreation Tourism and Sports Management, Faculty of Education, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Xiaoping Lin
- Department of Recreation Tourism and Sports Management, Faculty of Education, Silpakorn University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
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Naidu AS, Wang CK, Rao P, Mancini F, Clemens RA, Wirakartakusumah A, Chiu HF, Yen CH, Porretta S, Mathai I, Naidu SAG. Precision nutrition to reset virus-induced human metabolic reprogramming and dysregulation (HMRD) in long-COVID. NPJ Sci Food 2024; 8:19. [PMID: 38555403 PMCID: PMC10981760 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-024-00261-2] [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: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2, the etiological agent of COVID-19, is devoid of any metabolic capacity; therefore, it is critical for the viral pathogen to hijack host cellular metabolic machinery for its replication and propagation. This single-stranded RNA virus with a 29.9 kb genome encodes 14 open reading frames (ORFs) and initiates a plethora of virus-host protein-protein interactions in the human body. These extensive viral protein interactions with host-specific cellular targets could trigger severe human metabolic reprogramming/dysregulation (HMRD), a rewiring of sugar-, amino acid-, lipid-, and nucleotide-metabolism(s), as well as altered or impaired bioenergetics, immune dysfunction, and redox imbalance in the body. In the infectious process, the viral pathogen hijacks two major human receptors, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)-2 and/or neuropilin (NRP)-1, for initial adhesion to cell surface; then utilizes two major host proteases, TMPRSS2 and/or furin, to gain cellular entry; and finally employs an endosomal enzyme, cathepsin L (CTSL) for fusogenic release of its viral genome. The virus-induced HMRD results in 5 possible infectious outcomes: asymptomatic, mild, moderate, severe to fatal episodes; while the symptomatic acute COVID-19 condition could manifest into 3 clinical phases: (i) hypoxia and hypoxemia (Warburg effect), (ii) hyperferritinemia ('cytokine storm'), and (iii) thrombocytosis (coagulopathy). The mean incubation period for COVID-19 onset was estimated to be 5.1 days, and most cases develop symptoms after 14 days. The mean viral clearance times were 24, 30, and 39 days for acute, severe, and ICU-admitted COVID-19 patients, respectively. However, about 25-70% of virus-free COVID-19 survivors continue to sustain virus-induced HMRD and exhibit a wide range of symptoms that are persistent, exacerbated, or new 'onset' clinical incidents, collectively termed as post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) or long COVID. PASC patients experience several debilitating clinical condition(s) with >200 different and overlapping symptoms that may last for weeks to months. Chronic PASC is a cumulative outcome of at least 10 different HMRD-related pathophysiological mechanisms involving both virus-derived virulence factors and a multitude of innate host responses. Based on HMRD and virus-free clinical impairments of different human organs/systems, PASC patients can be categorized into 4 different clusters or sub-phenotypes: sub-phenotype-1 (33.8%) with cardiac and renal manifestations; sub-phenotype-2 (32.8%) with respiratory, sleep and anxiety disorders; sub-phenotype-3 (23.4%) with skeleto-muscular and nervous disorders; and sub-phenotype-4 (10.1%) with digestive and pulmonary dysfunctions. This narrative review elucidates the effects of viral hijack on host cellular machinery during SARS-CoV-2 infection, ensuing detrimental effect(s) of virus-induced HMRD on human metabolism, consequential symptomatic clinical implications, and damage to multiple organ systems; as well as chronic pathophysiological sequelae in virus-free PASC patients. We have also provided a few evidence-based, human randomized controlled trial (RCT)-tested, precision nutrients to reset HMRD for health recovery of PASC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Satyanarayan Naidu
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA.
- N-terminus Research Laboratory, 232659 Via del Rio, Yorba Linda, CA, 92887, USA.
| | - Chin-Kun Wang
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- School of Nutrition, Chung Shan Medical University, 110, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, Taichung, 40201, Taiwan
| | - Pingfan Rao
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- College of Food and Bioengineering, Fujian Polytechnic Normal University, No.1, Campus New Village, Longjiang Street, Fuqing City, Fujian, China
| | - Fabrizio Mancini
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- President-Emeritus, Parker University, 2540 Walnut Hill Lane, Dallas, TX, 75229, USA
| | - Roger A Clemens
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- University of Southern California, Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy/D. K. Kim International Center for Regulatory & Quality Sciences, 1540 Alcazar St., CHP 140, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - Aman Wirakartakusumah
- International Union of Food Science and Technology (IUFoST), Guelph, ON, Canada
- IPMI International Business School Jakarta; South East Asian Food and Agriculture Science and Technology, IPB University, Bogor, Indonesia
| | - Hui-Fang Chiu
- Department of Chinese Medicine, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health & Well-being, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Hua Yen
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital; School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Sebastiano Porretta
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- President, Italian Association of Food Technology (AITA), Milan, Italy
- Experimental Station for the Food Preserving Industry, Department of Consumer Science, Viale Tanara 31/a, I-43121, Parma, Italy
| | - Issac Mathai
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- Soukya International Holistic Health Center, Whitefield, Bengaluru, India
| | - Sreus A G Naidu
- Global Nutrition Healthcare Council (GNHC) Mission-COVID, Yorba Linda, CA, USA
- N-terminus Research Laboratory, 232659 Via del Rio, Yorba Linda, CA, 92887, USA
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Marcilla-Toribio I, Moratalla-Cebrián ML, Notario-Pacheco B, Escudero-Lopez MA, Morales-Cuenca N, Martinez-Andres M. Gender differences in symptomatology, socio-demographic information and quality of life in Spanish population with long COVID condition: a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1355973. [PMID: 38577278 PMCID: PMC10991816 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1355973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Long COVID patients experience a decrease in their quality of life due to the symptomatology produced by the disease. It is also important to understand how long COVID affects both men and women. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of long COVID symptomatology on the quality of life of Spanish adults from a gender perspective. Methods An observational and cross-sectional study was carried out. Participants were able to complete an online questionnaire using an online platform. A sample of 206 people participated in the study. Results The 80.6% of the sample were women with a mean age of 46.51 (±8.28) and the 19.4% were men with a mean age of 48.03 (±9.50). The medium score in the PAC19-QoL test was 141.47 (±24.96) and segmented by gender, 141.65 (±23.95) for women and 140.82 (±28.66) for men. The most common symptoms in women were muscle and joint pain (94.6%), fatigue (94.0%), discomfort (92.2%), difficulty concentrating (91.0%), and memory loss (88.6%). For men the symptoms included muscle and joint pain (97.5%) and fatigue (97.5%) both occupying first position, discomfort (92.0%), difficulty concentrating (90.0%), mood disturbances (90.0%), and memory loss (87.5%). The chi-square test showed statistical significance (p < 0.005) for socio-demographic information, quality of life scores, and long COVID symptoms by intensities. Conclusion This study shows that there are gender differences in the way that long COVID is experienced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Marcilla-Toribio
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Centro de Estudios Sociosanitarios, Cuenca, Spain
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Grupo de Investigación Health, Gender, Social Determinants, Cuenca, Spain
- Universidad de Castilla- La Mancha, Facultad de Enfermería de Albacete, Albacete, Spain
| | - Maria Leopolda Moratalla-Cebrián
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Grupo de Investigación Health, Gender, Social Determinants, Cuenca, Spain
- Universidad de Castilla- La Mancha, Facultad de Enfermería de Albacete, Albacete, Spain
| | - Blanca Notario-Pacheco
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Centro de Estudios Sociosanitarios, Cuenca, Spain
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Grupo de Investigación Health, Gender, Social Determinants, Cuenca, Spain
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Facultad de Enfermería de Cuenca, Cuenca, Spain
| | - Miguel Angel Escudero-Lopez
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Grupo de Investigación Health, Gender, Social Determinants, Cuenca, Spain
| | - Nagore Morales-Cuenca
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Grupo de Investigación Health, Gender, Social Determinants, Cuenca, Spain
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Facultad de Enfermería de Cuenca, Cuenca, Spain
| | - Maria Martinez-Andres
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Centro de Estudios Sociosanitarios, Cuenca, Spain
- Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, Grupo de Investigación Health, Gender, Social Determinants, Cuenca, Spain
- Universidad de Castilla- La Mancha, Facultad de Enfermería de Albacete, Albacete, Spain
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Gheorghita R, Soldanescu I, Lobiuc A, Caliman Sturdza OA, Filip R, Constantinescu – Bercu A, Dimian M, Mangul S, Covasa M. The knowns and unknowns of long COVID-19: from mechanisms to therapeutical approaches. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1344086. [PMID: 38500880 PMCID: PMC10944866 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1344086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been defined as the greatest global health and socioeconomic crisis of modern times. While most people recover after being infected with the virus, a significant proportion of them continue to experience health issues weeks, months and even years after acute infection with SARS-CoV-2. This persistence of clinical symptoms in infected individuals for at least three months after the onset of the disease or the emergence of new symptoms lasting more than two months, without any other explanation and alternative diagnosis have been named long COVID, long-haul COVID, post-COVID-19 conditions, chronic COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Long COVID has been characterized as a constellation of symptoms and disorders that vary widely in their manifestations. Further, the mechanisms underlying long COVID are not fully understood, which hamper efficient treatment options. This review describes predictors and the most common symptoms related to long COVID's effects on the central and peripheral nervous system and other organs and tissues. Furthermore, the transcriptional markers, molecular signaling pathways and risk factors for long COVID, such as sex, age, pre-existing condition, hospitalization during acute phase of COVID-19, vaccination, and lifestyle are presented. Finally, recommendations for patient rehabilitation and disease management, as well as alternative therapeutical approaches to long COVID sequelae are discussed. Understanding the complexity of this disease, its symptoms across multiple organ systems and overlapping pathologies and its possible mechanisms are paramount in developing diagnostic tools and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Gheorghita
- Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Iuliana Soldanescu
- Integrated Center for Research, Development and Innovation for Advanced Materials, Nanotechnologies, Manufacturing and Control Distributed Systems (MANSiD), University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Andrei Lobiuc
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Olga Adriana Caliman Sturdza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Suceava Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Suceava, Romania
| | - Roxana Filip
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Suceava Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Suceava, Romania
| | - Adela Constantinescu – Bercu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Hemostasis Research Unit, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Mihai Dimian
- Integrated Center for Research, Development and Innovation for Advanced Materials, Nanotechnologies, Manufacturing and Control Distributed Systems (MANSiD), University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Department of Computer, Electronics and Automation, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Serghei Mangul
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mihai Covasa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pomona, CA, United States
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Sirotiak Z, Thomas EBK, Wade NG, Brellenthin AG. Associations between forgiveness and physical and mental health in the context of long COVID. J Psychosom Res 2024; 178:111612. [PMID: 38367371 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Forgiveness has been positively associated with health in those with functional disorders. This cross-sectional study examined the relationships among dimensions of forgiveness and physical and mental health in individuals with and without long COVID. METHODS Adults (N = 4316) in the United States took part in an online survey study detailing long COVID presence, physical and mental health, and trait forgiveness. T-tests were performed to assess differences in types of trait forgiveness between individuals with and without long COVID. Linear regression models assessed the contribution of demographic covariates and forgiveness subscales to the physical and mental health of individuals with and without long COVID. RESULTS Of 4316 participants, 379 (8.8%) reported current long COVID. Participants were an average age of 43.7, and most identified as female (51.9%), white (87.8%), and non-Hispanic/Latino (86.6%). Individuals with long COVID reported significantly less forgiveness of self (p < 0.001, d = 0.33), forgiveness of others (p = 0.004, d = 0.16), and forgiveness of situations (p < 0.001, d = 0.34) than those without long COVID. Among the long COVID sample, forgiveness of self and situations were positively associated with mental health (p < 0.05), but not physical health (p > 0.05). Forgiveness of others was negatively associated with both physical and mental health (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Forgiveness may be an important consideration in understanding health among individuals with long COVID, emphasizing the importance of developing a multifaceted understanding of the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Sirotiak
- Iowa State University, Department of Kinesiology, USA; University of Iowa, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, USA
| | - Emily B K Thomas
- University of Iowa, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, USA
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Zhang J, Kuang T, Liu X. Advances in researches on long coronavirus disease in children: a narrative review. Transl Pediatr 2024; 13:318-328. [PMID: 38455739 PMCID: PMC10915432 DOI: 10.21037/tp-23-472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Objective In the context of the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), more than 700 million infections and millions of deaths have occurred in countries around the world. Currently, two main sequelae of this disease are considered to occur in children, namely, multi-system inflammatory syndrome in children and long COVID. Among these two, the incidence of long COVID is higher and its impact on the population is more extensive, which is the focus of us. However, due to the lack of relevant studies and the limitations of most studies, the studies on sequelae of COVID-19 infection lag behind those of adults, but they have begun to attract the attention of some clinicians and researchers. We aim to summarize the current knowledge of long COVID in children, helping pediatricians and researchers to better understand this disease and providing guidance on research and clinical treatment of it. Methods We reviewed all the studies on "long COVID", pediatric, children, adolescent, post-COVID syndrome in PubMed published after 2019. Key Content and Findings This review summarizes the latest researches on epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, prevention and treatment of long COVID in children. Based on the existing research data, we summarized and analyzed the characteristics of long COVID in children, discovering the means to decipher the diagnosis of COVID-19 in children and some potential therapeutic treatments. Conclusions We aim to summarize existing research on long COVID in children and help pediatricians and government agencies quickly understand the disease so that it can be used for clinical diagnosis, treatment and prevention in the population. In addition, providing a research basis for further researches on the cellular and even molecular level to explain the occurrence and development of diseases, and has a guiding role for future research direction.
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Tański W, Tomasiewicz A, Jankowska-Polańska B. Sleep Disturbances as a Consequence of Long COVID-19: Insights from Actigraphy and Clinimetric Examinations-An Uncontrolled Prospective Observational Pilot Study. J Clin Med 2024; 13:839. [PMID: 38337533 PMCID: PMC10856322 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13030839] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic represents a global health and social challenge. However, the impact of a SARS-CoV-2 infection itself on mental health and sleep quality remains poorly understood. The purpose of the present uncontrolled prospective observational pilot study was to evaluate the impact of past COVID-19 disease on the incidence of quantitative and qualitative sleep disturbances. A group of 61 subjects (37 female, 24 male) reported sleep disturbances that had lasted for at least one month and had started after recovery from COVID-19. The study used self-reported instruments: the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), as well as an objective method-actigraphy-for quantitative analysis of sleep architecture. It was shown that sleep disturbances most commonly started after recovery (68.3%, n = 41) and lasted for more than one month (83.6%, n = 51). ESS scores of 7.8 ± 5.0 points indicate moderate daytime sleepiness, and ISI scores of 16.3 ± 5.8 points denote moderate insomnia. ESS scores were negatively correlated with total time in bed (r = -0.3780, p = 0.003), total sleep time (r = -0.2969, p = 0.020), and wakefulness after sleep onset (r = -0.2654, p = 0.039). In addition, ESS scores were correlated negatively with the respondents' age (B = -0.17, p = 0.000) and time from COVID-19 onset. A positive correlation was found between wakefulness after sleep onset and ESS scores (B = -0.05, p = 0.039). ISI scores were positively correlated with time in bed (r = 0.3275, p = 0.010). Female gender was found to be a significant predictor of insomnia's severity (B = 2.159, t = 3.04, p = 0.004). In conclusion, patients with a history of COVID-19 report long-lasting sleep disturbances that do not subside spontaneously. In the patient group studied, moderate levels of daytime sleepiness and insomnia were found. The most frequently reported problems included irregular sleep, frequent awakenings, and difficulty maintaining sleep, while normal sleep duration was preserved. These findings underscore the need for continued attention to the long-term consequences of COVID-19 on sleep health and emphasize the importance of targeted interventions to address these enduring sleep disturbances in affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Tański
- Department of Internal Medicine, 4th Military Clinical Hospital, 50-981 Wroclaw, Poland;
- Faculty of Medicine, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-376 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Tomasiewicz
- Student Research Club of Surgical Specialties, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-532 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Beata Jankowska-Polańska
- Faculty of Medicine, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, 50-376 Wroclaw, Poland
- Center for Research and Innovation, 4th Military Clinical Hospital, 50-981 Wroclaw, Poland
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Menicucci D, Bastiani L, Malloggi E, Denoth F, Gemignani A, Molinaro S. Impaired Well-Being and Insomnia as Residuals of Resolved Medical Conditions: Survey in the Italian Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:129. [PMID: 38397620 PMCID: PMC10888320 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21020129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Well-being encompasses physical, mental, social, and cultural aspects. Sleep quality and pathologies are among the objective conditions jeopardising it. Chronic insomnia, inflammatory-based diseases, and mood disorders often occur in a single cluster, and inflammation can negatively impact sleep, potentially harming well-being. Some evidence from specific clinical populations suggests that also some resolved past diseases could still have an impact on present sleep quality and well-being. The aim of the present study is to investigate, in the general population, whether and to what degree well-being and insomnia are associated with resolved pathologies. METHODS A cross-sectional survey (IPSAD®) was carried out using anonymous postal questionnaires that investigated past and present general health, well-being, and insomnia. A total of 10,467 subjects answered the questionnaire. RESULTS Several classes of both current and resolved pathologies resulted in increased odds ratios for current insomnia (odds ratios = 1.90; 1.43, respectively) and impaired well-being (odds ratios = 1.75; 1.33, respectively), proportional to the number of the displayed pathologies. Notably, both current and resolved past psychiatric disorders were strongly associated with both current impaired well-being (odds ratios = 5.38; 1.70, respectively) and insomnia (odds ratios = 4.99; 2.15, respectively). CONCLUSIONS To explain these associations, we suggest that systemic inflammation conveyed by several medical conditions disrupts homeostatic processes, with final effects on sleep quality and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Menicucci
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (D.M.); (E.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Luca Bastiani
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.B.); (F.D.)
| | - Eleonora Malloggi
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (D.M.); (E.M.); (A.G.)
| | - Francesca Denoth
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.B.); (F.D.)
| | - Angelo Gemignani
- Department of Surgical, Medical and Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (D.M.); (E.M.); (A.G.)
- Clinical Psychology Branch, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sabrina Molinaro
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.B.); (F.D.)
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Torki E, Hoseininasab F, Moradi M, Sami R, Sullman MJM, Fouladseresht H. The demographic, laboratory and genetic factors associated with long Covid-19 syndrome: a case-control study. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:1. [PMID: 38231284 PMCID: PMC10794331 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01256-1] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Long Covid-19 syndrome (LCS) manifests with a wide range of clinical symptoms, yet the factors associated with LCS remain poorly understood. The current study aimed to investigate the relationships that demographic characteristics, clinical history, laboratory indicators, and the frequency of HLA-I alleles have with the likelihood of developing LCS. We extracted the demographic characteristics and clinical histories from the medical records of 88 LCS cases (LCS+ group) and 96 individuals without LCS (LCS- group). Furthermore, we evaluated the clinical symptoms, serum levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, laboratory parameters, and the frequencies of HLA-I alleles. Following this we used multiple logistic regression to investigate the association these variables had with LCS. Subjects in the LCS+ group were more likely to have experienced severe Covid-19 symptoms and had higher body mass index (BMI), white blood cell, lymphocyte counts, C-reactive protein (CRP), and IL-6 levels than those in the LCS- group (for all: P < 0.05). Moreover, the frequencies of the HLA-A*11, -B*14, -B*38, -B*50, and -C*07 alleles were higher in the LCS+ group (for all: P < 0.05). After adjusting for the most important variables, the likelihood of suffering from LCS was significantly associated with BMI, CRP, IL-6, the HLA-A*11, and -C*07 alleles, as well as a positive history of severe Covid-19 (for all: P < 0.05). Our study showed that a history of severe Covid-19 during the acute phase of the disease, the HLA-A*11, and -C*07 alleles, higher BMI, as well as elevated serum CRP and IL-6 levels, were all associated with an increased likelihood of LCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ensiye Torki
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Fahimeh Hoseininasab
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Marjan Moradi
- Department of Genetics, School of Science, Shahrekord University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Ramin Sami
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mark J M Sullman
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Social Sciences, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Hamed Fouladseresht
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
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León-Herrera S, Oliván-Blázquez B, Samper-Pardo M, Aguilar-Latorre A, Sánchez Arizcuren R. Motivational Interviewing as a Tool to Increase Motivation and Adherence to a Long COVID Telerehabilitation Intervention: Secondary Data Analysis from a Randomized Clinical Trial. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:157-169. [PMID: 38234406 PMCID: PMC10793119 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s433950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Although motivational interviewing was originally developed to address abuse disorders, scientific evidence confirms that it is an increasingly used and effective approach in a wide range of therapeutic interventions. To date, however, no studies have analyzed the use of this tool in patients with persistent symptoms following coronavirus disease 2019, a condition known as Long COVID. Purpose To analyze the effectiveness of motivational interviewing with regard to the adherence to telerehabilitation for Long COVID using a mobile application. As a secondary objective, factors related to greater motivation before and after the motivational interviewing techniques were analyzed. Patients and Methods This longitudinal design substudy used a sample of 52 adult patients with Long COVID participating in the intervention group of a randomized clinical trial. This trial examined the effectiveness of a telerehabilitation program for this population using a mobile application. This program included three motivational interviews to achieve maximum treatment adherence. In this study, the main variables were motivation and adherence to application use. Sociodemographic and clinical data, personal constructs, and affective state were also collected. Subsequently, a descriptive, correlational, and regression statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS Statistics program. Results The median motivation prior to the first motivational interview was 8 (IQR 2), the median at the end of the last motivational interview was 8.5 (IQR 2.75), and the change in motivation levels after the three motivational interviews was 0.5 (IQR 1). Affective state and final motivation scores were predictors of greater adherence to telerehabilitation treatment. Conclusion A high level of motivation after participating in motivational interviewing appears to be related to higher levels of adherence to telerehabilitation in patients with Long COVID. This suggests that motivational interviewing may be an effective tool in the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra León-Herrera
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Bárbara Oliván-Blázquez
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Alejandra Aguilar-Latorre
- Institute for Health Research Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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Bota AV, Bratosin F, Bogdan I, Septimiu-Radu S, Ilie AC, Burtic SR, Razvan DV, Tudor R, Indries MF, Csep AN, Fildan AP, Budea CM, Marincu I. Assessing the Quality of Life, Coping Strategies, Anxiety and Depression Levels in Patients with Long-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Six-Month Follow-Up Study. Diseases 2024; 12:21. [PMID: 38248372 PMCID: PMC10814582 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12010021] [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: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This longitudinal study investigates the psychosocial effects of long-COVID Syndrome, a domain still not extensively researched. It specifically evaluates the quality of life, coping mechanisms, anxiety and depression levels in COVID-19 survivors, differentiating between those with and without long-COVID Syndrome. Conducted at the Victor Babes Hospital for Infectious Diseases and Pulmonology in Timisoara, Romania, the study utilized a cohort of patients diagnosed with mild to moderate COVID-19. The following standardized tools: WHOQOL-BREF for quality of life, COPE-60 for coping strategies, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), were employed for the assessment. The sample consisted of 86 patients displaying persistent post-acute symptoms and 432 asymptomatic patients at the 6-month post-discharge mark. Patients with frequent post-acute symptoms reported significantly higher levels of fatigue (8.2 ± 1.4), cognitive difficulties (7.5 ± 1.6), and respiratory challenges (7.8 ± 1.3), along with a markedly lower overall quality of life (7.0 ± 1.5) compared to their asymptomatic counterparts. HADS scores revealed elevated depression (6.8 ± 1.9) and anxiety (7.1 ± 2.3) in the symptomatic group. Quality of life, as evaluated through the use of WHOQOL-BREF, showed lower scores in the symptomatic cohort across physical (58.8 ± 15.8), mental (56.3 ± 16.4), and social domains (50.2 ± 17.5). COPE-60 findings indicated a higher prevalence of disengagement (56.4%) and emotion-focused coping strategies (61.8%) in the symptomatic group, in contrast to 30.1% and 37.0%, respectively, in the asymptomatic group. The study highlights that long-COVID Syndrome significantly deteriorates the quality of life and is associated with increased depression and anxiety levels. The prevalent use of disengagement and emotion-focused coping strategies among patients with persistent symptoms suggests a need for enhanced psychosocial support tailored to this subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Vasile Bota
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.V.B.); (F.B.); (I.B.); (S.S.-R.); (D.V.R.); (C.M.B.); (I.M.)
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Felix Bratosin
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.V.B.); (F.B.); (I.B.); (S.S.-R.); (D.V.R.); (C.M.B.); (I.M.)
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Iulia Bogdan
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.V.B.); (F.B.); (I.B.); (S.S.-R.); (D.V.R.); (C.M.B.); (I.M.)
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Susa Septimiu-Radu
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.V.B.); (F.B.); (I.B.); (S.S.-R.); (D.V.R.); (C.M.B.); (I.M.)
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Adrian Cosmin Ilie
- Department III Functional Sciences, Division of Public Health and Management, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Sonia-Roxana Burtic
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
- Department II, Discipline of Medical Communication, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - David Vladut Razvan
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.V.B.); (F.B.); (I.B.); (S.S.-R.); (D.V.R.); (C.M.B.); (I.M.)
- Doctoral School, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania;
| | - Raluca Tudor
- Second Discipline of Neurology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Mirela Florica Indries
- Department of Psycho-Neuroscience and Recovery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Str. Universitatii nr. 1, 410087 Oradea, Romania;
| | - Andrei Nicolae Csep
- Department of Psycho-Neuroscience and Recovery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Str. Universitatii nr. 1, 410087 Oradea, Romania;
| | - Ariadna Petronela Fildan
- Department of Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, “Ovidius” University of Constanta, 900470 Constanta, Romania;
| | - Camelia Melania Budea
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.V.B.); (F.B.); (I.B.); (S.S.-R.); (D.V.R.); (C.M.B.); (I.M.)
| | - Iosif Marincu
- Methodological and Infectious Diseases Research Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Eftimie Murgu Square 2, 300041 Timisoara, Romania; (A.V.B.); (F.B.); (I.B.); (S.S.-R.); (D.V.R.); (C.M.B.); (I.M.)
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Ippoliti L, Coppeta L, Somma G, Bizzarro G, Borelli F, Crispino T, Ferrari C, Iannuzzi I, Mazza A, Paolino A, Magrini A, Pietroiusti A. Pulmonary function assessment after COVID-19 in vaccinated healthcare workers. J Occup Med Toxicol 2023; 18:31. [PMID: 38102626 PMCID: PMC10724929 DOI: 10.1186/s12995-023-00400-7] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 typically presents with flu-like symptoms due to the viral infection itself. The most severe cases are characterised by lung damage, an important factor in fatal outcome due to alveolar damage. In some cases, patients develop a long COVID with persistent symptoms of chest pain and fatigue. Causes, including organ damage or inflammation, are being investigated. Clinical outcomes are variable and permanent lung damage is not fully understood, while vaccination is effective against severe infection but its effect on respiratory function in mild cases remains uncertain. This retrospective study aims to analyse changes in lung function in HCWs who had COVID-19 between 2020 and 2022, comparing their spirometric test results before and after the pandemic and taking into account their vaccination status. 321 HCWs were included in the study. The study examined spirometric parameters both before and after the pandemic, and all measured outcomes except the FEV1/FVC ratio showed a significant decrease during the study period. We then assessed the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and changes in lung function parameters, analysing infections in 2020, 2021 and 2022 separately. We found a statistically significant difference in Forced vital capacity (FVC) between infected and non-infected subjects in 2020 and 2021, but not in 2022. To evaluate the protective effect of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on respiratory function, a linear regression analysis was performed using changes in FVC, Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FVC/FEV1 ratio and Peak expiratory flow (PEF) as dependent variables. The analysis showed that the decline in FVC was significantly lower in subjects who had been vaccinated prior to infection. The study concludes that subclinical SARS-CoV-2 infections in 2020 and 2021 worsened respiratory parameters (FVC and FEV1), but vaccination protected against these effects. Even healthy individuals with previous infections showed respiratory changes, with vaccination providing protection, especially for FVC decline. This highlights the importance of vaccinating healthcare workers against COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Ippoliti
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy.
| | - Luca Coppeta
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Somma
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bizzarro
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Francesco Borelli
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Teresa Crispino
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Cristiana Ferrari
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Ilaria Iannuzzi
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Andrea Mazza
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Agostino Paolino
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Andrea Magrini
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Antonio Pietroiusti
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Rome, 00131, Italy
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He W, Xu K, Ni L, Wu J, Zhang Y, Miao K, Wang L, Wang DW. Myocardial injury and related mortality in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 during the Omicron pandemic: new perspectives and insights. Virol Sin 2023; 38:940-950. [PMID: 37839550 PMCID: PMC10786663 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2023.10.005] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial injury is one of the most common comorbidity in SARS-CoV-2 infected patients, and has poor prognosis. However, the incidence of myocardial injury in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection has not been sufficiently investigated during the Omicron wave. We conducted a retrospective study of 2690 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection from Tongji Hospital. The results indicated that the myocardial injury accounted for 30.8% of the total patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and was associated with higher in-hospital mortality than those without injury before and after propensity score matching (PSM) [adjusted hazard ratio (HR), 10.61; 95% confidence interval (CI), 7.76-14.51; P < 0.001; adjusted HR, 2.70; 95% CI, 1.86-3.93; P < 0.001; respectively]. Further, the levels of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α) in patients with myocardial injury were higher than those without injury, and the higher levels of cytokines in the myocardial injury group were associated with increased mortality. Administration of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARB) could significantly reduce the mortality in patients with myocardial injury (adjusted HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.38-0.71; P < 0.001). Additionally, the level of angiotensin II increased in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection was even higher in myocardial injury group compared to those without injury. Collectively, the study summarized the clinical characteristic and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infected patients with myocardial injury during the Omicron wave in China, and validated the protective role of ACEI/ARB in improving the survival of those with myocardial injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu He
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Li Ni
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Junfang Wu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Kun Miao
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Luyun Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Dao Wen Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Mechanisms of Cardiological Disorders, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Dikici Ü, İşli M, Bilgin MS, Özdemir Ö. New-onset asthma development in adults after COVID-19 disease. THE JOURNAL OF ALLERGY AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY. IN PRACTICE 2023; 11:3819-3820. [PMID: 38065648 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaip.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ümmügülsüm Dikici
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Research and Training Hospital of Sakarya University Medical Faculty, Adapazarı, Sakarya, Türkiye
| | - Müge İşli
- Department of Pediatrics, Research and Training Hospital of Sakarya University Medical Faculty, Adapazarı, Sakarya, Türkiye
| | - Merve Soysal Bilgin
- Department of Pediatrics, Research and Training Hospital of Sakarya University Medical Faculty, Adapazarı, Sakarya, Türkiye
| | - Öner Özdemir
- Division of Allergy and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Research and Training Hospital of Sakarya University Medical Faculty, Adapazarı, Sakarya, Türkiye.
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Moyo E, Chimene M, Moyo P, Musuka G, Mangoya D, Murewanhema G, Dzinamarira T. Risk factors and clinical presentations of long COVID in Africa: A scoping review. J Infect Public Health 2023; 16:1982-1988. [PMID: 37890221 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
COVID-19-related complications can last for years, even in patients who are asymptomatic during the acute phase, a phenomenon referred to as long COVID. This scoping review aimed to summarize the risk factors and clinical symptoms of long COVID in Africa between 2020 and 2022. Five studies were included. Three of the studies used in this review were retrospective cross-sectional studies, one was a prospective cohort study while another one was a case-control study. The review identified several risk factors for long COVID, including being female, being older than 40 years, having more than four acute COVID-19 symptoms, and having concomitant conditions such as asthma, hypertension, and depression. General, respiratory, cardiovascular, otolaryngological, gastrointestinal, and neurological symptoms were among the reported long COVID symptoms. To ensure that patients with long COVID are diagnosed and treated early, the risk factors and clinical symptoms of long COVID need to be identified for different population groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enos Moyo
- Medical Center Oshakati, Oshakati, Namibia
| | | | | | - Godfrey Musuka
- International Initiative for Impact Evaluation, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Derek Mangoya
- The Centre for HIV and AIDS Prevention Studies, Windhoek, Namibia
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Guo B, Zhao C, He MZ, Senter C, Zhou Z, Peng J, Li S, Fitzpatrick AL, Lindström S, Stebbins RC, Noppert GA, Li C. Identifying patterns of reported findings on long-term cardiac complications of COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Med 2023; 21:468. [PMID: 38017426 PMCID: PMC10685580 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03162-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prior reviews synthesized findings of studies on long-term cardiac complications of COVID-19. However, the reporting and methodological quality of these studies has not been systematically evaluated. Here, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on long-term cardiac complications of COVID-19 and examined patterns of reported findings by study quality and characteristics. METHODS We searched for studies examining long-term cardiac complications of COVID-19 that persisted for 4 weeks and over. A customized Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS) was used to evaluate the quality of included studies. Meta-analysis was performed to generate prevalence estimates of long-term cardiac complications across studies. Stratified analyses were further conducted to examine the prevalence of each complication by study quality and characteristics. The GRADE approach was used to determine the level of evidence for complications included in the meta-analysis. RESULTS A total number of 150 studies describing 57 long-term cardiac complications were included in this review, and 137 studies reporting 17 complications were included in the meta-analysis. Only 25.3% (n = 38) of studies were of high quality based on the NOS quality assessment. Chest pain and arrhythmia were the most widely examined long-term complications. When disregarding study quality and characteristics, summary prevalence estimates for chest and arrhythmia were 9.79% (95% CI 7.24-13.11) and 8.22% (95% CI 6.46-10.40), respectively. However, stratified analyses showed that studies with low-quality scores, small sample sizes, unsystematic sampling methods, and cross-sectional design were more likely to report a higher prevalence of complications. For example, the prevalence of chest pain was 22.17% (95% CI 14.40-32.55), 11.08% (95% CI 8.65-14.09), and 3.89% (95% CI 2.49-6.03) in studies of low, medium, and high quality, respectively. Similar patterns were observed for arrhythmia and other less examined long-term cardiac complications. CONCLUSION There is a wide spectrum of long-term cardiac complications of COVID-19. Reported findings from previous studies are strongly related to study quality, sample sizes, sampling methods, and designs, underscoring the need for high-quality epidemiologic studies to characterize these complications and understand their etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boya Guo
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Chenya Zhao
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mike Z He
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Camilla Senter
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Zhenwei Zhou
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jin Peng
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Song Li
- Division of Cardiology, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Annette L Fitzpatrick
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sara Lindström
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rebecca C Stebbins
- Social, Genetic, & Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Grace A Noppert
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, USA.
| | - Chihua Li
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48104, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Cegolon L, Mauro M, Sansone D, Tassinari A, Gobba FM, Modenese A, Casolari L, Liviero F, Pavanello S, Scapellato ML, Taus F, Carta A, Spiteri G, Monaco MGL, Porru S, Larese Filon F. A Multi-Center Study Investigating Long COVID-19 in Healthcare Workers from North-Eastern Italy: Prevalence, Risk Factors and the Impact of Pre-Existing Humoral Immunity-ORCHESTRA Project. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1769. [PMID: 38140174 PMCID: PMC10747427 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11121769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The impact of long-COVID-19 syndrome is rather variable, since it is influenced by several residual confounders. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of long COVID-19 in healthcare workers (HCWs) from four university hospitals in north-eastern Italy: Trieste, Padua, Verona, and Modena-Reggio Emilia. Methods: During the period June 2022-August 2022, HCWs were surveyed for past COVID-19 infections, medical history, and any acute as well as post-COVID-19 symptoms. The prevalence of long COVID-19 was estimated at 30-60 days or 61+ days since first negative swab following first and second COVID-19 episode. Furthermore, the risk of long COVID-19 was investigated by multivariable logistic regression. Results were expressed as the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Results: 5432 HCWs returned a usable questionnaire: 2401 were infected with SARS-CoV-2 at least once, 230 were infected at least twice, and 8 were infected three times. The prevalence of long COVID-19 after a primary COVID-19 infection was 24.0% at 30-60 days versus 16.3% at 61+ days, and 10.5% against 5.5% after the second SARS-CoV-2 event. The most frequent symptoms after a first COVID-19 event were asthenia (30.3%), followed by myalgia (13.7%), cough (12.4%), dyspnea (10.2%), concentration deficit (8.1%), headache (7.3%), and anosmia (6.5%), in decreasing order of prevalence. The risk of long COVID-19 at 30-60 days was significantly higher in HCWs hospitalized for COVID-19 (aOR = 3.34; 95%CI: 1.62; 6.89), those infected with SARS-CoV-2 during the early pandemic waves-namely the Wuhan (aOR = 2.16; 95%CI: 1.14; 4.09) or Alpha (aOR= 2.05; 95%CI: 1.25; 3.38) transmission periods-and progressively increasing with viral shedding time (VST), especially 15+ days (aOR = 3.20; 95%CI: 2.07; 4.94). Further determinants of long COVID-19 at 30-60 days since primary COVID-19 event were female sex (aOR = 1.91; 95%CI: 1.30; 2.80), age >40 years, abnormal BMI, or administrative services (reference category). In contrast, HCWs vaccinated with two doses before their primary infection (aOR = 0.57; 95%CI: 0.34; 0.94), undergraduate students, or postgraduate medical trainees were less likely to experience long COVID-19 at 30-60 days. Apart from pandemic waves, the main determinants of long COVID-19 at 30-60 days were confirmed at 61+ days. Conclusions: The risk of long COVID-19 following primary infection increased with the severity of acute disease and VST, especially during the initial pandemic waves, when more virulent viral strains were circulating, and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 was higher since most HCWs had not been infected yet, COVID-19 vaccines were still not available, and/or vaccination coverage was still building up. The risk of long COVID-19 therefore decreased inversely with humoral immunity at the individual level. Nevertheless, the prevalence of long COVID-19 was remarkably lower after SARS-CoV-2 reinfections regardless of vaccination status, suggesting that hybrid humoral immunity did not increase protection against the syndrome compared to immunity mounted by either natural infection or vaccination separately. Since the risk of long COVID-19 is currently low with Omicron and patients who developed the syndrome following SARS-CoV-2 infection in the early pandemic waves tend to return to a state of full health with time, a cost-effective approach to screen post-COVID-19 symptoms during the Omicron time could be restricted to vulnerable individuals developing severe disease and/or with prolonged VST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Cegolon
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy; (M.M.); (D.S.); (A.T.); (F.L.F.)
- Occupational Medicine Unit, University Health Agency Giuliano-Isontina (ASUGI), 34129 Trieste, Italy
| | - Marcella Mauro
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy; (M.M.); (D.S.); (A.T.); (F.L.F.)
- Occupational Medicine Unit, University Health Agency Giuliano-Isontina (ASUGI), 34129 Trieste, Italy
| | - Donatella Sansone
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy; (M.M.); (D.S.); (A.T.); (F.L.F.)
| | - Alice Tassinari
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy; (M.M.); (D.S.); (A.T.); (F.L.F.)
| | - Fabrizio Maria Gobba
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neurological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio-Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Alberto Modenese
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neurological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio-Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; (F.M.G.); (A.M.)
| | - Loretta Casolari
- Health Surveillance Service, Modena University Hospital, 41125 Modena, Italy;
| | - Filippo Liviero
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.L.); (S.P.)
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Sofia Pavanello
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.L.); (S.P.)
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Scapellato
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy; (F.L.); (S.P.)
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Francesco Taus
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Medical Statistics, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy;
| | - Angela Carta
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Verona University Hospital, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.C.); (G.S.); (M.G.L.M.); (S.P.)
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Gianluca Spiteri
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Verona University Hospital, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.C.); (G.S.); (M.G.L.M.); (S.P.)
| | - Maria Grazia Lourdes Monaco
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Verona University Hospital, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.C.); (G.S.); (M.G.L.M.); (S.P.)
| | - Stefano Porru
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Verona University Hospital, 37134 Verona, Italy; (A.C.); (G.S.); (M.G.L.M.); (S.P.)
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Occupational Medicine, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Francesca Larese Filon
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Department of Medical, Surgical & Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34129 Trieste, Italy; (M.M.); (D.S.); (A.T.); (F.L.F.)
- Occupational Medicine Unit, University Health Agency Giuliano-Isontina (ASUGI), 34129 Trieste, Italy
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Jin W, Hao W, Shi X, Fritsche LG, Salvatore M, Admon AJ, Friese CR, Mukherjee B. Using Multi-Modal Electronic Health Record Data for the Development and Validation of Risk Prediction Models for Long COVID Using the Super Learner Algorithm. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7313. [PMID: 38068365 PMCID: PMC10707399 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12237313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) have emerged as a global public health and healthcare challenge. This study aimed to uncover predictive factors for PASC from multi-modal data to develop a predictive model for PASC diagnoses. METHODS We analyzed electronic health records from 92,301 COVID-19 patients, covering medical phenotypes, medications, and lab results. We used a Super Learner-based prediction approach to identify predictive factors. We integrated the model outputs into individual and composite risk scores and evaluated their predictive performance. RESULTS Our analysis identified several factors predictive of diagnoses of PASC, including being overweight/obese and the use of HMG CoA reductase inhibitors prior to COVID-19 infection, and respiratory system symptoms during COVID-19 infection. We developed a composite risk score with a moderate discriminatory ability for PASC (covariate-adjusted AUC (95% confidence interval): 0.66 (0.63, 0.69)) by combining the risk scores based on phenotype and medication records. The combined risk score could identify 10% of individuals with a 2.2-fold increased risk for PASC. CONCLUSIONS We identified several factors predictive of diagnoses of PASC and integrated the information into a composite risk score for PASC prediction, which could contribute to the identification of individuals at higher risk for PASC and inform preventive efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Jin
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (W.J.)
- Center for Precision Health Data Science, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Wei Hao
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (W.J.)
- Center for Precision Health Data Science, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Xu Shi
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (W.J.)
| | - Lars G. Fritsche
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (W.J.)
| | - Maxwell Salvatore
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (W.J.)
- Center for Precision Health Data Science, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Andrew J. Admon
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- LTC Charles S. Kettles VA Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Christopher R. Friese
- School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Bhramar Mukherjee
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (W.J.)
- Center for Precision Health Data Science, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
- Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Saleh SAK, Adly HM. Impact of Ambient Air Pollution Exposure on Long COVID-19 Symptoms: A Cohort Study within the Saudi Arabian Population. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:642-661. [PMID: 37888141 PMCID: PMC10606867 DOI: 10.3390/idr15050060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that air pollution, specifically the particulate matters PM2.5 and PM10, plays a key role in exacerbating the risk of prolonged symptoms following COVID-19 infection. AIM This study endeavors to elucidate the potential interaction between chronic air pollution exposure and the manifestation of long COVID symptoms within a cohort based in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. METHODS Participants included residents from the Makkah region who had recovered from COVID-19 between 2022 and 2023. A comprehensive questionnaire was utilized to gather detailed demographic data and assess the persistent symptoms seen during the post-COVID period. To gauge the environmental exposure to potential risk factors, air sampling for PM10 and PM2.5 was systematically conducted in various locations in Makkah over a year. RESULTS Significant positive associations were found between PM2.5 and PM10 exposure and long COVID. Furthermore, specific symptom analysis revealed a significant association between air pollution and shortness of breath (for PM2.5). Only PM2.5 exposure remained statistically significant (RR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.05, 1.67). In contrast, the association with PM10 remained on the cusp of significance, with an RR of 1.27 (95% CI: 1.00, 1.61). CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of reducing air pollution levels to mitigate the long-term health consequences of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh A. K. Saleh
- Biochemistry Department, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia;
- Oncology Diagnostic Unit, College of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11435, Egypt
| | - Heba M. Adly
- Community Medicine and Pilgrims Healthcare Department, College of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
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48
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Kennelly CE, Nguyen ATP, Sheikhan NY, Strudwick G, Ski CF, Thompson DR, Bartram M, Soklaridis S, Rossell SL, Castle D, Hawke LD. The lived experience of long COVID: A qualitative study of mental health, quality of life, and coping. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292630. [PMID: 37831706 PMCID: PMC10575511 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of people who contract COVID-19 experience a short period of symptomatic infection. However, symptoms persist for months or years following initial exposure to the virus in some cases. This has been described as long COVID. Little is known about the lived experience of this condition, as it has only recently emerged. This study aimed to explore the experiences of mental health, quality of life, and coping among people living with long COVID. A sample of 47 adults with lived experience participated in web-based focus groups. Separate focus groups were held for 24 individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions and 23 individuals without pre-existing mental health conditions. Data were analyzed using a codebook thematic analysis approach. Five themes were identified as integral to the long COVID experience: The Emotional Landscape of Long COVID, New Limits to Daily Functioning, Grief and Loss of Former Identity, Long COVID-related Stigmatization, and Learning to Cope with Persisting Symptoms. These findings illustrate the immense impact of long COVID on mental health and quality of life. Minimal differences were found between those with and those without pre-existing mental health conditions, as both groups were substantially impacted by the condition. Attention to the perspectives of people with lived experience of long COVID is necessary to inform future directions for research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen E. Kennelly
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anh T. P. Nguyen
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natasha Yasmin Sheikhan
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gillian Strudwick
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chantal F. Ski
- Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - David R. Thompson
- Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Mary Bartram
- Mental Health Commission of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sophie Soklaridis
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan L. Rossell
- Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Castle
- University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Lisa D. Hawke
- University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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49
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Balasubramanian A, Singh D, Lahey T. COVID-19 infection and a repeated false positivity effect in HIV testing: A case report. IDCases 2023; 34:e01908. [PMID: 37860150 PMCID: PMC10582350 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2023.e01908] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Several reports in the literature have described the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and false positive HIV testing results. We present a case of a cisgender male who has sex with men with a false positive HIV test after fully recovering from COVID-19 14 days prior. Initial 4th generation HIV 1 and 2 antibody/antigen testing was positive twice, but confirmatory antibody testing was negative. HIV viral load was persistently undetectable. Most of the previously published case reports describe concurrent testing and positivity for HIV and COVID-19. Our report stands out due to the implication of a potentially prolonged association that could persist for several weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Devika Singh
- University of Vermont, Robert Larner College of Medicine, United States
| | - Timothy Lahey
- University of Vermont, Robert Larner College of Medicine, United States
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50
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Abu Hussein N, Machahua C, Ruchti SC, Horn MP, Piquilloud L, Prella M, Geiser TK, von Garnier C, Funke-Chambour M. Circulating calprotectin levels four months after severe and non-severe COVID-19. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:650. [PMID: 37789266 PMCID: PMC10546778 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08653-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Calprotectin is an inflammatory marker mainly released by activated neutrophils that is increased in acute severe COVID-19. After initial recovery, some patients have persistent respiratory impairment with reduced diffusion capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO) months after infection. Underlying causes of this persistent impairment are unclear. We aimed to investigate the correlation between circulating calprotectin, persistent lung functional impairment and intensive care unit (ICU) stay after COVID-19 in two university hospital centres in Switzerland. METHODS Calprotectin levels were measured in serum from 124 patients (50% male) from the Bern cohort (post-ICU and non-ICU patients) and 68 (76% male) from the Lausanne cohort (only post-ICU patients) four months after COVID-19. Calprotectin was correlated with clinical parameters. Multivariate linear regression (MLR) was performed to evaluate the independent association of calprotectin in different models. RESULTS Overall, we found that post-ICU patients, compared to non-ICU, were significantly older (age 59.4 ± 13.6 (Bern), 60.5 ± 12.0 (Lausanne) vs. 48.8 ± 13.4 years) and more obese (BMI 28.6 ± 4.5 and 29.1 ± 5.3 vs. 25.2 ± 6.0 kg/m2, respectively). 48% of patients from Lausanne and 44% of the post-ICU Bern cohort had arterial hypertension as a pre-existing comorbidity vs. only 10% in non-ICU patients. Four months after COVID-19 infection, DLCO was lower in post-ICU patients (75.96 ± 19.05% predicted Bern, 71.11 ± 18.50% Lausanne) compared to non-ICU (97.79 ± 21.70% predicted, p < 0.01). The post-ICU cohort in Lausanne had similar calprotectin levels when compared to the cohort in Bern (Bern 2.74 ± 1.15 µg/ml, Lausanne 2.49 ± 1.13 µg/ml vs. non-ICU 1.86 ± 1.02 µg/ml; p-value < 0.01). Calprotectin correlated negatively with DLCO (r= -0.290, p < 0.001) and the forced vital capacity (FVC) (r= -0.311, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Serum calprotectin is elevated in post-ICU patients in two independent cohorts and higher compared to non-ICU patients four months after COVID-19. In addition, there is a negative correlation between calprotectin levels and DLCO or FVC. The relationship between inflammation and lung functional impairment needs further investigations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04581135.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Abu Hussein
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research DBMR, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - C Machahua
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research DBMR, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - S C Ruchti
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - M P Horn
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - L Piquilloud
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - M Prella
- Department of Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - T K Geiser
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research DBMR, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - C von Garnier
- Department of Diagnostic Laboratory Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - M Funke-Chambour
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Bern University Hospital, Inselspital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- Department for BioMedical Research DBMR, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
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