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Lieberwerth M, Niemeijer A. Lost and changed meaning in life of people with Long Covid: a qualitative study. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2024; 19:2289668. [PMID: 38055787 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2289668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Long Covid (LC) has been called the greatest mass-disabling event in human history. For patients, LC not only has implications for quality of life but also for meaning in life: how one's life and the world are understood and what is seen as valuable in one's life. This qualitative empirical study used a Constructivist Grounded Theory approach to investigate the meaning in life of people struggling with LC through ten patient interviews. This study shows that patients lose their prior understanding of life and come to a changed meaning in life, in part due to the experienced (social) isolation and loss of (both physical and cognitive) abilities caused by LC. Moreover, patients struggled with acceptance, uncertainty, and the inherent incomprehensibility and uncontrollability that living with LC entails, though this simultaneously co-existed with hope, optimism and acceptance. Additionally, dimensions of meaning intersect; a patient having some understanding of their illness (dimension of meaning: comprehension) required an understanding Other (dimension of meaning: connection). Emerging from lockdown brought the challenge and isolation of adjusting to chronic illness in society as usual (albeit divided about COVID-19 measures). This study thus offers novel insights regarding changed, present, and sought meaning in life for LC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alistair Niemeijer
- Department of Ethics of Care, University of Humanistic Studies, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Antoncecchi V, Antoncecchi E, Orsini E, D'Ascenzo G, Oliviero U, Savino K, Aloisio A, Casalino L, Lillo A, Chiuini E, Santoro G, Manfrè V, Rizzo V, Zito GB. High prevalence of cardiac post-acute sequelae in patients recovered from Covid-19. Results from the ARCA post-COVID study. Int J Cardiol Cardiovasc Risk Prev 2024; 21:200267. [PMID: 38638196 PMCID: PMC11024661 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcrp.2024.200267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Background Many data were published about Long-Covid prevalence, very few about the findings of new cardiac alterations (NCA) in COVID-19-recovered people. ARCA-post-COVID is an observational study designed to investigate the prevalence of NCA in patients recovered from Covid-19.Methods: from June 2020 to December 2022, we enrolled 502 patients with a positive nasopharyngeal swab for SARS-CoV2 and a subsequent negative one. We performed anamnesis, lab-test, and routine cardiological tests (ECG, Holter, TTE). Results The median age was 56 years (IQR 44-67); women were 52.19%; in the acute phase 24.1% of patients were treated in a medical department, 7.2% in the ICU and the others at home. At the visit, 389 patients (77.49%) complained of a broad range of symptoms. We reported patients' characteristics according to the course of the disease and the persistence of symptoms. NCA were found in 138 patients (27.49%): among them 60 cases (11.95%) of pericardial effusion. Patients with NCA were older (median 60y, IQR: 47-72, vs median 56y, IQR 42-65), had a higher prevalence of smokers (27% vs 17%; p0.014), CAD (11% vs 6%; p0.048) and stroke/TIA (3.6% vs 0.3%; p0.002) and a lower prevalence of hypercholesterolemia (18% vs 30%; p0.007). The prevalence of NCA seems constant with different subtypes of the virus. Conclusion the prevalence of NCA in patients who recovered from COVID-19 is high and constant since the beginning of the pandemic; it is predictable based on hospitalization and long-lasting symptoms (9.64%-42.52%). Patients with one of these characteristics should undergo cardiological screening.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ettore Antoncecchi
- Servizio di Cardiologia Centro Polispecialistico Medigea, Modugno, (Bari), Italy
| | | | | | - Ugo Oliviero
- Past dirigente medico, AUO Federico II, Napoli, Italy
| | - Ketty Savino
- Cardiologia e Fisiopatologia Cardiovascolare, Università e Azienda Ospedaliera di Perugia, Italy
| | - Angelo Aloisio
- UDD Cardiologia/UTIC, Casa di Cura Villa Verde, Taranto, Italy
| | | | - Adele Lillo
- Cardiologia, Distretto Socio-Sanitario 10, Ospedale Fallacara, Triggiano, (BA), Italy
| | | | - Giosuè Santoro
- Associazioni Regionali Cardiologi Ambulatoriali (ARCA), Campania, Italy
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Clutterbuck D, Ramasawmy M, Pantelic M, Hayer J, Begum F, Faghy M, Nasir N, Causer B, Heightman M, Allsopp G, Wootton D, Khan MA, Hastie C, Jackson M, Rayner C, Brown D, Parrett E, Jones G, Clarke R, Mcfarland S, Gabbay M, Banerjee A, Alwan NA. Barriers to healthcare access and experiences of stigma: Findings from a coproduced Long Covid case-finding study. Health Expect 2024; 27:e14037. [PMID: 38634418 PMCID: PMC11024953 DOI: 10.1111/hex.14037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Long Covid is often stigmatised, particularly in people who are disadvantaged within society. This may prevent them from seeking help and could lead to widening health inequalities. This coproduced study with a Community Advisory Board (CAB) of people with Long Covid aimed to understand healthcare and wider barriers and stigma experienced by people with probable Long Covid. METHODS An active case finding approach was employed to find adults with probable, but not yet clinically diagnosed, Long Covid in two localities in London (Camden and Merton) and Derbyshire, England. Interviews explored the barriers to care and the stigma faced by participants and were analysed thematically. This study forms part of the STIMULATE-ICP Collaboration. FINDINGS Twenty-three interviews were completed. Participants reported limited awareness of what Long Covid is and the available pathways to management. There was considerable self-doubt among participants, sometimes reinforced by interactions with healthcare professionals (HCPs). Participants questioned their deservedness in seeking healthcare support for their symptoms. Hesitancy to engage with healthcare services was motivated by fear of needing more investigation and concerns regarding judgement about the ability to carry out caregiving responsibilities. It was also motivated by the complexity of the clinical presentation and fear of all symptoms being attributed to poor mental health. Participants also reported trying to avoid overburdening the health system. These difficulties were compounded by experiences of stigma and discrimination. The emerging themes reaffirmed a framework of epistemic injustice in relation to Long Covid, where creating, interpreting and conveying knowledge has varied credibility based on the teller's identity characteristics and/or the level of their interpretive resources. CONCLUSION We have codeveloped recommendations based on the findings. These include early signposting to services, dedicating protected time to listening to people with Long Covid, providing a holistic approach in care pathways, and working to mitigate stigma. Regardless of the diagnosis, people experiencing new symptoms must be encouraged to seek timely medical help. Clear public health messaging is needed among communities already disadvantaged by epistemic injustice to raise awareness of Long Covid, and to share stories that encourage seeking care and to illustrate the adverse effects of stigma. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION This study was coproduced with a CAB made up of 23 members including HCPs, people with lived experience of Long Covid and other stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Clutterbuck
- School of Primary CarePopulation Sciences and Medical EducationUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
| | - Mel Ramasawmy
- Institute of Health InformaticsUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Marija Pantelic
- Brighton and Sussex Medical SchoolUniversity of SussexFalmerUK
- Department of Social Policy and InterventionUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Jasmine Hayer
- PPIE Co‐applicant for STIMULATE‐ICPLondonUK
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
| | - Fauzia Begum
- University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation TrustDerbyshireUK
| | - Mark Faghy
- Clinical Exercise and Rehabilitation Research CentreUniversity of DerbyDerbyUK
| | - Nayab Nasir
- Department of Health and Social CareOffice for Health Improvement and DisparitiesUK
| | | | | | | | - Dan Wootton
- Clinical Infection Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
- Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLiverpoolUK
| | - M. Asad Khan
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
- Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustManchesterUK
| | - Claire Hastie
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
- Long Covid Support CharityLondonUK
| | - Monique Jackson
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
| | - Clare Rayner
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
| | - Darren Brown
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
- Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Emily Parrett
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
| | - Geraint Jones
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
| | - Rowan Clarke
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
| | - Sammie Mcfarland
- Member of the Community Advisory Board as person with lived experience of Long CovidSouthamptonUK
- Long Covid Kids CharitySalisburyUK
| | - Mark Gabbay
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North West CoastLiverpoolUK
- Department of Primary Care and Mental HealthUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
| | - Amitava Banerjee
- Institute of Health InformaticsUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Nisreen A. Alwan
- School of Primary CarePopulation Sciences and Medical EducationUniversity of SouthamptonSouthamptonUK
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation TrustSouthamptonUK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration WessexSouthamptonUK
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Giunta S, Giordani C, De Luca M, Olivieri F. Long-COVID-19 autonomic dysfunction: An integrated view in the framework of inflammaging. Mech Ageing Dev 2024; 218:111915. [PMID: 38354789 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2024.111915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The recently identified syndrome known as Long COVID (LC) is characterized by a constellation of debilitating conditions that impair both physical and cognitive functions, thus reducing the quality of life and increasing the risk of developing the most common age-related diseases. These conditions are linked to the presence of symptoms of autonomic dysfunction, in association with low cortisol levels, suggestive of reduced hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity, and with increased pro-inflammatory condition. Alterations of dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitter levels were also recently observed in LC. Interestingly, at least some of the proposed mechanisms of LC development overlap with mechanisms of Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) imbalance, previously detailed in the framework of the aging process. ANS imbalance is characterized by a proinflammatory sympathetic overdrive, and a concomitant decreased anti-inflammatory vagal parasympathetic activity, associated with reduced anti-inflammatory effects of the HPA axis and cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP). These neuro-immune-endocrine system imbalanced activities fuel the vicious circle of chronic inflammation, i.e. inflammaging. Here, we refine our original hypothesis that ANS dysfunction fuels inflammaging and propose that biomarkers of ANS imbalance could also be considered biomarkers of inflammaging, recognized as the main risk factor for developing age-related diseases and the sequelae of viral infections, i.e. LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Giunta
- Casa di Cura Prof. Nobili (Gruppo Garofalo (GHC) Castiglione dei Pepoli -Bologna), Italy
| | - Chiara Giordani
- Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Maria De Luca
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Fabiola Olivieri
- Clinic of Laboratory and Precision Medicine, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy; Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, DISCLIMO, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Turk F, Sweetman J, Chew‐Graham CA, Gabbay M, Shepherd J, van der Feltz‐Cornelis C. Accessing care for Long Covid from the perspectives of patients and healthcare practitioners: A qualitative study. Health Expect 2024; 27:e14008. [PMID: 38481384 PMCID: PMC10938067 DOI: 10.1111/hex.14008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long Covid is an emerging long-term condition, with those affected raising concerns about lack of healthcare support. OBJECTIVE We conducted a qualitative study to identify facilitators and barriers to healthcare access for people with Long Covid, aiming to enhance our understanding of the specific nature of these barriers and how patient experiences may vary. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS In the context of the Symptoms, Trajectory, Inequalities and Management: Understanding Long-COVID to Address and Transform Existing Integrated Care Pathways (STIMULATE-ICP) Delphi study, a nationally distributed online survey was conducted. Eight patients and eight healthcare practitioners (HCP) were interviewed via telephone or video call. Framework analysis, sensitised by the candidacy theory, was used to identify barriers and facilitators over four levels of access to care. RESULTS Three themes were identified: (i) patients' efforts to navigate emerging pathways for Long Covid, (ii) the patient-HCP interaction and (iii) service resources and structural constraints. Barriers to specialist care included long waiting times, communication gaps across services and a lack of continuity in care. Facilitators included collaborative, patient-centred approaches, patients' active role in their healthcare and blended approaches for appointments. The perspectives of both patients and HCPs largely aligned. DISCUSSION The candidacy framework was valuable in understanding the experiences of people with Long Covid seeking access to healthcare. Individuals perceived themselves as eligible for care, but they often encountered obstacles in obtaining the expected level of care or, in some cases, did not receive it at all. Our findings are discussed in the context of the candidacy model through multiple processes of identification, negotiation, permeability and appearances at health services. These themes seem to be especially important for the emerging new pathway model and are relevant to both primary and secondary care. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights that despite these interviews being conducted two years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, people with Long Covid still struggle to access healthcare, emphasising the ongoing need to provide equitable timely healthcare access for people with Long Covid. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION People with Long Covid advised on all stages of this research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fidan Turk
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of YorkYorkUK
| | | | | | - Mark Gabbay
- Department of Primary Care and Mental HealthUniversity of LiverpoolLiverpoolUK
- NIHR ARC NWCLiverpoolUK
| | | | - Christina van der Feltz‐Cornelis
- Department of Health SciencesUniversity of YorkYorkUK
- Hull York Medical School (HYMS)University of YorkYorkUK
- Institute of Health InformaticsUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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Estebanez‐Pérez M, Martín‐Valero R, Pastora‐Estebanez P, Pastora‐Bernal J. Experiences of people with Long Covid with a digital physiotherapy intervention: A qualitative study. Health Expect 2024; 27:e13993. [PMID: 38590093 PMCID: PMC11002316 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Long Covid syndrome is a multiorgan condition with multiple sequelae affecting quality of life, capacity to work and daily activities. The advantages that new technologies can offer are presented as an opportunity in the current healthcare framework. OBJECTIVE This research aimed to explore people with Long Covid's experiences with a digital physiotherapy practice intervention, during four weeks. METHODS Qualitative semistructured interviews were conducted by video call. Thirty-two Long Covid participants were invited to join an in-depth interview once the intervention was completed. Participants were queried on their intervention experiences and perceptions, as well as any lifestyle changes made, as a result of receiving digital physiotherapy practice. The interviews were transcribed and analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis. RESULTS In-depth qualitative analysis has revealed four themes that reflect participants' perceptions of digital physiotherapy intervention. The helpfulness of the exercises, interaction with the physiotherapist, the domestic use of technology and the future of digital health practice were the topics highlighted by Long Covid participants. Some improvements have been suggested including video sounds and the need to introduce face-to-face sessions. Participants stated that interventions were helpful and superior to printed exercise sheets, mobile phone apps and usual care received. This intervention did not present major barriers, highlighting the importance of personalized care and continuity in the provision of health services. CONCLUSION The digital physiotherapy practice is perceived by people with Long Covid as an appropriate method for the care of their health needs. Participants stated the need for this type of intervention in the public health system, where it would eliminate waiting lists, facilitate accessibility and improve existing care. PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Participants contributed to the interpretation of the data acquired in the interview. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Trial registration NCT04742946.
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Affiliation(s)
- María‐José Estebanez‐Pérez
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health ScienceUniversity of MalagaMálagaSpain
- Department of PhysiotherapyFaculty of Health Science, University of GranadaMelillaSpain
| | - Rocío Martín‐Valero
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health ScienceUniversity of MalagaMálagaSpain
| | - Pablo Pastora‐Estebanez
- Department of Economy, Faculty of Economic and Business SciencesUniversity of MálagaMálagaSpain
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Leggat FJ, Heaton-Shrestha C, Fish J, Siriwardena AN, Domeney A, Rowe C, Patel I, Parsons J, Blair J, Jones F. An exploration of the experiences and self-generated strategies used when navigating everyday life with Long Covid. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:789. [PMID: 38481230 PMCID: PMC10938753 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18267-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Around one in ten people who contract Covid-19 report ongoing symptoms or 'Long Covid'. Without any known interventions to cure the condition, forms of self-management are routinely prescribed by healthcare professionals and described by people with the condition. However, there is limited research exploring what strategies are used to navigate everyday life with Long Covid, and experiences that initiate development of these strategies. Our study aimed to explore the range and influence of self-generated strategies used by people with Long Covid to navigate everyday life within the context of their own condition. METHODS Forming part of the Long Covid Personalised Self-managemenT support co-design and EvaluatioN (LISTEN) project, we conducted a qualitative study using narrative interviews with adults who were not hospitalised with Covid-19. Participants aged over 18 years, who self-identified with Long Covid, were recruited from England and Wales. Data were analysed with patient contributors using a reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Eighteen participants (mean age = 44 years, SD = 13 years) took part in interviews held between December 2021 and February 2022. Themes were constructed which depicted 1) the landscape behind the Long Covid experience and 2) the everyday experience of participants' Long Covid. The everyday experience comprised a combination of physical, emotional, and social factors, forming three sub-themes: centrality of physical symptoms, navigating 'experts' and the 'true colour' of personal communities, and a rollercoaster of psychological ambiguity). The third theme, personal strategies to manage everyday life was constructed from participants' unique presentations and self-generated solutions to manage everyday life. This comprised five sub-themes: seeking reassurance and knowledge, developing greater self-awareness through monitoring, trial and error of 'safe' ideas, building in pleasure and comfort, and prioritising 'me'. CONCLUSIONS Among this sample of adults with Long Covid, their experiences highlighted the unpredictable nature of the condition but also the use of creative and wide ranging self-generated strategies. The results offer people with Long Covid, and healthcare professionals supporting them, an overview of the collective evidence relating to individuals' self-management which can enable ways to live 'better' and regain some sense of identity whilst facing the impact of a debilitating, episodic condition. TRIAL REGISTRATION LISTEN ISRCTN36407216.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona J Leggat
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, England, UK
- Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University, London, England, UK
| | - Celayne Heaton-Shrestha
- Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University, London, England, UK
| | - Jessica Fish
- Department of Clinical Neuropsychology & Clinical Health Psychology, St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, UK
- Mental Health & Wellbeing, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Anne Domeney
- LISTEN Lived Experience Advisory Group, London, UK
- Bridges Self-Management, London, England, UK
| | - Carol Rowe
- LISTEN Lived Experience Advisory Group, London, UK
| | - Ian Patel
- LISTEN Lived Experience Advisory Group, London, UK
| | | | - John Blair
- LISTEN Lived Experience Advisory Group, London, UK
| | - Fiona Jones
- Population Health Research Institute, St George's, University of London, London, England, UK.
- Centre for Applied Health and Social Care Research, Faculty of Health, Social Care and Education, Kingston University, London, England, UK.
- Bridges Self-Management, London, England, UK.
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Fiorelli D, Francavilla B, Velletrani G, Maurantonio S, Passali FM, Bernardini S, Di Girolamo S, Nuccetelli M. Autoantibody profiles assessment in individuals with persistent olfactory impairment following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 129:111599. [PMID: 38330796 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Olfactory impairment, particularly hyposmia and anosmia, has emerged as a distinctive early symptom of SARS-CoV-2. Drawing on the historical association of autoimmune diseases with olfactory function, this study delves into the connections between COVID-19, autoimmunity, and persistent olfactory dysfunctions, focusing on individuals experiencing long-lasting smell disorders (3-18 months post-SARS-CoV-2 infection). METHODS The study comprised 36 Long Covid patients with persistent olfactory dysfunctions, alongside two control groups. Olfactory functionality was assessed using the Sniffin' Sticks extended test. Non-invasive olfactory mucosa brushing and nasal secretions were processed for nasal samples, while serum samples were obtained through peripheral venous sampling. A panel of autoantibodies, including Immunocirculating Complexes, ANA, ENA, and AECA, was investigated in serum and brush supernatant samples. RESULTS Contrary to expectations, the absence of traditional autoantibodies challenges the proposed autoimmune etiology of Long Covid-associated olfactory dysfunction. However, the presence and potential pathogenic role of AECA suggest viral cytopathic and inflammatory involvement in specific anatomical districts. One hypothesis explores the impact of inflammation and cytokine release induced by the viral infection, altering neuronal signaling and contributing to persistent hyposmia. CONCLUSION This research contributes to our understanding of the complex relationships between autoimmunity, olfactory impairment, and COVID-19. The absence of classical autoantibodies challenges prevailing theories, while the prominence of AECA hints at unique viral-induced pathogenic mechanisms. By unraveling these complexities, this study enhances our comprehension of post-acute sequelae, offering valuable perspectives on immune-mediated responses in the aftermath of the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Fiorelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Francavilla
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Velletrani
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| | - Sara Maurantonio
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sergio Bernardini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Girolamo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Nuccetelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
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Braig S, Peter RS, Nieters A, Kräusslich HG, Brockmann SO, Göpel S, Kindle G, Merle U, Steinacker JM, Kern WV, Rothenbacher D. Post-COVID syndrome and work ability 9-12 months after a SARS-CoV-2 infection among over 9000 employees from the general population. IJID Reg 2024; 10:67-74. [PMID: 38532741 PMCID: PMC10964065 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2023.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Objectives Evidence on the work-related societal impact of long-term health-related consequences following SARS-CoV-2 is emerging. We characterize the modified work ability index (mWAI) of employees 6 to 12 months after an acute infection compared to pre-infection. Methods Analyses were based on a population-based, multi-center cross-sectional study including employees aged 18-65 years with positive SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction (tested between October 2020-April 2021 in defined geographic regions in Germany). Prevalences and results of adjusted logistic regression analyses were given. Results In 9752 employees (mean age 45.6 years, 58% females, response 24%), n = 1217 (13.1%) participants were regarded as having low mWAI compared to pre-infection. Outpatient medical treatment, inpatient treatment, and admission to intensive care during infection were associated with mWAI <15th percentile (P15, each odds ratio [OR] >3.0). Post-COVID symptom clusters most strongly linked to mWAI Conclusion Our findings revealed risk factors of mWAI
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Braig
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Raphael S. Peter
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Alexandra Nieters
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Medical Centre and Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Georg Kräusslich
- Institute of Virology, Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan O. Brockmann
- Department of Health Protection, Infection Control and Epidemiology, Baden-Wuerttemberg Federal State Health Office, Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Integration Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Siri Göpel
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Gerhard Kindle
- Institute for Immunodeficiency, Medical Centre and Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Uta Merle
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen M. Steinacker
- Division of Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Medicine, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Winfried V. Kern
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine II, Medical Centre and Faculty of Medicine, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
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Peluso MJ, Abdel-Mohsen M, Henrich TJ, Roan NR. Systems analysis of innate and adaptive immunity in Long COVID. Semin Immunol 2024; 72:101873. [PMID: 38460395 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2024.101873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, significant progress has been made in developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies against severe acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, the management of Long COVID (LC), an infection-associated chronic condition that has been estimated to affect 5-20% of individuals following SARS-CoV-2 infection, remains challenging due to our limited understanding of its mechanisms. Although LC is a heterogeneous disease that is likely to have several subtypes, immune system disturbances appear common across many cases. The extent to which these immune perturbations contribute to LC symptoms, however, is not entirely clear. Recent advancements in multi-omics technologies, capable of detailed, cell-level analysis, have provided valuable insights into the immune perturbations associated with LC. Although these studies are largely descriptive in nature, they are the crucial first step towards a deeper understanding of the condition and the immune system's role in its development, progression, and resolution. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of immune perturbations in LC, covering both innate and adaptive immune responses, and the cytokines and analytes involved. We explore whether these findings support or challenge the primary hypotheses about LC's underlying mechanisms. We also discuss the crosstalk between various immune system components and how it can be disrupted in LC. Finally, we emphasize the need for more tissue- and subtype-focused analyses of LC, and for enhanced collaborative efforts to analyze common specimens from large cohorts, including those undergoing therapeutic interventions. These collective efforts are vital to unravel the fundaments of this new disease, and could also shed light on the prevention and treatment of the larger family of chronic illnesses linked to other microbial infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Peluso
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases, and Global Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | | | - Timothy J Henrich
- Division of Experimental Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | - Nadia R Roan
- Gladstone Institutes, University of California, San Francisco, USA; Department of Urology, University of California, San Francisco, USA.
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11
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Furuya C, Yasuda H, Hiki M, Shirane S, Yamana T, Uchimura A, Inano T, Takaku T, Hamano Y, Ando M. Case report: Ensitrelvir for treatment of persistent COVID-19 in lymphoma patients: a report of two cases. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1287300. [PMID: 38333218 PMCID: PMC10850233 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1287300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Persistent COVID-19 is a well recognized issue of concern in patients with hematological malignancies. Such patients are not only at risk of mortality due to the infection itself, but are also at risk of suboptimal malignancy-related outcomes because of delays and terminations of chemotherapy. We report two lymphoma patients with heavily pretreated persistent COVID-19 in which ensitrelvir brought about radical changes in the clinical course leading to rapid remissions. Patient 1 was on ibrutinib treatment for mantle cell lymphoma when he developed COVID-19 pneumonia which was severe and ongoing for 2 months despite therapy with molnupiravir, multiple courses of remdesivir, one course of sotrovimab, tocilizumab, and steroids. Patient 2 was administered R-CHOP therapy for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma when he developed COVID-19 which was ongoing for a month despite treatment with multiple courses of remdesivir and one course of sotrovimab. A 5-day administration of ensitrelvir promptly resolved the persistent COVID-19 accommodated by negative conversions of RT-qPCR tests in both patients within days. Ensitrelvir is a novel COVID-19 therapeutic that accelerates viral clearance through inhibition of the main protease of SARS-CoV-2, 3-chymotrypsin-like protease, which is vital for viral replication. Ensitrelvir is a promising treatment approach for immunocompromised lymphoma patients suffering from persisting and severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiho Furuya
- Department of Hematology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hajime Yasuda
- Department of Hematology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makoto Hiki
- Department of Cardiovascular Biology and Medicine, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuichi Shirane
- Department of Hematology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohito Yamana
- Department of Hematology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayana Uchimura
- Department of Hematology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadaaki Inano
- Department of Hematology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoiku Takaku
- Department of Hematology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Hamano
- Department of Hematology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miki Ando
- Department of Hematology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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12
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Johnston R, Sonnappa S, Goddings AL, Whittaker E, Segal TY. A review of post COVID syndrome pathophysiology, clinical presentation and management in children and young people. Paediatr Respir Rev 2024:S1526-0542(24)00003-4. [PMID: 38423894 DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2024.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Post Covid Syndrome (PCS) is a complex multi-system disorder with a spectrum of presentations. Severity ranges from mild to very severe with variable duration of illness and recovery. This paper discusses the difficulties defining and describing PCS. We review the current understanding of PCS, epidemiology, and predisposing factors. We consider potential mechanisms including viral persistence, clotting dysfunction and immunity. We review presentation and diagnosis and finally consider management strategies including addressing symptom burden, rehabilitation, and novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Johnston
- Paediatric and Adolescent Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Samatha Sonnappa
- Department of Paediatric Respiratory Medicine, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - Anne-Lise Goddings
- Paediatric and Adolescent Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK; UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Whittaker
- Department of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, UK; Section of Paediatric Infectious Diseases, Imperial College London, UK
| | - Terry Y Segal
- Paediatric and Adolescent Division, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.
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13
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Zaidi AK, Dehgani-Mobaraki P. Long Covid. Prog Mol Biol Transl Sci 2024; 202:113-125. [PMID: 38237983 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2023.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Long COVID, also known as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), refers to a constellation of persistent symptoms and health issues that continue beyond the acute phase of COVID-19. This chapter provides an overview of the pathogenesis, risk factors, manifestations, major findings, and diagnosis and treatment strategies associated with Long COVID. Hypotheses regarding the pathogenesis of Long COVID are discussed, encompassing various factors such as persistent viral reservoirs, immune dysregulation with or without reactivation of herpesviruses (e.g., Epstein-Barr Virus and human herpesvirus), dysbiosis, autoimmunity triggered by infection, endothelial dysfunction, microvessel blood clotting, and dysfunctional brainstem and/or vagal signaling. The chapter also highlights the risk factors associated with Long COVID and its occurrence in children. The major findings of Long COVID, including immune dysregulation, vessel and tissue damage, neurological and cognitive pathology, eye symptoms, endocrinal issues, myalgic encephalomyelitis and chronic fatigue syndrome, reproductive system involvement, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, and the chronology of symptoms, are thoroughly explored. Lastly, the chapter discusses the challenges and current approaches in the diagnosis and treatment of Long COVID, emphasizing the need for multidisciplinary care and individualized management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Puya Dehgani-Mobaraki
- Founder and President, Associazione Naso Sano, Ringgold Institution ID 567754, San Mariano, Italy
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14
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Au L, Capotescu C, Curi A, Gonçalves Leonel da Silva R, Eyal G. Long Covid requires a global response centred on equity and dialogue. Glob Health Action 2023; 16:2244757. [PMID: 37581581 PMCID: PMC10431739 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2023.2244757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Long Covid, or Post-Covid Conditions, is a global health problem. Yet we know strikingly little about the different experiences of Long Covid patients cross-nationally. To address this shortcoming, we conducted an online survey of Long Covid patients active on social media in the U.S. (n = 334, October to December 2021) and Brazil (n = 144, January to April 2022). Our analysis of short answer responses indicates patient dissatisfaction with medical care provided for Long Covid in both the U.S. and Brazil. For Long Covid patients in Brazil, there were additional concerns raised about the lack of local expertise about their condition. Based on these results, we urge policymakers to expand the education of medical professionals in order to raise awareness of Long Covid. Experts in the Global North should also be encouraged to engage in dialogue with patient groups and experts in the Global South, in order to better understand how local contexts shape the experience of Long Covid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larry Au
- Department of Sociology, The City College of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Amanda Curi
- Trust Collaboratory, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Gil Eyal
- Department of Sociology and Trust Collaboratory, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
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15
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Bellone S, Siegel EE, Santin AD. Increased serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels in gynecologic cancer patients with Post-Acute-Covid-Sequela (PASC)/ Long COVID. Gynecol Oncol Rep 2023; 50:101301. [PMID: 38029227 PMCID: PMC10654147 DOI: 10.1016/j.gore.2023.101301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), also known as Long-Covid (LC), may affect 10-30 % of COVID-infected patients, and is characterized by a variety of debilitating symptoms lasting over 3 months after the acute infection, including but not limited to dyspnea, fatigue, and musculoskeletal, cognitive, and/or mental health impairments. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient primarily recognized for its role in regulating calcium and bone health but also endowed with potent anti-inflammatory activity affecting a variety of immune cells. We retrospectively evaluated the plasmatic levels of both 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D (1,25 OH), and 25-hydroxyvitamin-D (25 OH), the active and storage forms of vitamin-D3, respectively, in the serum of gynecologic cancer patients affected by PASC/LC vs control cancer patients. We found elevated 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin-D levels in 5 out of 5 of the PASC/LC patients (mean ± SD = 97.2 ± 26.9 pg/mL) versus 0 out of 10 of randomly selected cancer control patients (44.9 ± 17.2 pg/mL, p = 0.0005). In contrast, no significant difference was noted in the levels of 25-dihydroxyvitamin-D in PASC/LC (mean ± SD = 48.2 ± 15.8 ng/mL) versus controls (43.0 ± 11.6 ng/mL, p = 0.48). Importantly, abnormal levels of vitamin D were found to persist for at least 2 years in patients with long covid symptoms. The active form (1,25OH) but not the storage form (25 OH) of vitamin-D is significantly elevated in PASC/LC cancer patients. Abnormally and persistently elevated 1,25OH levels, similarly to sarcoidosis patients, may represent the results of extrarenal conversion of vitamin D by activated macrophages, and a novel biomarker of persistent inflammation in gynecologic cancer patients with PASC/LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Bellone
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Eric E. Siegel
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Science, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Alessandro D. Santin
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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16
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Alme TN, Andreasson A, Asprusten TT, Bakken AK, Beadsworth MBJ, Boye B, Brodal PA, Brodwall EM, Brurberg KG, Bugge I, Chalder T, Due R, Eriksen HR, Fink PK, Flottorp SA, Fors EA, Jensen BF, Fundingsrud HP, Garner P, Havdal LB, Helgeland H, Jacobsen HB, Johnson GE, Jonsjö M, Knoop H, Landmark L, Launes G, Lekander M, Linnros H, Lindsäter E, Liira H, Linnestad L, Loge JH, Lyby PS, Malik S, Malt UF, Moe T, Norlin AK, Pedersen M, Pignatiello SE, Rask CU, Reme SE, Roksund G, Sainio M, Sharpe M, Thorkildsen RF, van Roy B, Vandvik PO, Vogt H, Wyller HB, Wyller VBB. Chronic fatigue syndromes: real illnesses that people can recover from. Scand J Prim Health Care 2023; 41:372-376. [PMID: 37740918 PMCID: PMC11001335 DOI: 10.1080/02813432.2023.2235609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The 'Oslo Chronic Fatigue Consortium' consists of researchers and clinicians who question the current narrative that chronic fatigue syndromes, including post-covid conditions, are incurable diseases. Instead, we propose an alternative view, based on research, which offers more hope to patients. Whilst we regard the symptoms of these conditions as real, we propose that they are more likely to reflect the brain's response to a range of biological, psychological, and social factors, rather than a specific disease process. Possible causes include persistent activation of the neurobiological stress response, accompanied by associated changes in immunological, hormonal, cognitive and behavioural domains. We further propose that the symptoms are more likely to persist if they are perceived as threatening, and all activities that are perceived to worsen them are avoided. We also question the idea that the best way to cope with the illness is by prolonged rest, social isolation, and sensory deprivation.Instead, we propose that recovery is often possible if patients are helped to adopt a less threatening understanding of their symptoms and are supported in a gradual return to normal activities. Finally, we call for a much more open and constructive dialogue about these conditions. This dialogue should include a wider range of views, including those of patients who have recovered from them.
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Affiliation(s)
- The Oslo Chronic Fatigue Consortium
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- General Practitioner, Hjelmeland, Norway
- VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
- St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Tropical and infectious Disease Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital. Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Division for Health Services, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Hospitals, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England
- Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics. Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Centre for Epidemic Interventions Research, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of General Practice, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Nursing, General Practitioner Research Unit, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
- Nydalen Helsehus, Oslo, Norway
- The Child & Adolescent Health Services, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, England
- Department of Behavior Medicine, Karolinskal University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- National Advisory Unit on Psychosomatic Disorders in Children and Adolescents. Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Hospitals, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pain management and research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- CatoSenteret Rehabilitation Center, Son, Norway
- University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychology, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
- University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Stress Research Institute, Department of psychology, Stockholm University, Division of Psychology/Osher Center for Integrative Health, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Health, Medicine, and Caring Sciences Pain and Rehabilitation Center, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Saglia medical center, Vestby, Norway
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience. Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Chief Physician, Falck Norge, Oslo, Norway
- Unit Psychosomatic medicine and CL psychiatry, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Mind Body Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo
- General Practitioner, Klosterhagen Legesenter, Norway
- Outpatient Clinic for Functional Disorders, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Psychological Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Medicine, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medicine, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Clinical Psychologist, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tomas Nordheim Alme
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Anna Andreasson
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Anne Karen Bakken
- VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
- St. Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Michael BJ Beadsworth
- Tropical and infectious Disease Unit, Royal Liverpool University Hospital. Liverpool University Hospitals Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK
| | - Birgitte Boye
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Unit Psychosomatic medicine and CL psychiatry, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Per Alf Brodal
- Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Elias Myrstad Brodwall
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Ingrid Bugge
- Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Hospitals, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trudie Chalder
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, England
| | - Reidar Due
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Hege Randi Eriksen
- Department of Sport, Food and Natural Sciences, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway
| | - Per Klausen Fink
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics. Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Signe Agnes Flottorp
- Centre for Epidemic Interventions Research, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of General Practice, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Egil Andreas Fors
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Department of Public Health and Nursing, General Practitioner Research Unit, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | | | | | - Paul Garner
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Liverpool, England
| | - Lise Beier Havdal
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Helene Helgeland
- National Advisory Unit on Psychosomatic Disorders in Children and Adolescents. Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Hospitals, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Henrik Børsting Jacobsen
- Department of Pain management and research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- The Mind Body Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo
| | | | - Martin Jonsjö
- Department of Behavior Medicine, Karolinskal University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hans Knoop
- Department of Medical Psychology, Amsterdam University Medical Centres, Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Live Landmark
- Department of Psychology, NTNU, Trondheim, Norway
- The Mind Body Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo
| | | | - Mats Lekander
- Stress Research Institute, Department of psychology, Stockholm University, Division of Psychology/Osher Center for Integrative Health, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hannah Linnros
- Department of Health, Medicine, and Caring Sciences Pain and Rehabilitation Center, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Elin Lindsäter
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Jon Håvard Loge
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Sadaf Malik
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Ulrik Fredrik Malt
- Division of Clinical Neuroscience. Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Trygve Moe
- Chief Physician, Falck Norge, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anna-Karin Norlin
- Department of Health, Medicine, and Caring Sciences Pain and Rehabilitation Center, Linköping University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Maria Pedersen
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siv Elin Pignatiello
- Unit Psychosomatic medicine and CL psychiatry, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Charlotte Ulrikka Rask
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Silje Endresen Reme
- Department of Pain management and research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- The Mind Body Lab, Department of Psychology, University of Oslo
| | - Gisle Roksund
- General Practitioner, Klosterhagen Legesenter, Norway
| | - Markku Sainio
- Outpatient Clinic for Functional Disorders, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Michael Sharpe
- Psychological Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Betty van Roy
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Per Olav Vandvik
- Department of Medicine, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Henrik Vogt
- Department of Community Medicine and Global Health, Institute for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Vegard Bruun Bratholm Wyller
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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17
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Wilk P, Moran V, Alperin MNP, Bohn T, Fagherazzi G, Zeegers MP, Ruiz-Castell M. The role of multimorbidity and socio-economic characteristics as potential risk factors for Long Covid: evidence from the multilevel analysis of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe's corona surveys (2020-2021). Age Ageing 2023; 52:afad225. [PMID: 38124254 PMCID: PMC10733586 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afad225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A substantial proportion of individuals continue experiencing persistent symptoms following the acute stage of their Covid-19 illness. However, there is a shortage of population-based studies on Long Covid risk factors. OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of Long Covid in the population of middle-aged and older Europeans having contracted Covid-19 and to assess the role of multimorbidity and socio-economic characteristics as potential risk factors of Long Covid. METHODS A population-based longitudinal prospective study involving a sample of respondents 50 years and older (n = 4,004) from 27 countries who participated in the 2020 and 2021 Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), in particular the Corona Surveys. Analyses were conducted by a multilevel (random intercept) hurdle negative binomial model. RESULTS Overall, 71.6% (95% confidence interval = 70.2-73.0%) of the individuals who contracted Covid-19 had at least one symptom of Long Covid up to 12 months after the infection, with an average of 3.06 (standard deviation = 1.88) symptoms. There were significant cross-country differences in the prevalence of Long Covid and number of symptoms. Higher education and being a man were associated with a lower risk of Long Covid, whilst being employed was associated with a higher risk of having Long Covid. Multimorbidity was associated with a higher number of symptoms and older age was associated with a lower number of symptoms. CONCLUSION Our results provide evidence on the substantial burden of Long Covid in Europe. Individuals who contracted Covid-19 may require long-term support or further medical intervention, putting additional pressure on national health care systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Wilk
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Valerie Moran
- Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
- Living Conditions Department, Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Maria N Pi Alperin
- Living Conditions Department, Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Torsten Bohn
- Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Guy Fagherazzi
- Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
| | - Maurice P Zeegers
- Department of Epidemiology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- MBP holding, Heerlen, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Ruiz-Castell
- Department of Precision Health, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Strassen, Luxembourg
- Living Conditions Department, Luxembourg Institute of Socio-Economic Research, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
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18
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Tosato M, Calvani R, Ciciarello F, Galluzzo V, Martone AM, Zazzara MB, Pais C, Savera G, Robles MC, Ramirez M, Landi F. Malnutrition in COVID-19 survivors: prevalence and risk factors. Aging Clin Exp Res 2023; 35:2257-2265. [PMID: 37665556 PMCID: PMC10520154 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-023-02526-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nutritional status is a critical factor throughout COVID-19 disease course. Malnutrition is associated with poor outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. AIM To assess the prevalence of malnutrition and identify its associated factors in COVID-19 survivors. METHODS Study cohort included 1230 COVID-19 survivors aged 18-86 attending a post-COVID-19 outpatient service. Data on clinical parameters, anthropometry, acute COVID-19 symptoms, lifestyle habits were collected through a comprehensive medical assessment. Malnutrition was assessed according to Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria. RESULTS Prevalence of malnutrition was 22% at 4-5 months after acute disease. Participants who were not hospitalized during acute COVID-19 showed a higher frequency of malnutrition compared to those who needed hospitalization (26% versus 19%, p < 0.01). Malnutrition was found in 25% COVID-19 survivors over 65 years of age compared to 21% younger participants (p < 0.01). After multivariable adjustment, the likelihood of being malnourished increased progressively and independently with advancing age (Odds ratio [OR] 1.02; 95% CI 1.01-1.03) and in male participants (OR 5.56; 95% CI 3.53-8.74). Malnutrition was associated with loss of appetite (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.73-3.62), and dysgeusia (OR 4.05; 95% CI 2.30-7.21) during acute COVID-19. DISCUSSION In the present investigation we showed that malnutrition was highly prevalent in a large cohort of COVID-19 survivors at 4-5 months from acute illness. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight the need to implement comprehensive nutritional assessment and therapy as an integral part of care for COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Tosato
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Riccardo Calvani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy.
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Ciciarello
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Galluzzo
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Martone
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Beatrice Zazzara
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Pais
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Savera
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Camprubi Robles
- Abbott Nutrition, Research and Development, Camino de Purchil 68, 18004, Granada, Spain
| | - Maria Ramirez
- Abbott Nutrition, Research and Development, Camino de Purchil 68, 18004, Granada, Spain
| | - Francesco Landi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "Agostino Gemelli" IRCCS, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Department of Geriatrics, Orthopedics and Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
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19
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Seeley MC, Gallagher C, Ong E, Langdon A, Chieng J, Bailey D, Page A, Lim HS, Lau DH. High incidence of autonomic dysfunction and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome in patients with long-COVID: Implications for management and healthcare planning. Am J Med 2023:S0002-9343(23)00402-3. [PMID: 37391116 PMCID: PMC10307671 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autonomic dysfunction including postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) has been reported in individuals with post-acute sequelae of Covid-19 (PASC). However, the degree of dysautonomia in PASC has not been compared to those with POTS and healthy controls. METHODS All participants were prospectively enrolled between 5th August 2021 and 31st October 2022. Autonomic testing included beat-to-beat hemodynamic monitoring to assess respiratory sinus arrhythmia, Valsalva ratio and orthostatic changes during a 10-minute active standing test as well as Sudomotor assessment. The Composite Autonomic Symptom Score (COMPASS-31) was used to assess symptoms and the Euroquol 5-Dimension survey (EQ-5D-5L) was used to assess health-related quality of life (HrQoL) measures. RESULTS A total of 99 participants (n=33 PASC, n=33 POTS and n=33 healthy controls; median age 32 [18], 85.9% females) were included. Compared to healthy controls, the PASC and POTS cohorts demonstrated significantly reduced respiratory sinus arrhythmia (p<0.001), greater heart rate increase during 10-minute active standing test (p<0.001), greater burden of autonomic dysfunction evidenced by higher COMPASS-31 scores across all subdomains (all p<0.001) and poor HrQoL across all EQ-5D-5L domains (all p<0.001), lower median EQ-VAS (p<0.001) and lower utility scores (p<0.001). The majority (79%) of those with PASC met the internationally established criteria for POTS. CONCLUSION The prevalence of autonomic symptomology or POTS was high in those with PASC, leading to poor HrQoL and high health disutility. Autonomic testing should be routinely undertaken in those with PASC to aid diagnosis and direct appropriate management to improve health outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ANZCTR 12621000476831.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claire Seeley
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
| | - Celine Gallagher
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute
| | - Eric Ong
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
| | - Amy Langdon
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jonathan Chieng
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide
| | - Danielle Bailey
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide
| | - Amanda Page
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Austin and Northern Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Han S Lim
- The University of Melbourne, Austin and Northern Health, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dennis H Lau
- Australian Dysautonomia and Arrhythmia Research Collaborative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide; South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.
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20
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Barnden L, Thapaliya K, Eaton-Fitch N, Barth M, Marshall-Gradisnik S. Altered brain connectivity in Long Covid during cognitive exertion: a pilot study. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1182607. [PMID: 37425014 PMCID: PMC10323677 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1182607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Debilitating Long-Covid symptoms occur frequently after SARS-COVID-19 infection. Methods Functional MRI was acquired in 10 Long Covid (LCov) and 13 healthy controls (HC) with a 7 Tesla scanner during a cognitive (Stroop color-word) task. BOLD time series were computed for 7 salience and 4 default-mode network hubs, 2 hippocampus and 7 brainstem regions (ROIs). Connectivity was characterized by the correlation coefficient between each pair of ROI BOLD time series. We tested for HC versus LCov differences in connectivity between each pair of the 20 regions (ROI-to-ROI) and between each ROI and the rest of the brain (ROI-to-voxel). For LCov, we also performed regressions of ROI-to-ROI connectivity with clinical scores. Results Two ROI-to-ROI connectivities differed between HC and LCov. Both involved the brainstem rostral medulla, one connection to the midbrain, another to a DM network hub. Both were stronger in LCov than HC. ROI-to-voxel analysis detected multiple other regions where LCov connectivity differed from HC located in all major lobes. Most, but not all connections, were weaker in LCov than HC. LCov, but not HC connectivity, was correlated with clinical scores for disability and autonomic function and involved brainstem ROI. Discussion Multiple connectivity differences and clinical correlations involved brainstem ROIs. Stronger connectivity in LCov between the medulla and midbrain may reflect a compensatory response. This brainstem circuit regulates cortical arousal, autonomic function and the sleep-wake cycle. In contrast, this circuit exhibited weaker connectivity in ME/CFS. LCov connectivity regressions with disability and autonomic scores were consistent with altered brainstem connectivity in LCov.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leighton Barnden
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Kiran Thapaliya
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Natalie Eaton-Fitch
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
| | - Markus Barth
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- School of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Sonya Marshall-Gradisnik
- National Centre for Neuroimmunology and Emerging Diseases, Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Southport, QLD, Australia
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21
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Maclean A, Hunt K, Brown A, Evered JA, Dowrick A, Fokkens A, Grob R, Law S, Locock L, Marcinow M, Smith L, Urbanowicz A, Verheij N, Wild C. Negotiation of collective and individual candidacy for long Covid healthcare in the early phases of the Covid-19 pandemic: Validated, diverted and rejected candidacy. SSM Qual Res Health 2023; 3:100207. [PMID: 36507117 PMCID: PMC9721377 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2022.100207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This analysis of people's accounts of establishing their need and experiences of healthcare for long Covid (LC) symptoms draws on interview data from five countries (UK, US, Netherlands, Canada, Australia) during the first ∼18 months of the Covid-19 pandemic when LC was an emerging, sometimes contested, condition with scant scientific or lay knowledge to guide patients and professionals in their sense-making of often bewildering constellations of symptoms. We extend the construct of candidacy to explore positive and (more often) negative experiences that patients reported in their quest to understand their symptoms and seek appropriate care. Candidacy usually considers how individuals negotiate healthcare access. We argue a crucial step preceding individual claims to candidacy is recognition of their condition through generation of collective candidacy. "Vanguard patients" collectively identified, named and fought for recognition of long Covid in the context of limited scientific knowledge and no established treatment pathways. This process was technologically accelerated via social media use. Patients commonly experienced "rejected" candidacy (feeling disbelieved, discounted/uncounted and abandoned, and that their suffering was invisible to the medical gaze and society). Patients who felt their candidacy was "validated" had more positive experiences; they appreciated being believed and recognition of their changed lives/bodies and uncertain futures. More positive healthcare encounters were described as a process of "co-experting" through which patient and healthcare professional collaborated in a joint quest towards a pathway to recovery. The findings underpin the importance of believing and learning from patient experience, particularly vanguard patients with new and emerging illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Maclean
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Scotland, FK9 4AL, UK
| | - Kate Hunt
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Scotland, FK9 4AL, UK
| | - Ashley Brown
- Institute for Social Marketing and Health, University of Stirling, Scotland, FK9 4AL, UK
| | | | - Anna Dowrick
- Health Experiences Research Group, Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Andrea Fokkens
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Health Sciences, Applied Health Research, the Netherlands
| | - Rachel Grob
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Susan Law
- Institute of Health Policy, Management & Evaluation, University of Toronto, M5T 3M6, Canada
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, L5B 1B8, Canada
| | - Louise Locock
- University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD, UK
| | - Michelle Marcinow
- Institute for Better Health, Trillium Health Partners, L5B 1B8, Canada
| | - Lorraine Smith
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Anna Urbanowicz
- Social and Global Studies Centre, School of Global, Urban and Social Studies, RMIT University, School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Australia
| | - Nientke Verheij
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Health Sciences, Applied Health Research, the Netherlands
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22
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Zadeh FH, Wilson DR, Agrawal DK. Long COVID: Complications, Underlying Mechanisms, and Treatment Strategies. Arch Microbiol Immunol 2023; 7:36-61. [PMID: 37388279 PMCID: PMC10310313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Long Covid is one of the most prevalent and puzzling conditions that arose with the Covid pandemic. Covid-19 infection generally resolves within several weeks but some experience new or lingering symptoms. Though there is no formal definition for such lingering symptoms the CDC boadly describes long Covid as persons having a wide range of new, recurring or sustained health issues four or more weeks after first being infected with SARS-CoV2. The WHO defines long Covid as the manifestation of symptoms from a "probable or confirmed" Covid-19 infection that start approximately 3 months after the onset of the acute infection and last for more than 2 months. Numerous studies have looked at the implications of long Covid on various organs. Many specific mechanisms have been proposed for such changes. In this article, we provide an overview of some of the main mechanisms by which long Covid induces end-organ damage proposed in recent research studies. We also review various treatment options, current clinical trials, and other potential therapeutic avenues to control long Covid followed by the information about the effect of vaccination on long Covid. Lastly, we discuss some of the questions and knowledge gaps in the present understanding of long Covid. We believe more studies of the effects long Covid has on quality of life, future health and life expectancy are required to better understand and eventually prevent or treat the disease. We acknowledge the effects of long Covid are not limited to those in this article but as it may affect the health of future offspring and therefore, we deem it important to identify more prognostic and therapeutic targets to control this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farigol Hakem Zadeh
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
| | - Daniel R Wilson
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
| | - Devendra K Agrawal
- Department of Translational Research, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California 91766, USA
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23
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Kamata K, Honda H, Tokuda Y, Takamatsu A, Taniguchi K, Shibuya K, Tabuchi T. Post-COVID Health-related Quality of Life and Somatic Symptoms: A National Survey in Japan. Am J Med Sci 2023:S0002-9629(23)01165-5. [PMID: 37120076 PMCID: PMC10140465 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2023.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The characteristics and risk factors of post-COVID-19 condition affecting health-related quality of life and the symptom burden are unclear. METHODS The present, cross-sectional study used the JASTIS (Japan Society and New Tobacco Internet Survey) database. EQ-5D-5L and Somatic Symptom Scale-8 were used to assess health-related quality of life and somatic symptoms, respectively. The participants were classified into a no-COVID-19, COVID-19 not requiring oxygen therapy or COVID-19 requiring oxygen therapy group. First, the entire cohort was analyzed. Then, sensitivity analysis was performed after excluding patients in the no-COVID-19 group with a history of close contact with individuals known to have the disease. FINDINGS In total, 30130 individuals (mean age: 47.8; females: 51.2%), including 539 and 805 with COVID-19 requiring and not requiring oxygen therapy, respectively, participated. The analysis of the entire cohort as well as the sensitivity analysis demonstrated that individuals with a history of COVID-19 had significantly lower EQ-5D-5L and significantly higher SSS-8 scores than those with no COVID-19 history. The group requiring oxygen therapy was associated with significantly lower EQ-5D-5L and higher SSS-8 scores than the group not requiring oxygen therapy. Propensity-score matching confirmed these results. Furthermore, two or more COVID-19 vaccinations were independently associated with high EQ-5D-5L and low SSS-8 scores (P < 0.001). INTERPRETATION The participants with a COVID-19 history, especially those with severe disease, had a significantly higher somatic symptom burden. Analysis after adjusting for potential confounders found that their quality-of-life was also severely affected. Vaccination is crucial to addressing these symptoms, especially in high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Kamata
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Aizu Medical Center, Aizu, Fukushima, Japan; Department of Pediatrics, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan.
| | - Hitoshi Honda
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Fujita Health University School of Medicine.
| | - Yasuharu Tokuda
- Muribushi Okinawa Center for Teaching Hospitals, Okinawa, Japan; Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Akane Takamatsu
- Department of Microbiology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Kiyosu Taniguchi
- Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Tokyo, Japan; National Hospital Organization, Mie Medical Center, Mie, Japan.
| | | | - Takahiro Tabuchi
- Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Tokyo, Japan; Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan.
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24
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Pizzuto DA, Buonsenso D, Morello R, De Rose C, Valentini P, Fragano A, Baldi F, Di Giuda D. Lung perfusion assessment in children with long-COVID: A pilot study. Pediatr Pulmonol 2023. [PMID: 37097045 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence that chronic endotheliopathy can play a role in patients with Post-Covid Condition (PCC, or Long Covid) by affecting peripheral vascularization. This pilot study aimed at assessing lung perfusion in children with Long-COVID with 99m Tc-MAA SPECT/CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS lung 99m Tc-MAA SPECT/CT was performed in children with Long-COVID and a pathological cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET). Intravenous injections were performed on patients in the supine position immediately before the planar scan according to the EANM guidelines for lung scintigraphy in children, followed by lung SPECT/CT acquisition. Reconstructed studies were visually analyzed. RESULTS Clinical and biochemical data were collected during acute infection and follow-up in 14 children (6 females, mean age: 12.6 years) fulfilling Long-COVID diagnostic criteria and complaining of chronic fatigue and postexertional malaise after mild efforts, documented by CPET. Imaging results were compared with clinical scenarios during acute infection and follow-up. Six out of 14 (42.8%) children showed perfusion defects on 99m Tc-MAA SPECT/CT scan, without morphological alterations on coregistered CT. CONCLUSIONS This pilot investigation confirmed previous data suggesting that a small subgroup of children can develop lung perfusion defects after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Larger cohort studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results, providing also a better understanding of which children may deserve this test and how to manage those with lung perfusion defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Antonio Pizzuto
- Department of Radiology, Radiotherapy and Hematology, Nuclear Medicine Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Danilo Buonsenso
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- GlobalHealth Research Institute, Istituto di Igiene, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Morello
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina De Rose
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Piero Valentini
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - A Fragano
- Department of Radiology, Radiotherapy and Hematology, Nuclear Medicine Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabiana Baldi
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Di Giuda
- Department of Radiology, Radiotherapy and Hematology, Nuclear Medicine Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- University Department of Radiological Sciences and Hematology, Section of Nuclear Medicine, Uniiversità Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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25
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Muccioli L, Sighinolfi G, Mitolo M, Ferri L, Jane Rochat M, Pensato U, Taruffi L, Testa C, Masullo M, Cortelli P, Lodi R, Liguori R, Tonon C, Bisulli F. Cognitive and functional connectivity impairment in post-COVID-19 olfactory dysfunction. Neuroimage Clin 2023; 38:103410. [PMID: 37104928 PMCID: PMC10165139 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2023.103410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the neuropsychological profile and the integrity of the olfactory network in patients with COVID-19-related persistent olfactory dysfunction (OD). METHODS Patients with persistent COVID-19-related OD underwent olfactory assessment with Sniffin' Sticks and neuropsychological evaluation. Additionally, both patients and a control group underwent brain MRI, including T1-weighted and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) sequences on a 3 T scanner. Morphometrical properties were evaluated in olfaction-associated regions; the rs-fMRI data were analysed using graph theory at the whole-brain level and within a standard parcellation of the olfactory functional network. All the MR-derived quantities were compared between the two groups and their correlation with clinical scores in patients were explored. RESULTS We included 23 patients (mean age 37 ± 14 years, 12 females) with persistent (mean duration 11 ± 5 months, range 2-19 months) COVID-19-related OD (mean score 23.63 ± 5.32/48, hyposmia cut-off: 30.75) and 26 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Applying population-derived cut-off values, the two cognitive domains mainly impaired were visuospatial memory and executive functions (17 % and 13 % of patients). Brain MRI did not show gross morphological abnormalities. The lateral orbital cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala volumes exhibited a reduction trend in patients, not significant after the correction for multiple comparisons. The olfactory bulb volumes did not differ between patients and controls. Graph analysis of the functional olfactory network showed altered global and local properties in the patients' group (n = 19, 4 excluded due to artifacts) compared to controls. Specifically, we detected a reduction in the global modularity coefficient, positively correlated with hyposmia severity, and an increase of the degree and strength of the right thalamus functional connections, negatively correlated with short-term verbal memory scores. DISCUSSION Patients with persistent COVID-19-related OD showed an altered olfactory network connectivity correlated with hyposmia severity and neuropsychological performance. No significant morphological alterations were found in patients compared with controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Muccioli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sighinolfi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Micaela Mitolo
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ferri
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Umberto Pensato
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Lisa Taruffi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudia Testa
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marco Masullo
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pietro Cortelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Raffaele Lodi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rocco Liguori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Caterina Tonon
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Bisulli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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26
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Victor MM, Müller Haas L, Grevet EH, Rohde LA. Successful Treatment of Post-COVID-19 ADHD-like Syndrome: A Case Report. J Atten Disord 2023:10870547231168338. [PMID: 37052263 PMCID: PMC10102822 DOI: 10.1177/10870547231168338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite inattention being one of the most common symptoms of Post-COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS), there is a gap in the literature regarding its treatment. This report presents a case of attentional symptoms and fatigue that emerged after the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The symptoms were similar to ADHD in adults, although the 61-year-old patient had never experienced inattention symptoms before. The patient was initially treated with Methylphenidate and then Lisdexamfetamine. Both were adapted to the needs and treatment response presented by the patient. After several changes in the therapeutic regimen, including the addition of Bupropion, the patient achieved remission of his symptoms. This case highlights the importance of treating PCS inattention and fatigue as an ADHD-like syndrome, despite the evident different etiology of symptoms. It would be necessary to replicate these findings to confirm our results, thus benefiting other patients currently affected by this syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luís Augusto Rohde
- Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre Brazil
- National Institute of Developmental Psychiatry for Children and Adolescents (CNPq), Sao Paulo, Brazil
- UniEduK, Jaguariúna, Brazil
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Invitto S, Boscolo-Rizzo P, Fantin F, Bonifati DM, de Filippis C, Emanuelli E, Frezza D, Giopato F, Caggiula M, Schito A, Ciccarese V, Spinato G. Exploratory Study on Chemosensory Event-Related Potentials in Long COVID-19 and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Common Pathway? Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10030376. [PMID: 36978767 PMCID: PMC10045951 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10030376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
People affected by the Long COVID-19 (LC) syndrome often show clinical manifestations that are similar to those observed in patients with mild cognitive impairments (MCI), such as olfactory dysfunction (OD), brain fog, and cognitive and attentional diseases. This study aimed to investigate the chemosensory-evoked related potentials (CSERP) in LC and MCI to understand if there is a common pathway for the similarity of symptoms associated with these disorders. Eighteen LC patients (mean age 53; s.d. = 7), 12 patients diagnosed with MCI (mean age 67; s.d. = 6), and 10 healthy control subjects (mean age 66; s.d. = 5, 7) were recruited for this exploratory study. All of them performed a chemosensory event-related potentials (CSERP) task with the administration of trigeminal stimulations (e.g., the odorants cinnamaldehyde and eucalyptus). Study results highlighted that MCI and LC showed reduced N1 amplitude, particularly in the left frontoparietal network, involved in working memory and attentional deficits, and a reduction of P3 latency in LC. This study lays the foundations for evaluating aspects of LC as a process that could trigger long-term functional alterations, and CSERPs could be considered valid biomarkers for assessing the progress of OD and an indicator of other impairments (e.g., attentional and cognitive impairments), as they occur in MCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Invitto
- INSPIRE Lab, Laboratory on Cognitive and Psychophysiological Olfactory Processing, DiSTeBA, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Paolo Boscolo-Rizzo
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Section of Otolaryngology, University of Trieste, 34123 Trieste, Italy
| | - Francesco Fantin
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Audiology Unit at Treviso Hospital, University of Padova, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - Domenico Marco Bonifati
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Neuro-Cardio-Vascular, Ca' Foncello Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - Cosimo de Filippis
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, University of Padova, Audiology and Phoniatrics Unit, Ca' Foncello Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - Enzo Emanuelli
- Otolaringology Unit, Ca' Foncello Hospital, Local Health Unit N.2 "Marca Trevigiana", 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - Daniele Frezza
- Otolaringology Unit, Ca' Foncello Hospital, Local Health Unit N.2 "Marca Trevigiana", 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - Federico Giopato
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Neuro-Cardio-Vascular, Ca' Foncello Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Schito
- INSPIRE Lab, Laboratory on Cognitive and Psychophysiological Olfactory Processing, DiSTeBA, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Istituto Santa Chiara, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Giacomo Spinato
- Department of Neuroscience DNS, Section of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy
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El-Rhermoul FZ, Fedorowski A, Eardley P, Taraborrelli P, Panagopoulos D, Sutton R, Lim PB, Dani M. Autoimmunity in Long Covid and POTS. Oxf Open Immunol 2023; 4:iqad002. [PMID: 37255928 PMCID: PMC10224806 DOI: 10.1093/oxfimm/iqad002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Orthostatic intolerance and other autonomic dysfunction syndromes are emerging as distinct symptom clusters in Long Covid. Often accompanying these are common, multi-system constitutional features such as fatigue, malaise and skin rashes which can signify generalized immune dysregulation. At the same time, multiple autoantibodies are identified in both Covid-related autonomic disorders and non-Covid autonomic disorders, implying a possible underlying autoimmune pathology. The lack of specificity of these findings precludes direct interpretations of cause and association, but their prevalence with its supporting evidence is compelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatema-Zahra El-Rhermoul
- Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Artur Fedorowski
- Department of Cardiology, Karolinska University Hospital and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm 171 77, Sweden
| | - Philip Eardley
- Imperial Syncope Unit, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0HS, UK
| | | | | | - Richard Sutton
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London SW3 6LY, UK
| | - Phang Boon Lim
- Imperial Syncope Unit, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0HS, UK
| | - Melanie Dani
- Imperial Syncope Unit, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London W12 0HS, UK
- Cutrale Perioperative and Ageing Group, Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London W12 0BZ, UK
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Seeley MC, Hooper M, Tan J, Wells R, Gallagher C, Lau DH. Plasma exchange improves cognitive function in long-COVID related postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and autoimmune neurological dysfunction: Seeley et al. Plasmapheresis in long-COVID. Am J Med 2023:S0002-9343(23)00100-6. [PMID: 36828209 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.01.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
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O’Sullivan O, Holdsworth DA, Ladlow P, Barker-Davies RM, Chamley R, Houston A, May S, Dewson D, Mills D, Pierce K, Mitchell J, Xie C, Sellon E, Naylor J, Mulae J, Cranley M, Talbot NP, Rider OJ, Nicol ED, Bennett AN. Cardiopulmonary, Functional, Cognitive and Mental Health Outcomes Post-COVID-19, Across the Range of Severity of Acute Illness, in a Physically Active, Working-Age Population. Sports Med Open 2023; 9:7. [PMID: 36729302 PMCID: PMC9893959 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-023-00552-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant morbidity and mortality, with the former impacting and limiting individuals requiring high physical fitness, including sportspeople and emergency services. METHODS Observational cohort study of 4 groups: hospitalised, community illness with on-going symptoms (community-symptomatic), community illness now recovered (community-recovered) and comparison. A total of 113 participants (aged 39 ± 9, 86% male) were recruited: hospitalised (n = 35), community-symptomatic (n = 34), community-recovered (n = 18) and comparison (n = 26), approximately five months following acute illness. Participant outcome measures included cardiopulmonary imaging, submaximal and maximal exercise testing, pulmonary function, cognitive assessment, blood tests and questionnaires on mental health and function. RESULTS Hospitalised and community-symptomatic groups were older (43 ± 9 and 37 ± 10, P = 0.003), with a higher body mass index (31 ± 4 and 29 ± 4, P < 0.001), and had worse mental health (anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress), fatigue and quality of life scores. Hospitalised and community-symptomatic participants performed less well on sub-maximal and maximal exercise testing. Hospitalised individuals had impaired ventilatory efficiency (higher VE/V̇CO2 slope, 29.6 ± 5.1, P < 0.001), achieved less work at anaerobic threshold (70 ± 15, P < 0.001) and peak (231 ± 35, P < 0.001), and had a reduced forced vital capacity (4.7 ± 0.9, P = 0.004). Clinically significant abnormal cardiopulmonary imaging findings were present in 6% of hospitalised participants. Community-recovered individuals had no significant differences in outcomes to the comparison group. CONCLUSION Symptomatically recovered individuals who suffered mild-moderate acute COVID-19 do not differ from an age-, sex- and job-role-matched comparison population five months post-illness. Individuals who were hospitalised or continue to suffer symptoms may require a specific comprehensive assessment prior to return to full physical activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver O’Sullivan
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation (ADMR), Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall, Loughborough, LE12 5QW UK ,grid.4563.40000 0004 1936 8868Academic Unit of Injury, Recovery and Inflammation Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - David A. Holdsworth
- Academic Department of Military Medicine, Birmingham, UK ,grid.410556.30000 0001 0440 1440Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter Ladlow
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation (ADMR), Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall, Loughborough, LE12 5QW UK ,grid.7340.00000 0001 2162 1699Department for Health, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Robert M. Barker-Davies
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation (ADMR), Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall, Loughborough, LE12 5QW UK ,grid.6571.50000 0004 1936 8542School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Rebecca Chamley
- Academic Department of Military Medicine, Birmingham, UK ,grid.410556.30000 0001 0440 1440Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew Houston
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation (ADMR), Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall, Loughborough, LE12 5QW UK
| | - Samantha May
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation (ADMR), Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall, Loughborough, LE12 5QW UK
| | - Dominic Dewson
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation (ADMR), Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall, Loughborough, LE12 5QW UK
| | - Daniel Mills
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation (ADMR), Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall, Loughborough, LE12 5QW UK
| | - Kayleigh Pierce
- grid.410556.30000 0001 0440 1440Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK ,grid.415490.d0000 0001 2177 007XRoyal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
| | - James Mitchell
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation (ADMR), Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall, Loughborough, LE12 5QW UK ,grid.6572.60000 0004 1936 7486Metabolic Neurology, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Cheng Xie
- grid.410556.30000 0001 0440 1440Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Edward Sellon
- grid.410556.30000 0001 0440 1440Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Jon Naylor
- grid.415490.d0000 0001 2177 007XRoyal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
| | - Joseph Mulae
- grid.415490.d0000 0001 2177 007XRoyal Centre for Defence Medicine, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mark Cranley
- Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC), Stanford Hall, Loughborough, UK
| | - Nick P. Talbot
- grid.410556.30000 0001 0440 1440Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Oliver J. Rider
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948University of Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK ,grid.410556.30000 0001 0440 1440Department of Cardiology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Edward D. Nicol
- Academic Department of Military Medicine, Birmingham, UK ,grid.439338.60000 0001 1114 4366Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK
| | - Alexander N. Bennett
- Academic Department of Military Rehabilitation (ADMR), Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre (DMRC) Stanford Hall, Loughborough, LE12 5QW UK ,grid.7445.20000 0001 2113 8111National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Baz SA, Fang C, Carpentieri JD, Sheard L. 'I don't know what to do or where to go'. Experiences of accessing healthcare support from the perspectives of people living with Long Covid and healthcare professionals: A qualitative study in Bradford, UK. Health Expect 2023; 26:542-554. [PMID: 36512382 PMCID: PMC10124541 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In October 2022, it was estimated 2.3 million people in the United Kingdom have self-reported Long Covid (LC). Many people have reported not receiving adequate healthcare support. There is a lack of research which provides an in-depth exploration of the barriers faced by people with LC in accessing healthcare support. It is important to understand these barriers to provide better support, care and advice for those experiencing LC. OBJECTIVE To understand the barriers faced in accessing primary, secondary and specialist healthcare support for people with LC. DESIGN AND PARTICIPATION 40 interviews were conducted with people living with LC in Bradford alongside 12 interviews with healthcare professionals (HCPs) providing LC support in Bradford healthcare settings. Interviews were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS People living with LC had a large degree of difficulty in accessing healthcare services for LC support. We categorized the healthcare access experiences of participants into five main types: (1) being unable to access primary care, (2) accessing primary care but receiving (perceived) inadequate support, (3) extreme persistence, (4) alternatives to mainstream health care and (5) positive experiences. There was a severe lack of access to specialist LC services. Ethnic minority participants faced a further barrier of mistrust and fear of services deterring them from accessing support. HCPs discussed systemic barriers to delivering services. Experiences were embedded in macrostructural issues further exacerbated by the pandemic. CONCLUSION To better support people with LC, the barriers faced in accessing healthcare support must be addressed. Of significance, improvements to general practitioner access are required; especially as GPs are the first line of support for people living with LC. PATIENT AND PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT A patient and public involvement group is engaged at regular intervals in the project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Baz
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
| | - Chao Fang
- Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK
| | - J D Carpentieri
- Institute of Education, University College London, London, UK
| | - Laura Sheard
- Department of Health Sciences, University of York, York, UK
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Sommen SL, Havdal LB, Selvakumar J, Einvik G, Leegaard TM, Lund-Johansen F, Michelsen AE, Mollnes TE, Stiansen-Sonerud T, Tjade T, Wyller VBB, Berven LL. Inflammatory markers and pulmonary function in adolescents and young adults 6 months after mild COVID-19. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1081718. [PMID: 36685555 PMCID: PMC9853911 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1081718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Both public and scientific attention have shifted from the acute COVID-19 illness to the chronic disability experienced by a proportion of COVID-19 convalescents. Post COVID-19 condition, a term used for long-lasting symptoms after COVID-19, can affect individuals across all disease severity and age groups. Data on post-COVID-19 symptomatology, epidemiology and pathophysiology in adolescents and young adults are scarce. To date, little is known on the immunological and pulmonary trends in these patients after COVID-19. This study investigated immunological markers and pulmonary function in non-hospitalized patients in this group at 6 months after initial mild COVID-19 infection. Methods Non-hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 positive (n = 405) and SARS-CoV-2 negative (n = 111) adolescents and young adults (aged 12-25 years) were followed prospectively for six months after SARS-CoV-2 PCR testing. At baseline and at six months follow-up, all participants underwent an assessment including clinical examination, questionnaires, spirometry, and blood sampling. Cross-sectional comparisons of blood biomarkers; including white blood cell counts, CRP, GDF-15, a 27-multiplex cytokine assay, complement activation products and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies; and spirometry measures were performed after classification of all participants according to their COVID-19 status and adherence to post-COVID-19 case criteria. Associations between biomarkers and COVID-19 symptoms were explored. Results No difference in pulmonary function was detected between the groups. COVID-19 convalescents had higher levels of chemokines eotaxin, MCP-1 and IP-10 than non-infected controls. The increase was modest and not associated with long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms. Discussion Elevated inflammatory mediators were found in adolescents and young adults six months after mild COVID-19, but there was no association with post-COVID-19 condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Lauren Sommen
- Department of Pediatrics, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Beier Havdal
- Department of Pediatrics, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Joel Selvakumar
- Department of Pediatrics, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Gunnar Einvik
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Truls Michael Leegaard
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Microbiology and Infection Control, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | | | - Annika E. Michelsen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tom E. Mollnes
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Research Laboratory, Nordland Hospital, Bodø, Norway
- Centre of Molecular Inflammation Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Sør-Trøndelag, Norway
| | - Tonje Stiansen-Sonerud
- Department of Pediatrics, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology (EpiGen), University of Oslo and Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | | | - Vegard Bruun Bratholm Wyller
- Department of Pediatrics, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Lund Berven
- Department of Pediatrics, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
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O'Mahoney LL, Routen A, Gillies C, Ekezie W, Welford A, Zhang A, Karamchandani U, Simms-Williams N, Cassambai S, Ardavani A, Wilkinson TJ, Hawthorne G, Curtis F, Kingsnorth AP, Almaqhawi A, Ward T, Ayoubkhani D, Banerjee A, Calvert M, Shafran R, Stephenson T, Sterne J, Ward H, Evans RA, Zaccardi F, Wright S, Khunti K. The prevalence and long-term health effects of Long Covid among hospitalised and non-hospitalised populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 55:101762. [PMID: 36474804 PMCID: PMC9714474 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 165.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to systematically synthesise the global evidence on the prevalence of persistent symptoms in a general post COVID-19 population. METHODS A systematic literature search was conducted using multiple electronic databases (MEDLINE and The Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL, and medRxiv) until January 2022. Studies with at least 100 people with confirmed or self-reported COVID-19 symptoms at ≥28 days following infection onset were included. Patient-reported outcome measures and clinical investigations were both assessed. Results were analysed descriptively, and meta-analyses were conducted to derive prevalence estimates. This study was pre-registered (PROSPERO-ID: CRD42021238247). FINDINGS 194 studies totalling 735,006 participants were included, with five studies conducted in those <18 years of age. Most studies were conducted in Europe (n = 106) or Asia (n = 49), and the time to follow-up ranged from ≥28 days to 387 days. 122 studies reported data on hospitalised patients, 18 on non-hospitalised, and 54 on hospitalised and non-hospitalised combined (mixed). On average, at least 45% of COVID-19 survivors, regardless of hospitalisation status, went on to experience at least one unresolved symptom (mean follow-up 126 days). Fatigue was frequently reported across hospitalised (28.4%; 95% CI 24.7%-32.5%), non-hospitalised (34.8%; 95% CI 17.6%-57.2%), and mixed (25.2%; 95% CI 17.7%-34.6%) cohorts. Amongst the hospitalised cohort, abnormal CT patterns/x-rays were frequently reported (45.3%; 95% CI 35.3%-55.7%), alongside ground glass opacification (41.1%; 95% CI 25.7%-58.5%), and impaired diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (31.7%; 95% CI 25.8%-3.2%). INTERPRETATION Our work shows that 45% of COVID-19 survivors, regardless of hospitalisation status, were experiencing a range of unresolved symptoms at ∼ 4 months. Current understanding is limited by heterogeneous study design, follow-up durations, and measurement methods. Definition of subtypes of Long Covid is unclear, subsequently hampering effective treatment/management strategies. FUNDING No funding.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ash Routen
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Clare Gillies
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Leicester Real World Evidence Unit, Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Winifred Ekezie
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Anneka Welford
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Alexa Zhang
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Urvi Karamchandani
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Ashkon Ardavani
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Grace Hawthorne
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Ffion Curtis
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Abdullah Almaqhawi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Thomas Ward
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Daniel Ayoubkhani
- Leicester Real World Evidence Unit, Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Office for National Statistics, Government Buildings, Newport, UK
| | - Amitava Banerjee
- Faculty of Population Health Sciences, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Population Science and Experimental Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Melanie Calvert
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre and NIHR Applied Research Collaboration West Midlands, University Hospital Birmingham and University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Birmingham Health Partners Centre for Regulatory Science and Innovation and Centre for Patient Reported Outcomes Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Roz Shafran
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Terence Stephenson
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jonathan Sterne
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Helen Ward
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Rachael A. Evans
- Department of Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- NIHR Leicester Biomedical Research Centre, Respiratory Department, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK
| | - Francesco Zaccardi
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Leicester Real World Evidence Unit, Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | | | - Kamlesh Khunti
- Diabetes Research Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
- Corresponding author.
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Versace V, Ortelli P, Dezi S, Ferrazzoli D, Alibardi A, Bonini I, Engl M, Maestri R, Assogna M, Ajello V, Pucks-Faes E, Saltuari L, Sebastianelli L, Kofler M, Koch G. Co-ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide/luteolin normalizes GABA B-ergic activity and cortical plasticity in long COVID-19 syndrome. Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 145:81-88. [PMID: 36455453 PMCID: PMC9650483 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2022.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies showed that patients with cognitive dysfunction and fatigue after COVID-19 exhibit impaired cortical GABAB-ergic activity, as revealed by reduced long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI). Aim of this study was to test the effects of co-ultramicronized palmitoylethanolamide/luteolin (PEA-LUT), an endocannabinoid-like mediator able to enhance GABA-ergic transmission and to reduce neuroinflammation, on LICI. METHODS Thirty-nine patients (26 females, mean age 49.9 ± 11.4 years, mean time from infection 296.7 ± 112.3 days) suffering from persistent cognitive difficulties and fatigue after mild COVID-19 were randomly assigned to receive either PEA-LUT 700 mg + 70 mg or PLACEBO, administered orally bid for eight weeks. The day before (PRE) and at the end of the treatment (POST), they underwent TMS protocols to assess LICI. We further evaluate short-latency afferent inhibition (SAI) and long-term potentiation (LTP)-like cortical plasticity. RESULTS Patients treated with PEA-LUT but not with PLACEBO showed a significant increase of LICI and LTP-like cortical plasticity. SAI remained unaffected. CONCLUSIONS Eight weeks of treatment with PEA-LUT restore GABAB activity and cortical plasticity in long Covid patients. SIGNIFICANCE This study confirms altered physiology of the motor cortex in long COVID-19 syndrome and indicates PEA-LUT as a candidate for the treatment of this post-viral condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Versace
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Italy.
| | - Paola Ortelli
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Italy
| | - Sabrina Dezi
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Italy
| | - Davide Ferrazzoli
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Italy
| | - Alessia Alibardi
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Italy
| | - Ilenia Bonini
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Italy
| | - Michael Engl
- Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Italy
| | - Roberto Maestri
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Scientific Institute of Montescano - IRCCS, Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Pavia, Italy
| | - Martina Assogna
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Lab, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Ajello
- Department of Cardiac Anesthesia, Tor Vergata University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Leopold Saltuari
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Italy
| | - Luca Sebastianelli
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, Hospital of Vipiteno (SABES-ASDAA), Vipiteno-Sterzing, Lehrkrankenhaus der Paracelsus Medizinischen Privatuniversität, Italy
| | - Markus Kofler
- Department of Neurology, Hochzirl Hospital, Zirl, Austria
| | - Giacomo Koch
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Lab, Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, Rome, Italy,Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Fessel J. Fluoxetine plus lithium for treatment of mental health impairment in Long Covid. Discov Ment Health 2023; 3:1. [PMID: 36618714 DOI: 10.1007/s44192-022-00027-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Purposes (1) To summarize the mental conditions that may accompany persistent symptoms following acute infection by SARS-CoV-2, often termed Long Covid; (2) to formulate treatment based upon the brain cells that are dominantly affected. Methods (1) Review the reports relating to the mental symptoms occurring in Long Covid. (2) Review the drugs that address the brain cells affected in Long Covid, and suggest pharmacotherapy for those patients whose response to psychotherapy is suboptimal. Results Long Covid affects ~ 10% of patients infected by SARS-CoV-2, and mental symptoms affect ~ 20% of persons with Long Covid. The brain cell-types that have been demonstrated as dominantly affected in Long Covid are astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, neurons, endothelial cells/pericytes, and microglia. Lithium and fluoxetine each address all of those four cell-types. Low dosage of each is likely to be well-tolerated and to cause neither clinically important adverse events (AE) nor serious adverse events (SAE). Conclusion For those patients whose response to psychotherapy is suboptimal, lithium and fluoxetine should be administered in combination for both depth of benefit and reduction of dosages.
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van der Togt V, Rossman JS. Hypothesis: inflammatory acid-base disruption underpins Long Covid. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1150105. [PMID: 37122723 PMCID: PMC10140510 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1150105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanism of Long Covid (Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19; PASC) is currently unknown, with no validated diagnostics or therapeutics. SARS-CoV-2 can cause disseminated infections that result in multi-system tissue damage, dysregulated inflammation, and cellular metabolic disruptions. The tissue damage and inflammation has been shown to impair microvascular circulation, resulting in hypoxia, which coupled with virally-induced metabolic reprogramming, increases cellular anaerobic respiration. Both acute and PASC patients show systemic dysregulation of multiple markers of the acid-base balance. Based on these data, we hypothesize that the shift to anaerobic respiration causes an acid-base disruption that can affect every organ system and underpins the symptoms of PASC. This hypothesis can be tested by longitudinally evaluating acid-base markers in PASC patients and controls over the course of a month. If our hypothesis is correct, this could have significant implications for our understanding of PASC and our ability to develop effective diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicky van der Togt
- Research-Aid Networks, Chicago, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Jeremy S. Rossman, ; Vicky van der Togt,
| | - Jeremy S. Rossman
- Research-Aid Networks, Chicago, IL, United States
- School of Biosciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Jeremy S. Rossman, ; Vicky van der Togt,
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Haque A, Pant AB. Long Covid: Untangling the Complex Syndrome and the Search for Therapeutics. Viruses 2022; 15:42. [PMID: 36680082 PMCID: PMC9864843 DOI: 10.3390/v15010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Long Covid can affect anyone who has previously had acute COVID-19. The root causes of this syndrome are still unknown, and no effective therapeutics are available. This complex syndrome, with a wide array of symptoms, is still evolving. Given the dire situation, it is important to identify the causes of Long Covid and the changes occurring within the immune system of affected patients to figure out how to treat it. The immune system intersects with the persistent viral fragments and blood clots that are implicated in this syndrome; understanding how these complex systems interact may help in untangling the puzzling physiopathology of Long Covid and identifying mitigation measures to provide patients some relief. In this paper, we discuss evidence-based findings and formulate hypotheses on the mechanisms underlying Long Covid's physiopathology and propose potential therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azizul Haque
- One Medical Center Drive, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
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Haunhorst S, Bloch W, Javelle F, Krüger K, Baumgart S, Drube S, Lemhöfer C, Reuken P, Stallmach A, Müller M, Zielinski CE, Pletz MW, Gabriel HHW, Puta C. A scoping review of regulatory T cell dynamics in convalescent COVID-19 patients - indications for their potential involvement in the development of Long COVID? Front Immunol 2022; 13:1070994. [PMID: 36582234 PMCID: PMC9792979 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1070994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can be impaired by the persistence of symptoms or new-onset health complications, commonly referred to as Long COVID. In a subset of patients, Long COVID is associated with immune system perturbations of unknown etiology, which could be related to compromised immunoregulatory mechanisms. Objective The objective of this scoping review was to summarize the existing literature regarding the frequency and functionality of Tregs in convalescent COVID-19 patients and to explore indications for their potential involvement in the development of Long COVID. Design A systematic search of studies investigating Tregs during COVID-19 convalescence was conducted on MEDLINE (via Pubmed) and Web of Science. Results The literature search yielded 17 relevant studies, of which three included a distinct cohort of patients with Long COVID. The reviewed studies suggest that the Treg population of COVID-19 patients can reconstitute quantitatively and functionally during recovery. However, the comparison between recovered and seronegative controls revealed that an infection-induced dysregulation of the Treg compartment can be sustained for at least several months. The small number of studies investigating Tregs in Long COVID allowed no firm conclusions to be drawn about their involvement in the syndrome's etiology. Yet, even almost one year post-infection Long COVID patients exhibit significantly altered proportions of Tregs within the CD4+ T cell population. Conclusions Persistent alterations in cell frequency in Long COVID patients indicate that Treg dysregulation might be linked to immune system-associated sequelae. Future studies should aim to address the association of Treg adaptations with different symptom clusters and blood parameters beyond the sole quantification of cell frequencies while adhering to consensualized phenotyping strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Haunhorst
- Department of Sports Medicine and Health Promotion, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Bloch
- Department for Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, Institute for Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Florian Javelle
- Department for Molecular and Cellular Sports Medicine, Institute for Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Karsten Krüger
- Department of Exercise Physiology and Sports Therapy, Institute of Sports Science, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabine Baumgart
- Institute for Immunology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Sebastian Drube
- Institute for Immunology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Philipp Reuken
- Clinic for Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Andreas Stallmach
- Clinic for Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital/Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Michael Müller
- Department of Infection Immunology, Leibniz Institue for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Christina E. Zielinski
- Department of Infection Immunology, Leibniz Institue for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Mathias W. Pletz
- Institute for Immunology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital/Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Holger H. W. Gabriel
- Department of Sports Medicine and Health Promotion, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Christian Puta
- Department of Sports Medicine and Health Promotion, Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital/Friedrich-Schiller-University Jena, Jena, Germany
- Center for Interdisciplinary Prevention of Diseases related to Professional Activities, Jena, Germany
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Hunt J, Blease C, Geraghty KJ. Long Covid at the crossroads: Comparisons and lessons from the treatment of patients with myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). J Health Psychol 2022; 27:3106-3120. [PMID: 35341334 DOI: 10.1177/13591053221084494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Whilst parallels have been drawn between Long Covid and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), there is a well-documented history of negative stereotyping and marginalisation of patients with ME/CFS. A socio-politically oriented comparison of scientific, clinical and societal responses to Long Covid and ME/CFS is thus important to prevent similar harms arising among Long Covid patients. We identify four reasons for injustices in the treatment of ME/CFS patients, and discuss the risk of Long Covid following a similar trajectory. We conclude with policy and practice recommendations to help prevent such injustices arising again, including consideration of critical reflexivity in medical education.
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Leaman R, Islamaj R, Allot A, Chen Q, Wilbur WJ, Lu Z. Comprehensively identifying Long Covid articles with human-in-the-loop machine learning. Patterns (N Y) 2023; 4:100659. [PMID: 36471749 DOI: 10.1016/j.patter.2022.100659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
A significant percentage of COVID-19 survivors experience ongoing multisystemic symptoms that often affect daily living, a condition known as Long Covid or post-acute-sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, identifying scientific articles relevant to Long Covid is challenging since there is no standardized or consensus terminology. We developed an iterative human-in-the-loop machine learning framework combining data programming with active learning into a robust ensemble model, demonstrating higher specificity and considerably higher sensitivity than other methods. Analysis of the Long Covid Collection shows that (1) most Long Covid articles do not refer to Long Covid by any name, (2) when the condition is named, the name used most frequently in the literature is Long Covid, and (3) Long Covid is associated with disorders in a wide variety of body systems. The Long Covid Collection is updated weekly and is searchable online at the LitCovid portal: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/research/coronavirus/docsum?filters=e_condition.LongCovid.
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Pearson M, Singh P, Bartel H, Crawford P, Allsopp G. Creative Long Covid: A qualitative exploration of the experience of Long Covid through the medium of creative narratives. Health Expect 2022; 25:2950-2959. [PMID: 36148648 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare is witnessing a new disease with the emergence of Long Covid; a condition which can result in myriad symptoms, varying in frequency and severity. As new data are emerging to help inform treatment guidelines, the perspectives of those living with Long Covid are essential in informing healthcare practice. The research aimed to collect the narratives of people living with Long Covid to better understand the lived experience of this condition. In attempting to narrate complex or traumatic experiences the arts and humanities can offer alternative ways of expressing embodied narratives, representing rich sources of meaning. Therefore, the research specifically sought to elicit creative expressions from participants with lived experience of Long Covid. METHODS Data were collected via an online repository where participants could submit their pieces of creative writing. Data were collected between August 2021 and January 2022 and a total of 28 submissions were received from participants. These were mostly written creative narratives. However, a small number were submitted as audio or video files of spoken word poetry or songs. Data collection was stopped once data saturation was achieved. RESULTS The submissions were subjected to thematic analysis and five themes were generated. These five themes are Identity, social relationships, symptoms, interaction with healthcare systems and time. The results provide an insight into the experience of Long Covid as detailed by the participants' creative narratives. CONCLUSION The results from this study provide a unique insight into the lived experience of Long Covid. In relation to clinical practice, the results suggest that adjustment reaction and loss of sense of self could be added as common symptoms. PATIENT AND PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Before undertaking the research, Long Covid community groups were contacted to discuss the potential value of this study and it was widely supported. One of the leading Long Covid support groups was also involved in disseminating information regarding the project. As part of ongoing work within this project, members of the team are actively disseminating the results within Long Covid communities and seeking to develop arts-based workshops specifically for people with Long Covid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Pearson
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Prerna Singh
- Policy, Research and Campaigns Department, Royal College of General Practitioners, London, UK
| | - Heike Bartel
- School of Cultures, Languages and Area Studies, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Paul Crawford
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Gail Allsopp
- Department of Clinical Policy, Royal College of General Practitioners, London, UK
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Ireson J, Taylor A, Richardson E, Greenfield B, Jones G. Exploring invisibility and epistemic injustice in Long Covid-A citizen science qualitative analysis of patient stories from an online Covid community. Health Expect 2022; 25:1753-1765. [PMID: 35557480 PMCID: PMC9327841 DOI: 10.1111/hex.13518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In 2020, the long‐lasting effects of the Covid‐19 virus were not included in public messages of risks to public health. Long Covid emerged as a novel and enigmatic illness with a serious and life‐changing impact. Long Covid is poorly explained by objective medical tests, leading to widespread disbelief and stigma associated with the condition. The aim of this organic research is to explore the physical and epistemic challenges of living with Long Covid. Methods Unlike any previous pandemic in history, online Covid communities and ‘citizen science’ have played a leading role in advancing our understanding of Long Covid. As patient‐led research of this grassroots Covid community, a team approach to thematic analysis was undertaken of 66 patient stories submitted online to covid19‐recovery.org at the beginning of the Covid‐19 pandemic between April and September 2020. Results The overriding theme of the analysis highlights the complexities and challenges of living with Long Covid. Our distinct themes were identified: the life‐changing impact of the condition, the importance of validation and how, for many, seeking alternatives was felt to be their only option. Conclusions Long Covid does not easily fit into the dominant evidence‐based practice and the biomedical model of health, which rely on objective indicators of the disease process. Patient testimonies are vital to understanding and treating Long Covid, yet patients are frequently disbelieved, and their testimonies are not taken seriously leading to stigma and epistemic injustice, which introduces a lack of trust into the therapeutic relationship. Patient Contribution The research was undertaken in partnership with our consumer representative(s) and all findings and subsequent recommendations have been coproduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Ireson
- Centre for Psyhcological Research, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK.,Weston Park Cancer Centre, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK
| | - Amy Taylor
- Weston Park Cancer Centre, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Sheffield, UK.,Department of Medical Imaging, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | | | | | - Georgina Jones
- Centre for Psyhcological Research, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds, UK
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Muraleedharan M, Panda NK, Angrish P, Arora K, Patro SK, Bansal S, Chakrabarti A, Rudramurthy SM, Bakshi J, Mohindra S, Gupta R, Virk RS, Verma RK, Ramavat AS, Nayak G. As the virus sowed, the fungus reaped! A Comparative Analysis of the Clinico-epidemiological Characteristics of Rhino-orbital Mucormycosis before and during Covid -19 Pandemic. Mycoses 2022; 65:567-576. [PMID: 35289000 PMCID: PMC9115264 DOI: 10.1111/myc.13437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background The sudden surge of mucormycosis cases which happened during the second wave of COVID‐19 pandemic was a significant public health problem in India. Objectives The aim of this study was to analyse the clinico‐epidemicological characteristics of the mucormycosis cases to determine the changes that had occurred due to COVID‐19 pandemic. Methodology A retrospective cross‐sectional study was conducted at the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India. Patients diagnosed with rhino‐orbital mucormycosis were categorised into the following groups: Pre‐pandemic(May 2019 to April 2020), Pandemic Pre‐epidemic (May 2020 to April 2021) and Epidemic (1 May 2021 to 12 July 2021). The epidemiological, clinical and surgical data of all the patients were retrieved from the hospital records and analysed. Results The epidemic period had 370 cases, compared with 65 during pandemic period and 42 in the pre‐pandemic period. Diabetes mellitus was seen in 87% of cases during epidemic period, 92.9% in the pre‐pandemic period and 90.8% in the pre‐pandemic pre‐epidemic period. The proportion of patients suffering from vision loss, restricted extra‐ocular movements, palatal ulcer and nasal obstruction was higher in the pre‐epidemic groups, and the difference was significant (p, <.01). There was no history of oxygen use in 85.9% of patients and no steroid use in 76.5%. The death rates were the lowest during epidemic (10%). Conclusion COVID‐19 has caused a statistically significant increase in the number of mucormycosis infections. The mortality and morbidity which showed an increase during the first wave of COVID‐19 decreased significantly during the epidemic period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjul Muraleedharan
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Naresh Kumar Panda
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Prerna Angrish
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Kanika Arora
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Sourabha Kumar Patro
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Sandeep Bansal
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Arunaloke Chakrabarti
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | | | - Jaimanti Bakshi
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Satyawati Mohindra
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Rijuneeta Gupta
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Ramandeep Singh Virk
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Roshan Kumar Verma
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Anurag Snehi Ramavat
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
| | - Gyanaranjan Nayak
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160012, India
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Bansal R, Gubbi S, Koch CA. COVID-19 and chronic fatigue syndrome: An endocrine perspective. J Clin Transl Endocrinol 2022; 27:100284. [PMID: 34877261 PMCID: PMC8641402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcte.2021.100284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients recovering from COVID-19 may have persistent debilitating symptoms requiring long term support through individually tailored cardiopulmonary and psychological rehabilitation programs. Clinicians need to be aware about the likely long-term complications and their diagnostic assessments to help identify any occult problems requiring additional help. Endocrinological evaluations should be considered as part of the armamentarium in the management of such individuals with diligent cognizance about the involvement of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, adrenal and thyroid function. We here review the literature and potential pathophysiological mechanisms involved in and related to post COVID-19 symptoms with an emphasis on endocrine function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashika Bansal
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sriram Gubbi
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Christian A. Koch
- Department of Medicine, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Dept of Medicine/Endocrinology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
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Abstract
The debate around Long Covid has so far shown resistance to accept parallels between Long Covid and a set of existing conditions which have historically been subject to stigma. This resistance risks endorsing the stigma associated with such existing conditions, and as such, these dynamics of stigma ought to be dismantled in order to facilitate the development of effective clinical resources for all such implicated conditions. As well as affecting proceedings at the structural level, I discuss how the aforementioned problems also risk affecting patients at the personal level by motivating the reconfiguration and restriction of patient illness narratives. The problems I identify therefore risk affecting both collective and individual understanding of Long Covid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor Alexandra Byrne
- University of York, Sally Baldwin Buildings Block A, Wentworth Way, Heslington, York YO10 5DD, United Kingdom.
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Bouteleux B, Henrot P, Ernst R, Grassion L, Raherison-Semjen C, Beaufils F, Zysman M, Delorme M. Respiratory rehabilitation for Covid-19 related persistent dyspnoea: A one-year experience. Respir Med 2021; 189:106648. [PMID: 34689061 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2021.106648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Growing consideration is emerging regarding the burden of persisting sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Out-patients exhibiting long Covid may benefit from ambulatory rehabilitation which is, to date, poorly documented. Methods A longitudinal follow-up over a one-year period was conducted in two ambulatory rehabilitation structures in order to describe the characteristics of real-life patients referred with Covid-19 sequelae and their evolution over the course of rehabilitation. Results 39 consecutive patients were included from April 1st, 2020 to April 1st, 2021. Patients were middle-aged (48 ± 15yr), without comorbidities, and mostly mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection (25(64%) not requiring hospitalisation). Rehabilitation referral was considered with a median delay of 73[34–178] days after disease onset. Most prevalent symptoms were dyspnoea (n = 35(90%)) and fatigue (n = 30(77%)). Hyperventilation syndrome was highly frequent (n = 12(34%)). 29(74%) patients presented with prolonged functional sequelae, which was associated with younger age (43 ± 14 vs. 50 ± 10yr; p = 0.002), greater prevalence of hyperventilation syndrome (n = 12(41%) vs. 0(0%); p = 0.255) and poorer quality of life (VQ-11; 31 ± 10 vs. 23 ± 9; p = 0.030). Over the course of rehabilitation, exertional dyspnoea, 6-min walking distance, 3-min sit-to-stand test, hyperventilation syndrome prevalence and quality of life significantly improved. Conclusion Hyperventilation is frequent in long Covid and may explain persistent dyspnoea as well as altered quality of life. Our data support screening of hyperventilation syndrome and functional impairment in mild Covid-19 out-patients as both of these components may improve with ambulatory rehabilitation.
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Funk GC, Nell C, Pokieser W, Thaler B, Rainer G, Valipour A. Organizing pneumonia following Covid19 pneumonia. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2021; 133:979-982. [PMID: 33861398 PMCID: PMC8050821 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-021-01852-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
The potential mid-term and long-term consequences after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections are as yet unknown. This is the first report of bronchoscopically verified organizing pneumonia as a complication of coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid19). It caused persisting dyspnea, impaired pulmonary function, and radiological abnormalities over 5 weeks after onset of symptoms. While organizing pneumonia frequently requires treatment with systemic corticosteroids, in this case it resolved spontaneously without treatment after 6 weeks. Healthcare professionals should consider organizing pneumonia in patients with persisting respiratory symptoms after Covid19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg-Christian Funk
- 2nd Medical Department with Pneumology, Klinik Ottakring, Montleartstraße 37, 1160 Vienna, Austria
- Karl-Landsteiner-Institute for Lung Research and Pulmonary Oncology, Montleartstraße 37, 1160 Vienna, Austria
- Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Caroline Nell
- 2nd Medical Department with Pneumology, Klinik Ottakring, Montleartstraße 37, 1160 Vienna, Austria
- Karl-Landsteiner-Institute for Lung Research and Pulmonary Oncology, Montleartstraße 37, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Pokieser
- Department of Pathology, Klinik Ottakring, Montleartstraße 37, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | - Birgit Thaler
- 2nd Medical Department with Pneumology, Klinik Ottakring, Montleartstraße 37, 1160 Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Arschang Valipour
- Karl-Landsteiner-Institute for Lung Research and Pulmonary Oncology, Montleartstraße 37, 1160 Vienna, Austria
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Klinik Floridsdorf, Brünnerstraße 68, 1210 Vienna, Austria
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Rushforth A, Ladds E, Wieringa S, Taylor S, Husain L, Greenhalgh T. Long Covid - The illness narratives. Soc Sci Med 2021; 286:114326. [PMID: 34425522 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Callard and Perego depict long Covid as the first illness to be defined by patients who came together on social media. Responding to their call to address why patients were so effective in making long Covid visible and igniting action to improve its care, we use narrative inquiry - a field of research that investigates the place and power of stories and storytelling. We analyse a large dataset of narrative interviews and focus groups with 114 people with long Covid (45 of whom were healthcare professionals) from the United Kingdom, drawing on socio-narratology (Frank), therapeutic emplotment (Mattingly) and polyphonia (Bakhtin). We describe how storytelling devices including chronology, metaphor, characterisation, suspense and imagination were used to create persuasive accounts of a strange and frightening new condition that was beset with setbacks and overlooked or dismissed by health professionals. The most unique feature of long Covid narratives (in most but not all cases) was the absence, for various pandemic-related reasons, of a professional witness to them. Instead of sharing their narratives in therapeutic dialogue with their own clinician, people struggled with a fragmented inner monologue before finding an empathetic audience and other resonant narratives in the online community. Individually, the stories seemed to make little sense. Collectively, they provided a rich description of the diverse manifestations of a grave new illness, a shared account of rejection by the healthcare system, and a powerful call for action to fix the broken story. Evolving from individual narrative postings to collective narrative drama, long Covid communities challenged the prevailing model of Covid-19 as a short-lived respiratory illness which invariably delivers a classic triad of symptoms; undertook and published peer-reviewed research to substantiate its diverse and protracted manifestations; and gained positions as experts by experience on guideline development groups and policy taskforces.
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Westerlind E, Palstam A, Sunnerhagen KS, Persson HC. Patterns and predictors of sick leave after Covid-19 and long Covid in a national Swedish cohort. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1023. [PMID: 34059034 PMCID: PMC8164957 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11013-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of Covid-19 and its long-term consequences is not yet fully understood. Sick leave can be seen as an indicator of health in a working age population, and the present study aimed to investigate sick-leave patterns after Covid-19, and potential factors predicting longer sick leave in hospitalised and non-hospitalised people with Covid-19. METHODS The present study is a comprehensive national registry-based study in Sweden with a 4-month follow-up. All people who started to receive sickness benefits for Covid-19 during March 1 to August 31, 2020, were included. Predictors of sick leave ≥1 month and long Covid (≥12 weeks) were analysed with logistic regression in the total population and in separate models depending on inpatient care due to Covid-19. RESULTS A total of 11,955 people started sick leave for Covid-19 within the inclusion period. The median sick leave was 35 days, 13.3% were on sick leave for long Covid, and 9.0% remained on sick leave for the whole follow-up period. There were 2960 people who received inpatient care due to Covid-19, which was the strongest predictor of longer sick leave. Sick leave the year prior to Covid-19 and older age also predicted longer sick leave. No clear pattern of socioeconomic factors was noted. CONCLUSIONS A substantial number of people are on sick leave due to Covid-19. Sick leave may be protracted, and sick leave for long Covid is quite common. The severity of Covid-19 (needing inpatient care), prior sick leave, and age all seem to predict the likelihood of longer sick leave. However, no socioeconomic factor could clearly predict longer sick leave, indicating the complexity of this condition. The group needing long sick leave after Covid-19 seems to be heterogeneous, indicating a knowledge gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Westerlind
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Per Dubbsgatan 14, 3 tr, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Annie Palstam
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Per Dubbsgatan 14, 3 tr, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Katharina S Sunnerhagen
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Per Dubbsgatan 14, 3 tr, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hanna C Persson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, and Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Per Dubbsgatan 14, 3 tr, 413 45, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gail Carson
- University of Oxford, ISARIC and GloPID R Secretariat, Oxford, UK.
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