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Krčmová LK, Javorská L, Matoušová K, Šmahel P, Skála M, Kopecký M, Suwanvecho C, Přívratská N, Turoňová D, Melichar B. Evaluation of inflammatory biomarkers and vitamins in hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and post-COVID syndrome. Clin Chem Lab Med 2024; 62:1217-1227. [PMID: 38374668 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2023-1297] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Concentrations of neopterin, kynurenine and kynurenine/tryptophan ratios predict prognosis and the need for oxygen therapy in patients hospitalized for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the changes of these biomarkers early in the course of infection, the association with the prior coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccination and therapeutic administration of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies, investigation of other potential biomarkers including neuropilin, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine and 8-hydroxyguanosine in patients hospitalized with SARS-CoV-2 infection and an assessment of these biomarkers and vitamins A, E and D in patients with post-COVID syndrome. METHODS Urine and blood samples were obtained on the 1st to the 4th day and 4th to 7th day from 108 patients hospitalized with COVID-19. Chromatography tandem mass spectrometry methods were used to analyse neopterin, kynurenine, tryptophan, liposoluble vitamins, and DNA damage biomarkers. RESULTS A statistically significant decrease of neopterin, kynurenine and kynurenine/tryptophan ratios was observed on after 4th to 7th day of hospitalization, and concentrations of these biomarkers were increased in patients with poor prognosis and subsequent post-COVID syndrome. The concentrations of remaining biomarker and vitamins were not associated with outcomes, although markedly decreased concentrations of vitamin A, E and D were noted. CONCLUSIONS The concentrations of neopterin, kynurenine and kynurenine/tryptophan ratios decrease during the course of infection SARS-CoV-2 and are associated with the post-COVID syndrome. No other prognostic biomarkers were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Kujovská Krčmová
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, University Hospital Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Javorská
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, University Hospital Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Kateřina Matoušová
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, University Hospital Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Šmahel
- Deparment of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Mikuláš Skála
- Department of Pneumology, University Hospital Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Kopecký
- Department of Pneumology, University Hospital Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Chaweewan Suwanvecho
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, University Hospital Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Nikola Přívratská
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, University Hospital Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Dorota Turoňová
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Diagnostics, University Hospital Hradec Králové, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Bohuslav Melichar
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Stallmach A, Quickert S, Puta C, Reuken PA. The gastrointestinal microbiota in the development of ME/CFS: a critical view and potential perspectives. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1352744. [PMID: 38605969 PMCID: PMC11007072 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1352744] [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: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Like other infections, a SARS-CoV-2 infection can also trigger Post-Acute Infection Syndromes (PAIS), which often progress into myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). ME/CFS, characterized by post-exercise malaise (PEM), is a severe multisystemic disease for which specific diagnostic markers or therapeutic concepts have not been established. Despite numerous indications of post-infectious neurological, immunological, endocrinal, and metabolic deviations, the exact causes and pathophysiology remain unclear. To date, there is a paucity of data, that changes in the composition and function of the gastrointestinal microbiota have emerged as a potential influencing variable associated with immunological and inflammatory pathways, shifts in ME/CFS. It is postulated that this dysbiosis may lead to intestinal barrier dysfunction, translocation of microbial components with increased oxidative stress, and the development or progression of ME/CFS. In this review, we detailed discuss the findings regarding alterations in the gastrointestinal microbiota and its microbial mediators in ME/CFS. When viewed critically, there is currently no evidence indicating causality between changes in the microbiota and the development of ME/CFS. Most studies describe associations within poorly defined patient populations, often combining various clinical presentations, such as irritable bowel syndrome and fatigue associated with ME/CFS. Nevertheless, drawing on analogies with other gastrointestinal diseases, there is potential to develop strategies aimed at modulating the gut microbiota and/or its metabolites as potential treatments for ME/CFS and other PAIS. These strategies should be further investigated in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Stallmach
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Stefanie Quickert
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, 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
| | - Philipp A. Reuken
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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Cantrell C, Reid C, Walker CS, Stallkamp Tidd SJ, Zhang R, Wilson R. Post-COVID postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): a new phenomenon. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1297964. [PMID: 38585346 PMCID: PMC10998446 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1297964] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The impact of COVID-19 has been far-reaching, and the field of neurology is no exception. Due to the long-hauler effect, a variety of chronic health consequences have occurred for some post-COVID patients. A subset of these long-hauler patients experienced symptoms of autonomic dysfunction and tested positive for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) via autonomic testing. Methods We conducted a chart review of a convenience sample from patients seen by neurologists at our tertiary care center for suspicion of post-COVID POTS. Patients included in our study had clearly defined POTS based on clinical criteria and positive tilt table test, were 81.25% female, and had an average age of approximately 36. Out of 16 patients, 12 had a confirmed positive COVID test result, with the remaining 4 having strong clinical suspicion for COVID infection. Our analysis examined the most bothersome 3 symptoms affecting each patient per the neurologist's note at their initial visit for post-COVID POTS, clinical presentation, comorbidities, neurological exam findings, autonomic testing results, and COMPASS-31 autonomic questionnaire and PROMIS fatigue survey results. Results Palpitations (68.75%) and fatigue (62.5%) were the most common of the impactful symptoms reported by patients in their initial Cleveland Clinic neurology visit. The most frequent comorbidities in our sample were chronic migraines (37.5%), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (18.75%), and Raynaud's (18.75%). Neurological exam findings and autonomic testing results other than tilt table yielded variable findings without clear trends. Survey results showed substantial autonomic symptom burden (COMPASS-31 autonomic questionnaire average score 44.45) and high levels of fatigue (PROMIS fatigue survey average score 64.64) in post-COVID POTS patients. Conclusion Our sample of post-COVID POTS patients are similar to the diagnosed POTS general population including in comorbidities and autonomic testing. Fatigue was identified by patients as a common and debilitating symptom. We hope that our study will be an early step toward further investigation of post-COVID POTS with focus on the trends identified in this chart review.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Conor Reid
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Claudia S. Walker
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | | | - Ryan Zhang
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Robert Wilson
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Department of Neuromuscular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, United States
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Ceklarz J. Symptom intensity of post-COVID and long COVID syndromes in patients entering rehabilitation treatment. Reumatologia 2024; 62:18-25. [PMID: 38558899 PMCID: PMC10979377 DOI: 10.5114/reum/183912] [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: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The problem of post-COVID symptoms is still being analysed. Many of them may be related to other conditions, but the new appearance and greater intensity of some of them, e.g. fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and neuropathic pain, seem to be related to a previous viral infection. Efforts are being made to determine in more detail the most characteristic symptoms of post-COVID syndrome. The conditions of rehabilitation after COVID-19 provide an opportunity for such observations. In rehabilitation centres and sanatoriums, it is possible to compare patients with post-COVID syndrome and other patients referred for rehabilitation, who constitute a natural control group. Such a comparison is the aim of the present work. Material and methods The study included 59 post-COVID-19 patients and 57 sanatorium patients without COVID (non-COVID group) as a control group. The 31-element questionnaire ("Post-COVID syndrome symptoms assessment card") was part of the routine management of post-COVID patients referred for rehabilitation after symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in Polish conditions. In the control group, the questionnaire was introduced as a part of a physical examination and an interview regarding the symptoms reported by the patient before standard rehabilitation. The questions were scored in the scale from 0 to a maximum of 10 points. Each patient gave informed consent to the use of the questionnaire for research purposes. Results Symptoms of the highest intensity in the COVID-19 group were: feeling unwell after physical effort (avg. 6.25 points), chronic fatigue (avg. 5.97 points), dyspnoea on exertion (avg. 5.83 points), concentration disturbances (avg. 4.93), muscle pain (avg. 4.92), joint pain (avg. 4.86), memory disorders (avg. 4.81 points), sleep disorders (avg. 4.05 points), numbness of the limbs (avg. 3.73 points), tingling in the limbs (avg. 3.68 points).Symptoms of highest intensity in patients in the non-COVID-19 group: joint pain (avg. 4.61 points), tingling in the limbs (avg. 2.84 points), numbness of the limbs (avg. 2.79 points), muscle pain (avg. 2.11 points).There was no statistically significant difference between the group under examination and the control group in the following symptoms: fever, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, resting dyspnoea, olfactory disorders, joint pain, tingling in the limbs and numbness of the limbs. Conclusions The results of this study show symptoms of the highest intensity with post-COVID syndromes. However, also symptoms that are a problem both in post-COVID and non-COVID patients, i.e. joint pain, tingling in and numbness of the limbs were identified. This confirms that the control non-COVID group consisted of patients referred for rehabilitation treatment mainly due to musculoskeletal problems and chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Ceklarz
- Department of Systemic Rehabilitation, Rabka Sanatorium, Poland
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Erkan M. Age and chest computed tomography severity score are predictors of long-COVID. J Infect Dev Ctries 2024; 18:195-200. [PMID: 38484350 DOI: 10.3855/jidc.18276] [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: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION About one-third of acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) survivors have suffered from persisting symptoms called long-COVID. Clinical factors such as age and intensity (moderate or acute) of COVID-19 have been found to be associated with long-COVID. Many tissues might be damaged functionally or structurally during acute COVID-19 which can be detected by blood assays and chest computed tomography (CT). We aimed to evaluate the relationship between long-COVID and the initial findings of blood assays and chest CT as possible predictors. METHODOLOGY The study included patients with acute COVID-19. Laboratory tests and chest CT were obtained from each patient at the time of admission to the hospital. Chest CT was evaluated for pneumonic involvement and severity score. Multivariable regression model was created to find the factors that were independently associated with long-COVID. RESULTS There were 60 (38.2%) patients with long-COVID and 97 (61.8%) without. Baseline demographic, laboratory and chest CT parameters were similar in both groups, except for age, chronic lung disease and chest CT severity score (46.9 ± 15.1 years vs 52.6 ± 15.9 years, p = 0.03; 11.7% vs 3.1%, p = 0.03 and 10.3 ± 9.6 vs 6.5 ± 7.6, p = 0.02, respectively). In multivariable model, chest CT severity score (OR: 1.059, 95% CI: 1.002-1.119, p = 0.04) and age (OR: 0.953, 95% CI: 0.928-0.979, p < 0.001) were independently associated with long-COVID. CONCLUSIONS Chest CT severity score and age were independently associated with long-COVID and may be used to predict the future risk of long-COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Erkan
- University of Health Sciences, Bursa Yuksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital, Department of Radiology, Bursa, Turkey
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Bolstad CJ, Holzinger B, Scarpelli S, De Gennaro L, Yordanova J, Koumanova S, Mota-Rolim S, Benedict C, Bjorvatn B, Chan NY, Chung F, Dauvilliers Y, Espie CA, Inoue Y, Korman M, Koscec Bjelajac A, Landtblom AM, Matsui K, Merikanto I, Morin CM, Partinen M, Penzel T, Plazzi G, Reis C, Ross B, Wing YK, Nadorff MR. Nightmare frequency is a risk factor for suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 pandemic. J Sleep Res 2024:e14165. [PMID: 38366677 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.14165] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
The association between nightmare frequency (NMF) and suicidal ideation (SI) is well known, yet the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on this relation is inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate changes in NMF, SI, and their association during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected in 16 countries using a harmonised questionnaire. The sample included 9328 individuals (4848 women; age M[SD] = 46.85 [17.75] years), and 17.60% reported previous COVID-19. Overall, SI was significantly 2% lower during the pandemic vs. before, and this was consistent across genders and ages. Most countries/regions demonstrated decreases in SI during this pandemic, with Austria (-9.57%), Sweden (-6.18%), and Bulgaria (-5.14%) exhibiting significant declines in SI, but Italy (1.45%) and Portugal (2.45%) demonstrated non-significant increases. Suicidal ideation was more common in participants with long-COVID (21.10%) vs. short-COVID (12.40%), though SI did not vary by COVID-19 history. Nightmare frequency increased by 4.50% during the pandemic and was significantly higher in those with previous COVID-19 (14.50% vs. 10.70%), during infection (23.00% vs. 8.10%), and in those with long-COVID (18.00% vs. 8.50%). The relation between NMF and SI was not significantly stronger during the pandemic than prior (rs = 0.18 vs. 0.14; z = 2.80). Frequent nightmares during the pandemic increased the likelihood of reporting SI (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.20-2.05), while frequent dream recall during the pandemic served a protective effect (OR = 0.74, 95% CI 0.59-0.94). These findings have important implications for identifying those at risk of suicide and may offer a potential pathway for suicide prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney J Bolstad
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
- South Texas Veterans Health Care System, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Brigitte Holzinger
- Institute of Consciousness and Dream Research, Vienna, Austria
- Medical University of Vienna, Wien, Postgraduate Sleep Coaching, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Luigi De Gennaro
- Department of Psychology, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Roma, Italy
| | - Juliana Yordanova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Silvia Koumanova
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Sérgio Mota-Rolim
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Christian Benedict
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bjørn Bjorvatn
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Norwegian Competence Center for Sleep Disorders, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ngan Yin Chan
- Li Chiu Kong Family Sleep Assessment Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Frances Chung
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yves Dauvilliers
- Sleep and Wake Disorders Centre, Department of Neurology, Gui de Chauliac Hospital, University of Montpellier, INSERM Institute Neuroscience Montpellier (INM), Montpellier, France
| | - Colin A Espie
- Sir Jules Thorn Sleep & Circadian Neuroscience Institute and Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Yuichi Inoue
- Department of Somnology, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Maria Korman
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel
| | | | - Anne-Marie Landtblom
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Kentaro Matsui
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ilona Merikanto
- SleepWell Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Orton Orthopaedics Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Charles M Morin
- Laval University, Department of Psychology and Centre de recherche CERVO/Brain Research Center, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Markku Partinen
- Helsinki Sleep Clinic, Terveystalo Healthcare, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Thomas Penzel
- Sleep Medicine Center, Charite - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Giuseppe Plazzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Cátia Reis
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Católica Research Centre for Psychological - Family and Social Welbeing, Lisbon, Portugal
- João Lobo Antunes Institute of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine of Lisbon, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Biserka Ross
- Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Yun Kwok Wing
- Li Chiu Kong Family Sleep Assessment Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Michael R Nadorff
- Department of Psychology, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, Mississippi, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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Von Nordheim D, Johnson M, Caburnay C, Alleman S, Kreuter M, McQueen A. Describing the Lived Experience and Resource Needs of Individuals With Long COVID. Health Promot Pract 2024:15248399241228823. [PMID: 38361434 DOI: 10.1177/15248399241228823] [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] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Individuals with long COVID report diverse symptoms lasting weeks or months after initial infection, causing significant psychosocial distress. Navigating health care interactions are often difficult for these individuals due to the diffuse nature of their symptoms, a lack of effective treatment options, and skepticism from some providers. To better understand these challenges, this study sought to further describe the lived experience of individuals with long COVID. A survey was conducted with individuals evaluated for long COVID at a specialty clinic (n = 200), which included questions about prior conditions, symptoms, use of medical and support services, and information and resource needs. Participants reported a mean of 10.75 persistent symptoms, the most common being fatigue and difficulty concentrating, with broad effects on daily functioning. Participants saw a mean of 5.92 providers for treatment of their symptoms, and 88.5% identified health care providers as a trusted source of information. Interest in research findings (60.5%) and opportunities for participation (47.5%) were moderate and varied by COVID vaccination status. Unvaccinated individuals (n = 27) also reported less trust in government sources of information, less college education, lower household income, and greater likelihood of having public insurance. Our findings suggest that individuals with long COVID experience many ongoing and complex symptoms with diverse effects on daily living; that health care providers are an important source for public health messaging about long COVID; and that unvaccinated individuals are likely to have differing needs and receptiveness to information than vaccinated individuals with long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sarah Alleman
- Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | | - Amy McQueen
- Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
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Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Díaz-Gil G, Gil-Crujera A, Gómez-Sánchez SM, Ambite-Quesada S, Torres-Macho J, Ryan-Murua P, Franco-Moreno AI, Pellicer-Valero OJ, Arendt-Nielsen L, Giordano R. Inflammatory Polymorphisms (IL-6 rs1800796, IL-10 rs1800896, TNF-α rs1800629, and IFITM3 rs12252) Are Not Associated with Post-COVID Symptoms in Previously Hospitalized COVID-19 Survivors. Viruses 2024; 16:275. [PMID: 38400050 PMCID: PMC10891518 DOI: 10.3390/v16020275] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to identify the association between four selected inflammatory polymorphisms with the development of long-term post-COVID symptoms in subjects who had been hospitalized due to SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first wave of the pandemic. These polymorphisms were selected as they are associated with severe COVID-19 disease and cytokine storm, so they could be important to prognoses post-COVID. A total of 408 (48.5% female, age: 58.5 ± 14.0 years) previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors participated. The three potential genotypes of the following four single-nucleotide polymorphisms, IL-6 rs1800796, IL-10 rs1800896, TNF-α rs1800629, and IFITM3 rs12252, were obtained from non-stimulated saliva samples of the participants. The participants were asked to self-report the presence of any post-COVID symptoms (defined as symptoms that had started no later than one month after SARS-CoV-2 acute infection) and whether the symptoms persisted at the time of the study. At the time of the study (mean: 15.6, SD: 5.6 months after discharge), 89.4% of patients reported at least one post-COVID symptom (mean number of symptoms: 3.0; SD: 1.7). Fatigue (69.3%), pain (40.9%), and memory loss (27.2%) were the most prevalent post-COVID symptoms in the total sample. Overall, no differences in the post-COVID symptoms depending on the IL-6 rs1800796, IL-10 rs1800896, TNF-α rs1800629, and IFITM3 rs12252 genotypes were seen. The four SNPs assessed, albeit having been previously associated with inflammation and COVID-19 severity, did not cause a predisposition to the development of post-COVID symptoms in the previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Fernández-de-las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain;
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Sensory Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (L.A.-N.); (R.G.)
| | - Gema Díaz-Gil
- Research group GAMDES, Department of Basic Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28933 Madrid, Spain; (G.D.-G.); (A.G.-C.); (S.M.G.-S.)
| | - Antonio Gil-Crujera
- Research group GAMDES, Department of Basic Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28933 Madrid, Spain; (G.D.-G.); (A.G.-C.); (S.M.G.-S.)
| | - Stella M. Gómez-Sánchez
- Research group GAMDES, Department of Basic Health Sciences, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28933 Madrid, Spain; (G.D.-G.); (A.G.-C.); (S.M.G.-S.)
| | - Silvia Ambite-Quesada
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcón, Spain;
| | - Juan Torres-Macho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor-Virgen de la Torre, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (J.T.-M.); (P.R.-M.); (A.I.F.-M.)
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Ryan-Murua
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor-Virgen de la Torre, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (J.T.-M.); (P.R.-M.); (A.I.F.-M.)
| | - Ana I. Franco-Moreno
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor-Virgen de la Torre, 28031 Madrid, Spain; (J.T.-M.); (P.R.-M.); (A.I.F.-M.)
| | - Oscar J. Pellicer-Valero
- Image Processing Laboratory (IPL), Universitat de València, Parc Científic, Paterna, 46100 València, Spain;
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Sensory Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (L.A.-N.); (R.G.)
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Mech-Sense, Clinical Institute, Aalborg University Hospital, DK-9000 Aalborg, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center North Denmark, Clinical Institute, Aalborg University Hospital, DK-9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Rocco Giordano
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Sensory Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (L.A.-N.); (R.G.)
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Aalborg University Hospital, DK-9000 Aalborg, Denmark
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Barton C, Troy L, Teoh A, Spencer L, Reeves J, Cram V, Wai M, Jones L. COVID-19 and collective trauma: Implementing a trauma-informed model of care for post-COVID patients. J Adv Nurs 2024. [PMID: 38294136 DOI: 10.1111/jan.16076] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
AIM To describe the implementation of a trauma-informed model of care in the Post COVID Respiratory Clinic of a large tertiary referral centre in NSW. DESIGN Discussion paper. DATA SOURCES Evidence gathered from a literature search (2008-2022) was used to develop a framework for management of patients presenting to this Post COVID Respiratory Clinic. This paper outlines the personal reflections of the clinic staff as they developed and implemented this framework. Ethical approval was obtained to report the data collected from patient reviews. DISCUSSION The literature highlights the high prevalence of trauma in patients following COVID-19 infection, as well as the larger population both during and after the pandemic. This experience of trauma was observed in patients seen within the clinic, indicating a need for specialized care. In response, a trauma-informed model of care was implemented. CONCLUSION Reconceptualizing COVID-19 as a 'collective trauma' can help healthcare workers understand the needs of post-COVID patients and enable them to respond empathetically. A trauma-informed model is complementary to this cohort as it specifically addresses vulnerable populations, many of whom have been further marginalized by the pandemic. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND PATIENT CARE Frontline healthcare workers, particularly nurses, are well positioned to implement trauma-informed care due to their high-level of patient contact. Adequate allocation of resources and investment in staff is essential to ensure such care can be provided. IMPACT The COVID-19 pandemic has led to adverse physical and mental health outcomes for many. Trauma-informed care is a way to promote reengagement with the healthcare system in this group. Post COVID patients globally may benefit from this approach, as it aims to build trust and independence. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION Feedback was sought from a patient representative to ensure this paper adequately reflected the experience of the post-COVID patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carly Barton
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Science, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lauren Troy
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Science, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alan Teoh
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Science, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lissa Spencer
- Department of Physiotherapy, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jack Reeves
- Department of Physiotherapy, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Vincent Cram
- Department of Clinical Psychology, RPA Virtual, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Wai
- Department of Clinical Psychology, RPA Virtual, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lynette Jones
- Department of Respiratory and Sleep Science, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
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LaVergne SM, Dutt TS, McFann K, Baxter BA, Webb TL, Berry K, Tipton M, Stromberg S, Sullivan BM, Dunn J, Henao-Tamayo M, Ryan EP. Persistent CD8 + T cell proliferation and activation in COVID-19 adult survivors with post-acute sequelae: a longitudinal, observational cohort study of persistent symptoms and T cell markers. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1303971. [PMID: 38327763 PMCID: PMC10848319 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1303971] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 affects the quality of life of many COVID-19 survivors, yet the etiology of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 remains unknown. We aimed to determine if persistent inflammation and ongoing T-cell activation during convalescence were a contributing factor to the pathogenesis of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. Methods We evaluated 67 individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 by nasopharyngeal polymerase chain reaction for persistent symptoms during convalescence at separate time points occurring up to 180 days post-diagnosis. Fifty-two of these individuals were evaluated longitudinally. We obtained whole blood samples at each study visit, isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and stained for multiple T cell activation markers for flow cytometry analysis. The activation states of participants' CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells were next analyzed for each of the persistent symptoms. Results Overall, we found that participants with persistent symptoms had significantly higher levels of inflammation at multiple time points during convalescence when compared to those who fully recovered from COVID-19. Participants with persistent dyspnea, forgetfulness, confusion, and chest pain had significantly higher levels of proliferating effector T-cells (CD8+Ki67+), and those with chest pain, joint pain, difficulty concentrating, and forgetfulness had higher levels of regulatory T-cells (CD4+CD25+). Additionally, those with dyspnea had significantly higher levels of CD8+CD38+, CD8+ Granzyme B+, and CD8+IL10+ cells. A retrospective comparison of acute phase inflammatory markers in adults with and without post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 showed that CD8+Ki67+ cells were significantly higher at the time of acute illness (up to 14 days post-diagnosis) in those who developed persistent dyspnea. Discussion These findings suggest continued CD8+ T-cell activation following SARS-CoV-2 infection in adults experiencing post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 and that the increase in T regulatory cells for a subset of these patients represents the ongoing attempt by the host to reduce inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie M. LaVergne
- Department of Environmental Radiological and Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Taru S. Dutt
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Kim McFann
- University of Colorado Health, Medical Center of the Rockies, Loveland, CO, United States
| | - Bridget A. Baxter
- Department of Environmental Radiological and Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Tracy L. Webb
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Kailey Berry
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Neurosciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Maddy Tipton
- Department of Environmental Radiological and Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Sophia Stromberg
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Brian M. Sullivan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Julie Dunn
- University of Colorado Health, Medical Center of the Rockies, Loveland, CO, United States
| | - Marcela Henao-Tamayo
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Elizabeth P. Ryan
- Department of Environmental Radiological and Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
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11
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Zhang Y, Huang X, Zhang J, Tao Z. Risk factors for hospitalization and pneumonia development of pediatric patients with seasonal influenza during February-April 2023. Front Public Health 2024; 11:1300228. [PMID: 38249383 PMCID: PMC10797015 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1300228] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives In China influenza remains a low activity for continuous 3 years due to COVID-19 controls. We here sought to study the clinical characteristics and risk factors of the influenza infection among children after the mandatory COVID-19 restrictions were lifted. Methods We included 1,006 pediatric patients with influenza A virus (IAV) infection, enrolled in one tertiary hospital in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China, during February to April 2023. Patients were divided into the outpatient (n = 798) and inpatient (n = 208) groups, and their baseline characteristics were compared between two groups to conclude the risk factors for pediatric hospitalization. Separately, pediatric inpatients (n = 208) were further divided into the pneumonia and non-pneumonia groups with comparison of their clinical characteristics, including their laboratory test results and representative radiological features, to derive the key determinants for pneumonia development after hospitalization. Results Compared to outpatients, IAV-infected pediatric inpatients exhibited younger age, higher female: male ratio, more co-infection of influenza B virus (IBV) and hematological abnormality. Multivariate regression analysis determined the independent risk factors of hospitalization to be the clinical symptom of abdominal pain (OR = 2.63, [95% CI, 1.05-6.57], p = 0.039), co-infection of IBV (OR = 44.33, [95% CI, 25.10-78.30], p = 0.001), elevated levels of lymphocytes (OR = 2.24, [95% CI,1.65-3.05], p = 0.001) and c-reactive proteins (CRPs) (OR = 1.06, [95% CI, 1.03-1.08], p = 0.001) upon hospital admission. Furthermore, the cough symptom (OR = 17.39, [95% CI, 3.51-86.13], p = 0.001) and hospitalization length (OR = 1.36, [95% CI, 1.12-1.67], p = 0.002) were determined to be risk factors of pneumonia acquirement for pediatric inpatients. Conclusion While the abdominal pain, viral co-infection and some hematological abnormality mainly contribute to hospitalization of pediatric patients with IAV infection, the length of hospital stay and clinical sign of coughing upon hospital admission constitute the key determinants for nosocomial pneumonia development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqian Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xing Huang
- Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianguo Zhang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhimin Tao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, China
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12
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Ryabkova VA, Rubinskiy AV, Marchenko VN, Trofimov VI, Churilov LP. Similar Patterns of Dysautonomia in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue and Post-COVID-19 Syndromes. Pathophysiology 2024; 31:1-17. [PMID: 38251045 PMCID: PMC10801610 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology31010001] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a considerable overlap between the clinical presentation of post-COVID-19 condition (PCC) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). Many of their common symptoms can be linked to dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system (dysautonomia). This study aimed to objectively assess autonomic function in a general group of patients with PCC and in a group of patients with ME/CFS whose disease was not related to COVID-19. We hypothesize that the similarity in the chronic symptoms of patients with PCC and ME/CFS extends to objective autonomic nervous system abnormalities. METHODS Synchronous recordings of an electrocardiogram and continuous dynamics of blood pressure in the digital artery using the Penaz method were obtained using the spiroarteriocardiorhythmography method in 34 patients diagnosed with ME/CFS, in whom the onset of the disease was not associated with COVID-19, 29 patients meeting the PCC definition and 32 healthy controls. Heart rate variability (HRV) and systolic and diastolic blood pressure variability (BPV) were assessed at rest and in tests with fixed respiratory rates. Indicators of baroreflex regulation (baroreflex effectiveness index and baroreflex sensitivity) were additionally determined at rest. RESULTS The total power and power of low-frequency and high-frequency of RR interval variability at rest as well as baroreflex sensitivity were significantly lower both in PCC and ME/CFS patients compared to healthy controls. Several diagnostic prediction models for ME/CFS were developed based on HRV parameters. During slow breathing, the HRV parameters returned to normal in PCC but not in ME/CFS patients. The correlation analysis revealed a close relationship of HRV, BPV parameters and baroreflex sensitivity with fatigue, but not with HADS depressive/anxiety symptoms in the ME/CFS and PCC patients. CONCLUSIONS A similar pattern of HRV and baroreflex failure with signs of a pathological acceleration of age-dependent dysautonomia was identified in the ME/CFS and PCC patients. The clinical, diagnostic and therapeutic implications of these findings are discussed, in light of previously described relationships between inflammation, vascular pathology, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and autonomic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varvara A. Ryabkova
- Laboratory of the Mosaic of Autoimmunity, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
- Department of Pathology, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Hospital Therapy Named after Academician M.V. Chernorutskii, Research Institute of Rheumatology and Allergology, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, 197022 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (V.N.M.); (V.I.T.)
| | - Artemiy V. Rubinskiy
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation and Adaptive Physical Culture, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, 197022 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Valeriy N. Marchenko
- Department of Hospital Therapy Named after Academician M.V. Chernorutskii, Research Institute of Rheumatology and Allergology, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, 197022 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (V.N.M.); (V.I.T.)
| | - Vasiliy I. Trofimov
- Department of Hospital Therapy Named after Academician M.V. Chernorutskii, Research Institute of Rheumatology and Allergology, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, 197022 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (V.N.M.); (V.I.T.)
| | - Leonid P. Churilov
- Laboratory of the Mosaic of Autoimmunity, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia;
- Department of Pathology, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- Laboratory of Microangiopathic Mechanisms of Atherogenesis, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia
- Saint Petersburg Research Institute of Phthisiopulmonology, 191036 Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Ebbesen BD, Giordano R, Valera-Calero JA, Hedegaard JN, Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Arendt-Nielsen L. Prevalence and Risk Factors of De Novo Widespread Post-COVID Pain in Nonhospitalized COVID-19 Survivors: A Nationwide Exploratory Population-Based Survey. J Pain 2024; 25:1-11. [PMID: 37633573 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.08.011] [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] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
This survey investigated the prevalence of de novo widespread musculoskeletal post-COVID pain and risk factors for its development in nonhospitalized COVID-19 survivors. A nationwide exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted, including a cohort of 593,741 Danish residents who had suffered from a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection from March 2020 to December 2021. A questionnaire was distributed to the Danish population via the digital mail system (e-Boks). Self-reported demographic data, previous medical comorbidities (diagnosed), socioeconomic data, time of infection, prior chronic pain conditions (diagnosed), development of de novo widespread pain after infection, pain medication, and pain intensity information were collected. Responders consisted of 130,443 nonhospitalized participants (58.2% women; mean age: 50.2 years). At a mean of 14.4 (standard deviation 6.0) months after infection, 6,875 (5.3%) patients reported the presence of de novo widespread musculoskeletal post-COVID pain. Almost 75% of the patients reported a moderate to severe intensity of the pain. In conclusion, de novo widespread post-COVID pain was present in 5.3% of nonhospitalized COVID-19 survivors 1 year after infection (14.4 ± 6.0 months). Older age, female sex, higher BMI, and history of migraine, whiplash, stress, type-2 diabetes, neurological disorders, and lower socioeconomic status were risk factors associated with the development of de novo widespread post-COVID pain in nonhospitalized patients. As de novo widespread pain is considered a sign of sensitization, this group will require specialized pain management attention. PERSPECTIVE: This article presents de novo widespread post-COVID pain prevalence in a cohort of 130,443 citizens infected with COVID-19. The study identifies potential risk factors associated with the development of these new pain symptoms. The results may increase focus on this patient group and potentially help identify predictors for postinfection pain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian D Ebbesen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain, Department of Health Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Mech-Sense, Clinical Institute, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Rocco Giordano
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain, Department of Health Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Juan Antonio Valera-Calero
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain, Department of Health Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Faculty of Nursery, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain; Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jakob Nebeling Hedegaard
- Danish Center for Health Services Research, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - César Fernández-de-Las-Peñas
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain, Department of Health Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain, Department of Health Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark; Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Mech-Sense, Clinical Institute, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark; Steno Diabetes Center North Denmark, Clinical Institute, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
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14
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Sideratou CM, Papaneophytou C. Persisting Shadows: Unraveling the Impact of Long COVID-19 on Respiratory, Cardiovascular, and Nervous Systems. Infect Dis Rep 2023; 15:806-830. [PMID: 38131885 PMCID: PMC10742861 DOI: 10.3390/idr15060072] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), instigated by the zoonotic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), rapidly transformed from an outbreak in Wuhan, China, into a widespread global pandemic. A significant post-infection condition, known as 'long- COVID-19' (or simply 'long- COVID'), emerges in a substantial subset of patients, manifesting with a constellation of over 200 reported symptoms that span multiple organ systems. This condition, also known as 'post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection' (PASC), presents a perplexing clinical picture with far-reaching implications, often persisting long after the acute phase. While initial research focused on the immediate pulmonary impact of the virus, the recognition of COVID-19 as a multiorgan disruptor has unveiled a gamut of protracted and severe health issues. This review summarizes the primary effects of long COVID on the respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. It also delves into the mechanisms underlying these impacts and underscores the critical need for a comprehensive understanding of long COVID's pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christos Papaneophytou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Life and Health Sciences, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus;
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Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Raveendran AV, Giordano R, Arendt-Nielsen L. Long COVID or Post-COVID-19 Condition: Past, Present and Future Research Directions. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2959. [PMID: 38138102 PMCID: PMC10745830 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of symptoms after an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection (long-COVID) has become a worldwide healthcare emergency but remains underestimated and undertreated due to a lack of recognition of the condition and knowledge of the underlying mechanisms. In fact, the prevalence of post-COVID symptoms ranges from 50% during the first months after the infection up to 20% two-years after. This perspective review aimed to map the existing literature on post-COVID symptoms and to identify gaps in the literature to guide the global effort toward an improved understanding of long-COVID and suggest future research directions. There is a plethora of symptomatology that can be due to COVID-19; however, today, there is no clear classification and definition of this condition, termed long-COVID or post-COVID-19 condition. The heterogeneity in the symptomatology has led to the presence of groups/clusters of patients, which could exhibit different risk factors and different mechanisms. Viral persistence, long-lasting inflammation, immune dysregulation, autoimmune reactions, reactivation of latent infections, endothelial dysfunction and alteration in gut microbiota have been proposed as potential mechanisms explaining the complexity of long-COVID. In such an equation, viral biology (e.g., re-infections, SARS-CoV-2 variants), host biology (e.g., genetics, epigenetics) and external factors (e.g., vaccination) should be also considered. These various factors will be discussed in the current perspective review and future directions suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Fernández-de-las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (R.G.); (L.A.-N.)
| | | | - Rocco Giordano
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (R.G.); (L.A.-N.)
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (R.G.); (L.A.-N.)
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Mech-Sense, Aalborg University Hospital, DK-9000 Aalborg, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center North Denmark, Clinical Institute, Aalborg University Hospital, DK-9000 Aalborg, Denmark
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Ghoreshi ZAS, Abbasi-jorjandi M, Asadikaram G, Sharif-zak M, Seyedi F, Khaksari Haddad M, Zangouey M. Paraoxonase 1 rs662 polymorphism, its related variables, and COVID-19 intensity: Considering gender and post-COVID complications. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2023; 248:2351-2362. [PMID: 36314852 PMCID: PMC10903238 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221128563] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of paraoxonase 1 (PON1) rs662 polymorphism, arylesterase (ARE) activity, and the serum lipid profile in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in different stages of the disease considering post-COVID outcomes. A total of 470 COVID-19 patients (235 female and 235 male patients) were recruited into the study, and based on the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria, the patients were divided into three groups: moderate, severe, and critical. PON1 rs662 polymorphism was determined by the Alw 1 enzyme followed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Moreover, serum levels of triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (Chol), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c), and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), as well as the level of the ARE activity of PON1 in the sera of patients were measured at the time of infection and one and three months after hospitalization. There was a significant relationship between the G allele and the severity of the disease. In addition, the probability of death in homozygous individuals (GG) was higher than in heterozygous patients (GA), and it was higher in heterozygous patients than in wild-type individuals (AA). There was also a significant relationship between the decrease in serum lipids and the intensity of COVID-19. On the contrary, at the onset of the disease, the HDL-c level and serum ARE activity were reduced compared to one and three months after COVID-19 infection. The findings of this study indicated the significant impact of PON1 rs662 polymorphism on ARE activity, lipid profiles, disease severity, and mortality in COVID-19 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh-Al-Sadat Ghoreshi
- Research Center of Tropical and Infectious Diseases, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7618866749, Iran
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7616914115, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Abbasi-jorjandi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7616914115, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Asadikaram
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7616914115, Iran
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7619813159, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sharif-zak
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Afzalipour Faculty of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7616914115, Iran
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7616913555, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Seyedi
- Clinical Research Development Center of Imam Khomeini Hospital, Jiroft University of Medical Sciences, Jiroft 7861756447, Iran
| | - Mohammad Khaksari Haddad
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7619813159, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Zangouey
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman 7616914115, Iran
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Nicotra A, Masserini F, Calcaterra F, Di Vito C, Doneddu PE, Pomati S, Nobile-Orazio E, Riva A, Mavilio D, Pantoni L. What do we mean by long COVID? A scoping review of the cognitive sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:3968-3978. [PMID: 37540896 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16027] [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: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Many COVID-19 patients report persistent symptoms, including cognitive disturbances. We performed a scoping review on this topic, focusing primarily on cognitive manifestations. METHODS Abstracts and full texts of studies published on PubMed (until May 2023) addressing cognitive involvement persisting after SARS-CoV-2 infection were reviewed, focusing on terms used to name the cognitive syndrome, reported symptoms, their onset time and duration, and testing batteries employed. Reported psychiatric symptoms, their assessment tools, and more general manifestations were also extracted. RESULTS Among the 947 records identified, 180 studies were included. Only one third of them used a label to define the syndrome. A minority of studies included patients according to stringent temporal criteria of syndrome onset (34%), whereas more studies reported a minimum required symptom duration (77%). The most frequently reported cognitive symptoms were memory and attentional-executive disturbances, and among psychiatric complaints, the most frequent were anxiety symptoms, depression, and sleep disturbances. Most studies reported fatigue among general symptoms. Thirty-six studies employed cognitive measures: screening tests alone (n = 19), full neuropsychological batteries (n = 25), or both (n = 29); 30 studies performed psychiatric testing. Cognitive deficits were demonstrated in 39% of subjects, the most frequently affected domains being attention/executive functions (90%) and memory (67%). CONCLUSIONS Currently, no agreement exists on a label for post-COVID-19 cognitive syndrome. The time of symptom onset after acute infection and symptom duration are still discussed. Memory and attention-executive complaints and deficits, together with fatigue, anxiety, and depression symptoms, are consistently reported, but the objective evaluation of these symptoms is not standardized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Nicotra
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Masserini
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Calcaterra
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Di Vito
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Emiliano Doneddu
- Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Pomati
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Eduardo Nobile-Orazio
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Neuromuscular and Neuroimmunology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Agostino Riva
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Leonardo Pantoni
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Mendes de Almeida V, Engel DF, Ricci MF, Cruz CS, Lopes ÍS, Alves DA, d’ Auriol M, Magalhães J, Machado EC, Rocha VM, Carvalho TG, Lacerda LSB, Pimenta JC, Aganetti M, Zuccoli GS, Smith BJ, Carregari VC, da Silva Rosa E, Galvão I, Dantas Cassali G, Garcia CC, Teixeira MM, André LC, Ribeiro FM, Martins FS, Saia RS, Costa VV, Martins-de-Souza D, Hansbro PM, Marques JT, Aguiar ERGR, Vieira AT. Gut microbiota from patients with COVID-19 cause alterations in mice that resemble post-COVID symptoms. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2249146. [PMID: 37668317 PMCID: PMC10481883 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2249146] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Long-term sequelae of coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 are frequent and of major concern. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection affects the host gut microbiota, which is linked to disease severity in patients with COVID-19. Here, we report that the gut microbiota of post-COVID subjects had a remarkable predominance of Enterobacteriaceae strains with an antibiotic-resistant phenotype compared to healthy controls. Additionally, short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels were reduced in feces. Fecal transplantation from post-COVID subjects to germ-free mice led to lung inflammation and worse outcomes during pulmonary infection by multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. transplanted mice also exhibited poor cognitive performance. Overall, we show prolonged impacts of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the gut microbiota that persist after subjects have cleared the virus. Together, these data demonstrate that the gut microbiota can directly contribute to post-COVID sequelae, suggesting that it may be a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviani Mendes de Almeida
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daiane F. Engel
- Department of Clinical Analysis, School of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto - UFOP, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Mayra F. Ricci
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Clênio Silva Cruz
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Ícaro Santos Lopes
- Laboratory of Virus Bioinformatics - Department of Biological Science, Center of Biotechnology and Genetics, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz - UESC, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Daniele Almeida Alves
- Laboratory of RNA Interference and Antiviral Immunity - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mirna d’ Auriol
- Laboratory of Toxicology - Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - João Magalhães
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Elayne C. Machado
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Victor M. Rocha
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Toniana G. Carvalho
- Laboratory of Neurobiochemistry - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Larisse S. B. Lacerda
- Center for Research and Development of Drugs - Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Jordane C. Pimenta
- Center for Research and Development of Drugs - Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Mariana Aganetti
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Giuliana S. Zuccoli
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics - Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade do Estado de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Bradley J. Smith
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics - Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade do Estado de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Victor C. Carregari
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics - Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade do Estado de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
| | - Erika da Silva Rosa
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Izabela Galvão
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Geovanni Dantas Cassali
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology - Department of Pathology, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Cristiana C. Garcia
- Laboratory of Respiratory Viruses and Measles, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mauro Martins Teixeira
- Center for Research and Development of Drugs - Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Leiliane C. André
- Laboratory of Toxicology - Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fabiola Mara Ribeiro
- Laboratory of Neurobiochemistry - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Flaviano S. Martins
- Laboratory of Biotherapeutic Agents - Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Rafael Simone Saia
- Laboratory of Intestinal Physiology - Department of Physiology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Vivian Vasconcelos Costa
- Center for Research and Development of Drugs - Department of Morphology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Daniel Martins-de-Souza
- Laboratory of Neuroproteomics - Department of Biochemistry and Tissue Biology, Institute of Biology, Universidade do Estado de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- D’Or Institute for Research and Education, São Paulo, Brazil
- Experimental Medicine Research Cluster, Universidade do Estado de Campinas - UNICAMP, Campinas, Brazil
- National Institute of Biomarkers in Neuropsychiatry, National Council for Scientific and Technological Development, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Philip M. Hansbro
- Centre for Inflammation, Centenary Institute and University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - João Trindade Marques
- Laboratory of RNA Interference and Antiviral Immunity - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
- CNRS UPR9022, University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Eric R. G. R. Aguiar
- Laboratory of Virus Bioinformatics - Department of Biological Science, Center of Biotechnology and Genetics, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz - UESC, Ilhéus, Brazil
| | - Angélica T. Vieira
- Laboratory of Microbiota and Immunomodulation - Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais - UFMG, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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C M SS, Ramesh J. Evaluation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis during the post-COVID-19 period in patients treated with steroids during the illness. Arch Endocrinol Metab 2023; 68:e220207. [PMID: 37948563 PMCID: PMC10916833 DOI: 10.20945/2359-4292-2022-0207] [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] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Objective COVID-19 is a multisystem immunoinflammatory disorder, and the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may be affected by SARS-CoV-2 as well as by steroid treatment during the illness. Information on the HPA axis after recovering from COVID-19, especially in those treated with steroids, is sparse. Hence, this study was performed to evaluate the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis during the post-COVID-19 period in patients treated with steroids during the illness. Subject and methods This prospective study involved 60 patients aged 18-60 years who had recovered from moderate or severe COVID-19 and had received steroid treatment during the illness. The HPA axis was assessed with a low-dose (1 mcg) adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation test at 3, 6 and 9 months in the post-COVID period. Results The HPA axis was suppressed in 31.66% of the patients at 3 months and 5% at 6 months; however, all patients recovered at 9 months. Cumulative steroid use during the illness was inversely correlated with stimulated cortisol at 3 months in the post-COVID period. Fatigue was present in 58.33% of the patients at 3 months and was more prevalent in those with HPA axis suppression. Conclusion Nearly one-third of the patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 who were treated with steroids had suppressed HPA axis at 3 months, with gradual recovery over a period of 9 months. Cumulative steroid equivalent dose, but not disease severity, was predictive of HPA axis suppression at 3 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyam Sundar C M
- NTR University of Health Sciences, Department of Endocrinology, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, India
| | - Jayanthy Ramesh
- NTR University of Health Sciences, Department of Endocrinology, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, India,
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20
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Karampitsakos T, Spagnolo P, Tzouvelekis A. Editorial: Immune-mediated lung injury. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1292074. [PMID: 38020172 PMCID: PMC10655232 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1292074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Theodoros Karampitsakos
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Ubben Center for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, Department of Internal Medicine, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| | - Paolo Spagnolo
- Respiratory Disease Unit, Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Argyris Tzouvelekis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
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21
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Perea-Flórez F, Javier-Murillo N, Lapeyre-Rivera A, Gamonal B, Cabanillas-Lazo M, Velásquez-Rimachi V, Alva-Diaz C. Prevalence and incidence of neuropsychiatric disorders in post hospitalized COVID-19 patients in South America: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1163989. [PMID: 38025440 PMCID: PMC10646553 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1163989] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction There are multiple reports of neuropsychiatric disorders (NDs) such as stress, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or anxiety, in patients who have survived the acute phase of COVID-19, being even more frequent in people who were hospitalized with moderate or severe disease. South America (SA) was one of the most affected continents during this time due to its health, social, political and economic context. We aimed to determine the prevalence and incidence of NDs in patients following hospitalization for COVID-19 in SA. Materials and methods We searched in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases up to October 2022. We performed proportion meta-analysis with a random-effect model and Freeman-Tukey Double Arcsine transformation using the STATA 16.1 program. Finally, we evaluated heterogeneity by subgroup analysis and certainty of evidence with the GRADE approach. Results We included eight studies from four countries. We only pooled six studies with prevalence measures. The estimated prevalence of all NDs was 31.48% (two-studies, 95%CI: 25.82-37.43). Depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, and memory alterations had a pooled prevalence of 16.23% (three-studies, 95%CI: 7.18-27.93, I2: 94.22), 18.72% (three-studies, 95%CI: 11.65-26.97, I2: 87.56), 43.07% (three-studies, 95%CI: 32.77-53.37, I2: 92.61), 31.78% (three-studies, 95%CI: 14.33-52.40, I2: 97.96), and 38.24% (two-studies, 95%CI: 35.5-40.97), respectively. The evidence included was deemed as moderate to high certainty. Conclusion We suggest that NDs should be prioritized in research and care in South America with public policies that can support their identification and prompt management to improve the quality of life of patients. More studies are needed to adequately study the prevalence of NDs in South America, their associated factors, and evaluate the causes of heterogeneity. Systematic review registration https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.21901041.v1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Perea-Flórez
- Facultad de Medicina Humana, Universidad de Piura, Lima, Peru
- Sociedad Científica de la Universidad de Piura, Lima, Peru
- Red de Eficacia Clínica y Sanitaria, REDECS, Lima, Peru
| | - Nair Javier-Murillo
- Facultad de Medicina Humana, Universidad de Piura, Lima, Peru
- Sociedad Científica de la Universidad de Piura, Lima, Peru
- Red de Eficacia Clínica y Sanitaria, REDECS, Lima, Peru
| | - André Lapeyre-Rivera
- Red de Eficacia Clínica y Sanitaria, REDECS, Lima, Peru
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
- Sociedad Científica de San Fernando, Lima, Peru
| | - Bryan Gamonal
- Facultad de Medicina Humana, Universidad de Piura, Lima, Peru
- Sociedad Científica de la Universidad de Piura, Lima, Peru
- Red de Eficacia Clínica y Sanitaria, REDECS, Lima, Peru
| | - Miguel Cabanillas-Lazo
- Red de Eficacia Clínica y Sanitaria, REDECS, Lima, Peru
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima, Peru
- Sociedad Científica de San Fernando, Lima, Peru
| | - Victor Velásquez-Rimachi
- Grupo de Investigación en Neurociencia, Efectividad Clínica y Salud Pública, Universidad Científica del Sur, Lima, Peru
| | - Carlos Alva-Diaz
- Red de Eficacia Clínica y Sanitaria, REDECS, Lima, Peru
- Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad Señor de Sipán, Chiclayo, Peru
- Departamento de Medicina y Oficina de Apoyo a la Docencia e Investigación (OADI), Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Daniel Alcides Carrión, Callao, Peru
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22
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Kozik V, Reuken P, Utech I, Gramlich J, Stallmach Z, Demeyere N, Rakers F, Schwab M, Stallmach A, Finke K. Characterization of neurocognitive deficits in patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome: persistence, patients' complaints, and clinical predictors. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1233144. [PMID: 37915528 PMCID: PMC10616256 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1233144] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cognitive symptoms persisting beyond 3 months following COVID-19 present a considerable disease burden. We aimed to establish a domain-specific cognitive profile of post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). We examined the deficits' persistence, relationships with subjective cognitive complaints, and clinical variables, to identify the most relevant cognitive deficits and their predictors. Methods This cross-sectional study examined cognitive performance and patient-reported and clinical predictors of cognitive deficits in PCS patients (n = 282) and socio-demographically comparable healthy controls (n = 52). Results On the Oxford Cognitive Screen-Plus, the patient group scored significantly lower in delayed verbal memory, attention, and executive functioning than the healthy group. In each affected domain, 10 to 20% of patients performed more than 1.5 SD below the control mean. Delayed memory was particularly affected, with a small effect of hospitalization and age. Attention scores were predicted by hospitalization and fatigue. Discussion Thus, PCS is associated with long-term cognitive dysfunction, particularly in delayed memory, attention, and executive functioning. Memory deficits seem to be of particular relevance to patients' experience of subjective impairment. Hospitalization, fatigue, and age seem to predict cognitive deficits, while time since infection, depression, and pre-existing conditions do not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeska Kozik
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Philipp Reuken
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Isabelle Utech
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Judith Gramlich
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Zoe Stallmach
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Nele Demeyere
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Florian Rakers
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Matthias Schwab
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Andreas Stallmach
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC), Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Kathrin Finke
- Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
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Rozbicki P, Krzywdzińska S, Kaczmarczyk M, Usowski J, Lubas A, Jurkiewicz D. Patogenesis of tinnitus in patients with post-COVID syndrome - preliminary report. Otolaryngol Pol 2023; 77:18-22. [PMID: 38038406 DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0053.8645] [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: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
<b><br>Introduction:</b> Similarly to hearing loss and dizziness, tinnitus is a frequently reported complication of COVID-19 and remains the subject of numerous scientific reports. However, the exact impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the pathophysiology of tinnitus observed in post-COVID syndrome remains unclear. One suspected cause behind the development of vestibulocochlear symptoms is the inflammation of neural tissue triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection.</br> <b><br>Aim:</b> The aim of this study was to analyze the results of Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEP) in the context of tinnitus development among patients diagnosed with post-COVID syndrome.</br> <b><br>Material and methods:</b> This retrospective study involved the analysis of BAEP test results of patients admitted to the Audiology Clinic of the Military Institute of Medicine at the National Research Institute and diagnosed with the post-COVID syndrome. The study compared the average latency values of waves I, II, III, IV, V, and intervals I-III, III-V, I-V. The statistical analysis of the obtained data was performed.</br> <b><br>Results:</b> Out of 18 patients (9 female, 9 male) with an average age of 54.22 years (9.65) diagnosed with post-COVID syndrome, tinnitus was identified in 5 individuals (27.78%). A statistically significant increase in wave V latency (5.98 vs. 5.63 [ms]; P < 0.05) and interval III-V (1.99 vs. 1.71 [ms]; P<0.05) was observed between the groups of patients with and without tinnitus.</br> <b><br>Discussion:</b> Study results analyzing BAEP changes in patients with post-COVID syndrome in the context of tinnitus are insufficient in current literature. The only available report linking post-COVID syndrome with sensorineural hearing loss demonstrated a statistically significant increase in latency values of waves III, V, and an increase in intervals I-III, III-V.</br> <b><br>Conclusions:</b> Tinnitus in patients suffering from post-COVID syndrome may be related to prolonged conduction of nerve impulses within the brainstem auditory pathway. Detailed pathophysiology of these changes requires further research.</br>.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paweł Rozbicki
- Clinic of Otolaryngology and Oncological Otolaryngology with Clinical Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Military Institute of Medicine - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sandra Krzywdzińska
- Clinic of Otolaryngology and Oncological Otolaryngology with Clinical Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Military Institute of Medicine - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Kaczmarczyk
- Clinic of Otolaryngology and Oncological Otolaryngology with Clinical Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Military Institute of Medicine - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Usowski
- Clinic of Otolaryngology and Oncological Otolaryngology with Clinical Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Military Institute of Medicine - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Arkadiusz Lubas
- Clinic of Internal Medicine, Nephrology and Dialysis, Military Institute of Medicine - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Jurkiewicz
- Clinic of Otolaryngology and Oncological Otolaryngology with Clinical Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery, Military Institute of Medicine - National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
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Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Guijarro C, Torres-Macho J, Pellicer-Valero OJ, Franco-Moreno A, Nijs J, Velasco-Arribas M. Serological Biomarkers at Hospital Admission and Hospitalization Treatments Are Not Related to Sensitization-Associated Symptoms in Patients with Post-COVID Pain. Pathogens 2023; 12:1235. [PMID: 37887751 PMCID: PMC10610051 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101235] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Current evidence suggests that a group of patients who had survived coronavirus disease, 2019 (COVID-19) and developed post-COVID pain can exhibit altered nociceptive processing. The role of serological biomarkers and hospitalization treatments in post-COVID pain is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association of serological biomarkers and treatments received during hospitalization with sensitization-associated symptoms in COVID-19 survivors with post-COVID pain. One hundred and eighty-three (n = 183) patients who had been hospitalized due to COVID-19 in one urban hospital of Madrid (Spain) during the first wave of the pandemic were assessed in a face-to-face interview 9.4 (SD 3.4) months after hospitalization. Levels of 19 serological biomarkers, hospitalization data, and treatments during hospitalization were obtained from hospital records. Sensitization-associated symptoms (Central Sensitization Inventory, CSI), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI), pain catastrophism (Pain Catastrophizing Scale), and anxiety/depressive level (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS) were assessed. The prevalence of post-COVID pain was 40.9% (n = 75). Twenty-nine (38.6%) patients had sensitization-associated symptoms. Overall, no differences in hospitalization data and serological biomarkers were identified according to the presence of sensitization-associated symptoms. The analysis revealed that patients with sensitization-associated symptoms exhibited higher lymphocyte count and lower urea levels than those without sensitization-associated symptoms, but differences were small. Pain catastrophism and depressive levels, but not fatigue, dyspnea, brain fog, anxiety levels, or poor sleep, were higher in individuals with sensitization-associated symptoms. In conclusion, this study revealed that sensitization-associated post-COVID pain symptoms are not associated with serological biomarkers at hospital admission and hospitalization treatments received.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Fernández-de-Las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Guijarro
- Department of Internal Medicine-Infectious Department, Research Department, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28922 Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Torres-Macho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor-Virgen de la Torre, 28031 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Oscar J Pellicer-Valero
- Image Processing Laboratory (IPL), Universitat de València, Parc Científic, 46980 València, Spain
| | - Ana Franco-Moreno
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Infanta Leonor-Virgen de la Torre, 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Jo Nijs
- Pain in Motion Research Group (PAIN), Department of Physiotherapy, Human Physiology and Anatomy, Faculty of Physical Education & Physiotherapy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium
- Chronic Pain Rehabilitation Center, Department of Physical Medicine and Physiotherapy, University Hospital Brussels, 1050 Ixelles, Belgium
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Unit of Physiotherapy, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41390 Göterbog, Sweden
| | - María Velasco-Arribas
- Department of Internal Medicine-Infectious Department, Research Department, Hospital Universitario Fundación Alcorcón, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), 28922 Madrid, Spain
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Patil R, Ajagunde J, Khan S, Kannuri S, Gandham N, Mukhida S. Rhino-orbital cerebral mycosis: a case series of non-mucorales in COVID patients. Access Microbiol 2023; 5:000575.v4. [PMID: 37970091 PMCID: PMC10634496 DOI: 10.1099/acmi.0.000575.v4] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Rhino-Orbito-cerebral mycoses are not only caused by Aspergillus spp. and Zygomycetes spp. but also can be associated with other rare species such as Neurospora spp., Cladosporium spp. and Fusarium spp. Mucormycosis is associated causatively with immunocompromised states, for example patients with comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus. Clinical symptoms of coronavirus disease (COVID) and mucormycosis in tandem are critical and relentless, frequently with no life-saving treatment. Case series We report three patients with COVID-19 infection, who during the course of treatment developed rhino-orbital-cerebral mycosis including oral cavity involvement. Rhinocerebral mycosis along with oral cavity involvement was diagnosed by radiological investigations and preliminary screening for fungal infection (KOH mount) in all three cases. Empirical treatment was started but patients did not respond to treatment. All patients died even after debridement and maxillectomy. On culture, rare species of fungi were isolated in all three cases which, with the help of a reference laboratory, were identified as Neurospora, Cladosporium and Fusarium. Neurospora is considered nonpathogenic to humans. Cladosporium is a dematiaceous fungus found in soil in all climates, associated with disseminated or cerebral infections; and Fusarium, though considered a saprophytic colonizer of skin and respiratory mucosa along with other bacteria, is a common cause of mycotic keratitis worldwide. Conclusion Immune system modifications due to COVID-19 with/without other risk factors can result in fungal co-infections that prove to be fatal for the patients. It is vital to be aware that COVID-19 patients, particularly those who are critically ill, may acquire secondary fungal infections and early detection is critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajashri Patil
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune 411018, Maharashtra, India
| | - Jyoti Ajagunde
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune 411018, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sameena Khan
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune 411018, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sriram Kannuri
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune 411018, Maharashtra, India
| | - Nageswari Gandham
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune 411018, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sahjid Mukhida
- Department of Microbiology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune 411018, Maharashtra, India
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Gagliotti C, Banchelli F, De Paoli A, Buttazzi R, Narne E, Ricchizzi E, Schievano E, Bellio S, Pitter G, Tonon M, Canziani LM, Rolli M, Tacconelli E, Berti E, Russo F, Moro ML. The incidence and risk factors of selected drug prescriptions and outpatient care after SARS-CoV-2 infection in low-risk subjects: a multicenter population-based cohort study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1241401. [PMID: 37860802 PMCID: PMC10582710 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1241401] [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: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Knowledge about the dynamics of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 and the clinical aspects of COVID-19 has steadily increased over time, although evidence of the determinants of disease severity and duration is still limited and mainly focused on older adult and fragile populations. Methods The present study was conceived and carried out in the Emilia-Romagna (E-R) and Veneto Regions, Italy, within the context of the EU's Horizon 2020 research project called ORCHESTRA (Connecting European Cohorts to increase common and effective response to SARS-CoV-2 pandemic) (www.orchestra-cohort.eu). The study has a multicenter retrospective population-based cohort design and aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of access to specific healthcare services (outpatient visits and diagnostics, drug prescriptions) during the post-acute phase from day-31 to day-365 after SARS-CoV-2 infection, in a healthy population at low risk of severe acute COVID-19. The study made use of previously recorded large-scale healthcare data available in the administrative databases of the two Italian Regions. The statistical analysis made use of methods for competing risks. Risk factors were assessed separately in the two Regions and results were pooled using random effects meta-analysis. Results There were 35,128 subjects in E-R and 88,881 in Veneto who were included in the data analysis. The outcome (access to selected health services) occurred in a high percentage of subjects in the post-acute phase (25% in E-R and 21% in Veneto). Outpatient care was observed more frequently than drug prescriptions (18% vs. 12% in E-R and 15% vs. 10% in Veneto). Risk factors associated with the outcome were female sex, age greater than 40 years, baseline risk of hospitalization and death, moderate to severe acute COVID-19, and acute extrapulmonary complications. Conclusion The outcome of interest may be considered as a proxy for long-term effects of COVID-19 needing clinical attention. Our data suggest that this outcome occurs in a substantial percentage of cases, even among a previously healthy population with low or mild severity of acute COVID-19. The study results provide useful insights into planning COVID-19-related services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Gagliotti
- Department of Innovation in Healthcare and Social Services, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Banchelli
- Department of Innovation in Healthcare and Social Services, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Rossella Buttazzi
- Department of Innovation in Healthcare and Social Services, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Enrico Ricchizzi
- Department of Innovation in Healthcare and Social Services, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Michele Tonon
- Directorate of Prevention, Food Safety, and Veterinary Public Health, Venezia, Italy
| | | | - Maurizia Rolli
- Department of Innovation in Healthcare and Social Services, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - Evelina Tacconelli
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Berti
- Department of Innovation in Healthcare and Social Services, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Russo
- Directorate of Prevention, Food Safety, and Veterinary Public Health, Venezia, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Moro
- Department of Innovation in Healthcare and Social Services, Emilia-Romagna Region, Bologna, Italy
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Chilosi M, Doglioni C, Ravaglia C, Piciucchi S, Dubini A, Stefanizzi L, Poletti V. COVID-19. Biology, pathophysiology, and immunology: a pathologist view. Pathologica 2023; 115:248-256. [PMID: 38054899 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-954] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Even if the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been declared over, several risks and clinical problems remain to be faced, including long-COVID sequelae and possible outbreaks of pathogenic variants. Intense research on COVID-19 has provided in these few years a striking amount of data covering different fields and disciplines, which can help to provide a knowledge shield against new potential infective spreads, and may also potentially be applied to other fields of medicine, including oncology and neurology. Nevertheless, areas of uncertainty still remain regarding the pathogenic mechanisms that subtend the multifaceted manifestations of the disease. To better clarify the pathogenesis of the disease, a systematic multidisciplinary evaluation of the many mechanisms involved in COVID-19 is mandatory, including clinical, physiological, radiological, immunological and pathological studies. In COVID-19 syndrome the pathological studies have been mainly performed on autopsy cases, and only a few studies are available on biopsies. Nevertheless, these studies have provided relevant information that can substantially contribute to decipher the complex scenario characterizing the different forms of COVID-19 and long-COVID-19. In this review the data provided by pathological investigations are recapitulated and discussed, in the light of different hypothesis and data provided by clinical, physiological and immunological data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Chilosi
- Department of Pathology, Pederzoli Hospital, Peschiera del Garda, Italy
| | - Claudio Doglioni
- Department of Pathology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute. Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Ravaglia
- Department of Diseases of the Thorax, Ospedale GB Morgagni, Forlì, Italy
| | - Sara Piciucchi
- Department of Diseases of the Thorax, Ospedale GB Morgagni, Forlì, Italy
| | | | | | - Venerino Poletti
- Department of Diseases of the Thorax, Ospedale GB Morgagni, Forlì, Italy
- Department of Pathology, Ospedale GB Morgagni, Forlì, Italy
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Finsterer J. Polycystic ovary syndrome due to the novel translocation 46XX t(2;9)(q21;p24). Arch Clin Cases 2023; 10:123-124. [PMID: 37736597 PMCID: PMC10510333 DOI: 10.22551/2023.40.1003.10256] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is not exactly known, but there are indications that genetic factors, exposure to androgen in early childhood, and obesity lead to a disruption of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis and dysregulation of microRNAs. Chromosomal aberrations have rarely been described as a cause of PCOS. We present the case of a 20-year-old female diagnosed with PCOS at age 17 due to hyperandrogenism, obesity, polycystic ovaries, amenorrhoea, and emerging insulin resistance. A work-up for the cause of PCOS revealed a previously undescribed translocation 46XX t(2;9)(q21;p24). Alternative causes of PCOS were excluded. In addition, the patient had post-COVID syndrome. The patient was treated with contraceptive pills. PCOS can be caused by the translocation 46XX t(2;9)(q21;p24). The clinical manifestations of PCOS can be exacerbated by post-COVID syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josef Finsterer
- Neurology Department, Neurology & Neurophysiology Center, Vienna, Austria
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Ng CYJ, Bun HH, Zhao Y, Zhong LLD. TCM "medicine and food homology" in the management of post-COVID disorders. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1234307. [PMID: 37720220 PMCID: PMC10500073 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1234307] [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: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The World Health Organization declared that COVID-19 is no longer a public health emergency of global concern on May 5, 2023. Post-COVID disorders are, however, becoming more common. Hence, there lies a growing need to develop safe and effective treatment measures to manage post-COVID disorders. Investigating the use of TCM medicinal foods in the long-term therapy of post-COVID illnesses may be beneficial given contemporary research's emphasis on the development of medicinal foods. Scope and approach The use of medicinal foods for the long-term treatment of post-COVID disorders is highlighted in this review. Following a discussion of the history of the TCM "Medicine and Food Homology" theory, the pathophysiological effects of post-COVID disorders will be briefly reviewed. An analysis of TCM medicinal foods and their functions in treating post-COVID disorders will then be provided before offering some insight into potential directions for future research and application. Key findings and discussion TCM medicinal foods can manage different aspects of post-COVID disorders. The use of medicinal foods in the long-term management of post-COVID illnesses may be a safe and efficient therapy choice because they are typically milder in nature than chronic drug use. These findings may also be applied in the long-term post-disease treatment of similar respiratory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chester Yan Jie Ng
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hung Hung Bun
- The University of Hong Kong (HKU) School of Professional and Continuing Education, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Linda L. D. Zhong
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Catalano A, Iacopetta D, Ceramella J, Pellegrino M, Giuzio F, Marra M, Rosano C, Saturnino C, Sinicropi MS, Aquaro S. Antibiotic-Resistant ESKAPE Pathogens and COVID-19: The Pandemic beyond the Pandemic. Viruses 2023; 15:1843. [PMID: 37766250 PMCID: PMC10537211 DOI: 10.3390/v15091843] [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: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibacterial resistance is a renewed public health plague in modern times, and the COVID-19 pandemic has rekindled this problem. Changes in antibiotic prescribing behavior, misinformation, financial hardship, environmental impact, and governance gaps have generally enhanced the misuse and improper access to antibiotics during the COVID-19 pandemic. These determinants, intersected with antibacterial resistance in the current pandemic, may amplify the potential for a future antibacterial resistance pandemic. The occurrence of infections with multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR), difficult-to-treat drug-resistant (DTR), carbapenem-resistant (CR), and pan-drug-resistant (PDR) bacteria is still increasing. The aim of this review is to highlight the state of the art of antibacterial resistance worldwide, focusing on the most important pathogens, namely Enterobacterales, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and their resistance to the most common antibiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy-Drug Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Orabona 4, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Domenico Iacopetta
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (J.C.); (M.P.); (M.M.); (M.S.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Jessica Ceramella
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (J.C.); (M.P.); (M.M.); (M.S.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Michele Pellegrino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (J.C.); (M.P.); (M.M.); (M.S.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Federica Giuzio
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (F.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Maria Marra
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (J.C.); (M.P.); (M.M.); (M.S.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Camillo Rosano
- Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132 Genova, Italy;
| | - Carmela Saturnino
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy; (F.G.); (C.S.)
| | - Maria Stefania Sinicropi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (J.C.); (M.P.); (M.M.); (M.S.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Stefano Aquaro
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, Italy; (D.I.); (J.C.); (M.P.); (M.M.); (M.S.S.); (S.A.)
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Korobova ZR, Arsentieva NA, Totolian AA. Macrophage-Derived Chemokine MDC/CCL22: An Ambiguous Finding in COVID-19. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13083. [PMID: 37685890 PMCID: PMC10487728 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713083] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophage-derived chemokine (MDC/CCL22) is a chemokine of the C-C subfamily. It is involved in T-cellular maturation and migration. Our previous research shows that plasma CCL22/MDC tends to show a statistically significant depletion of concentrations in acute patients and convalescents when compared to healthy donors. In the current work, we investigate existing views on MDC/CCL22 dynamics in association with various pathologies, including respiratory diseases and, specifically, COVID-19. Additionally, we present our explanations for the observed decrease in MDC/CCL22 concentrations in COVID-19. The first hypothesis we provide implies that viral products bind to MDC/CCL22 and block its activity. Another explanation for this phenomenon is based on dendritic cells population and the inhibition of their function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoia R. Korobova
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Saint Petersburg Pasteur Institute, Mira St. 14, 197101 St. Petersburg, Russia; (Z.R.K.); (N.A.A.)
- Department of Immunology, Pavlov First State Medical University of St. Petersburg, L’va Tolstogo St. 6–8, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natalia A. Arsentieva
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Saint Petersburg Pasteur Institute, Mira St. 14, 197101 St. Petersburg, Russia; (Z.R.K.); (N.A.A.)
- Department of Immunology, Pavlov First State Medical University of St. Petersburg, L’va Tolstogo St. 6–8, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Areg A. Totolian
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Saint Petersburg Pasteur Institute, Mira St. 14, 197101 St. Petersburg, Russia; (Z.R.K.); (N.A.A.)
- Department of Immunology, Pavlov First State Medical University of St. Petersburg, L’va Tolstogo St. 6–8, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
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Bekbossynova M, Tauekelova A, Sailybayeva A, Kozhakhmetov S, Mussabay K, Chulenbayeva L, Kossumov A, Khassenbekova Z, Vinogradova E, Kushugulova A. Unraveling Acute and Post-COVID Cytokine Patterns to Anticipate Future Challenges. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5224. [PMID: 37629267 PMCID: PMC10455949 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12165224] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The aims of this study were to analyze cytokine profiles in patients with COVID-19, gain insights into the immune response during acute infection, identify cytokines associated with disease severity and post-COVID complications, and explore potential biomarkers for prognosis and therapeutic targets. Using a multiplex analysis, we studied the cytokine pattern in 294 acute COVID-19 and post-COVID patients with varying severities of infection. Our findings revealed that disease severity was associated with elevated levels of IL-15, IL-8, and fractalkine. Severe/extremely severe forms in comparison with mild/moderate disease were associated with MCP-1, IFNa2, IL-7, IL-15, EGF, IP-10, IL-8, Eotaxin, FGF-2, GROa, sCD40L, and IL-10. The key cytokines of post-COVID are FGF-2, VEGF-A, EGF, IL-12(p70), IL-13, and IL-6. By the sixth month after recovering from a coronavirus infection, regardless of disease severity, some patients may develop complications such as arterial hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, glucose intolerance, thyrotoxicosis, atherosclerosis, and rapid progression of previously diagnosed conditions. Each complication is characterized by distinct cytokine profiles. Importantly, these complications can also be predicted during the acute phase of the coronavirus infection. Understanding cytokine patterns can aid in predicting disease progression, identifying high-risk patients, and developing targeted interventions to improve the outcomes of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makhabbat Bekbossynova
- National Research Cardiac Surgery Center, Astana 020000, Kazakhstan; (M.B.); (A.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Ainur Tauekelova
- National Research Cardiac Surgery Center, Astana 020000, Kazakhstan; (M.B.); (A.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Aliya Sailybayeva
- National Research Cardiac Surgery Center, Astana 020000, Kazakhstan; (M.B.); (A.T.); (A.S.)
| | - Samat Kozhakhmetov
- Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan; (S.K.); (L.C.); (A.K.); (E.V.)
| | - Karakoz Mussabay
- Department of Microbiology and Virology Named after Sh.I.Sarbasova, Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan;
| | - Laura Chulenbayeva
- Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan; (S.K.); (L.C.); (A.K.); (E.V.)
| | - Alibek Kossumov
- Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan; (S.K.); (L.C.); (A.K.); (E.V.)
| | - Zhanagul Khassenbekova
- Department of General Pharmacology, Astana Medical University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan;
| | - Elizaveta Vinogradova
- Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan; (S.K.); (L.C.); (A.K.); (E.V.)
| | - Almagul Kushugulova
- National Research Cardiac Surgery Center, Astana 020000, Kazakhstan; (M.B.); (A.T.); (A.S.)
- Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan; (S.K.); (L.C.); (A.K.); (E.V.)
- Almagul Kushugulova, Laboratory of Microbiome, Center for Life Sciences, National Laboratory Astana, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay Batyr Ave., 53, Block S1, Office 303, Astana 010000, Kazakhstan
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Gallegos M, Morgan ML, Burgos-Videla C, Caycho-Rodríguez T, Martino P, Cervigni M. The impact of long Covid on people's capacity to work. Ann Work Expo Health 2023; 67:801-804. [PMID: 37253159 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxad029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This commentary addresses the post-COVID-19 syndrome and its implications for workers' health. Post-COVID-19 syndrome consists of a set of physiological and psychological symptoms resulting from SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) infection, which occur continuously for several weeks or months. Therefore, it is an affectation that has multiple consequences for the recovery of people's health, and compromises the ability to perform daily activities, including work, whether in person or remotely. Although several studies have been published so far, and several long-term consequences on people's health have been demonstrated, most have not adequately delved into the implications for the health of workers, their families, and the socioeconomic cost for governments. The aim of this paper is to highlight this public health issue and to encourage more specialized research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Gallegos
- Universidade Católica de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil
- Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Melissa L Morgan
- University of California Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, United States
| | | | | | - Pablo Martino
- Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mauricio Cervigni
- Universidad Nacional de Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Soemarko DS, Kekalih A, Syam AF, Yunihastuti E, Herikurniawan H, Yosia M. Physician's hesitancy in treating COVID-19 patients and its associated occupational risk factors in Indonesia: an online cross-sectional survey. J Public Health Afr 2023; 14:2558. [PMID: 37680875 PMCID: PMC10481896 DOI: 10.4081/jphia.2023.2558] [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: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional survey aims to investigate physician hesitancy in treating COVID-19 patients in Indonesia, particularly among those who have already contracted the disease, along with associated occupational risk factors. The study involved distributing a questionnaire to physicians across the country, using contact information from the Indonesian Physician Association database. The results show that out of the 383 participants, 25.6% experienced moderate symptoms of COVID-19, and 2.9% required critical care. The study found that 20.3% of physicians demonstrated hesitancy to treat suspected, probable, or confirmed COVID-19 patients. Interestingly, older physicians and those with less experience in treating COVID-19 patients were found to have a higher hesitancy rate, while specialist trainees and those working in public hospitals demonstrated the lowest hesitancy. These findings highlight the significant hesitancy among physicians who have suffered from COVID-19 and underline the need for management and policymakers to take further action to address this issue. Understanding the effects and benefits of physician hesitancy in treating COVID-19 patients is crucial for ensuring the effective delivery of healthcare services during pandemics like COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aria Kekalih
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta
| | - Ari Fahrial Syam
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta
| | - Evy Yunihastuti
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta
| | - Herikurniawan Herikurniawan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Division of Respirology and Critical Illness, Department of Internal Medicine, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Mikhael Yosia
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Jakarta
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Tsilingiris D, Vallianou NG, Karampela I, Christodoulatos GS, Papavasileiou G, Petropoulou D, Magkos F, Dalamaga M. Laboratory Findings and Biomarkers in Long COVID: What Do We Know So Far? Insights into Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Therapeutic Perspectives and Challenges. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10458. [PMID: 37445634 PMCID: PMC10341908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Long COVID (LC) encompasses a constellation of long-term symptoms experienced by at least 10% of people after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, and so far it has affected about 65 million people. The etiology of LC remains unclear; however, many pathophysiological pathways may be involved, including viral persistence; a chronic, low-grade inflammatory response; immune dysregulation and a defective immune response; the reactivation of latent viruses; autoimmunity; persistent endothelial dysfunction and coagulopathy; gut dysbiosis; hormonal and metabolic dysregulation; mitochondrial dysfunction; and autonomic nervous system dysfunction. There are no specific tests for the diagnosis of LC, and clinical features including laboratory findings and biomarkers may not specifically relate to LC. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to develop and validate biomarkers that can be employed for the prediction, diagnosis and prognosis of LC and its therapeutic response, although this effort may be hampered by challenges pertaining to the non-specific nature of the majority of clinical manifestations in the LC spectrum, small sample sizes of relevant studies and other methodological issues. Promising candidate biomarkers that are found in some patients are markers of systemic inflammation, including acute phase proteins, cytokines and chemokines; biomarkers reflecting SARS-CoV-2 persistence, the reactivation of herpesviruses and immune dysregulation; biomarkers of endotheliopathy, coagulation and fibrinolysis; microbiota alterations; diverse proteins and metabolites; hormonal and metabolic biomarkers; and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. At present, there are only two reviews summarizing relevant biomarkers; however, they do not cover the entire umbrella of current biomarkers, their link to etiopathogenetic mechanisms or the diagnostic work-up in a comprehensive manner. Herein, we aim to appraise and synopsize the available evidence on the typical laboratory manifestations and candidate biomarkers of LC, their classification based on pathogenetic mechanisms and the main LC symptomatology in the frame of the epidemiological and clinical aspects of the syndrome and furthermore assess limitations and challenges as well as potential implications in candidate therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Tsilingiris
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Alexandroupolis, Democritus University of Thrace, Dragana, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece;
| | - Natalia G. Vallianou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Evangelismos General Hospital, 45-47 Ipsilantou Street, 10676 Athens, Greece;
| | - Irene Karampela
- 2nd Department of Critical Care, Medical School, University of Athens, Attikon General University Hospital, 1 Rimini Street, 12462 Athens, Greece;
| | | | - Georgios Papavasileiou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Dimitra Petropoulou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (D.P.)
| | - Faidon Magkos
- Department of Nutrition, Exercise, and Sports, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Frederiksberg, Denmark;
| | - Maria Dalamaga
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527 Athens, Greece; (G.P.); (D.P.)
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Scheibenbogen C, Bellmann-Strobl JT, Heindrich C, Wittke K, Stein E, Franke C, Prüss H, Preßler H, Machule ML, Audebert H, Finke C, Zimmermann HG, Sawitzki B, Meisel C, Toelle M, Krueger A, Aschenbrenner AC, Schultze JL, Beyer MD, Ralser M, Mülleder M, Sander LE, Konietschke F, Paul F, Stojanov S, Bruckert L, Hedderich DM, Knolle F, Riemekasten G, Vehreschild MJGT, Cornely OA, Behrends U, Burock S. Fighting Post-COVID and ME/CFS - development of curative therapies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1194754. [PMID: 37396922 PMCID: PMC10309204 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1194754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [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: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The sequela of COVID-19 include a broad spectrum of symptoms that fall under the umbrella term post-COVID-19 condition or syndrome (PCS). Immune dysregulation, autoimmunity, endothelial dysfunction, viral persistence, and viral reactivation have been identified as potential mechanisms. However, there is heterogeneity in expression of biomarkers, and it is unknown yet whether these distinguish different clinical subgroups of PCS. There is an overlap of symptoms and pathomechanisms of PCS with postinfectious myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). No curative therapies are available for ME/CFS or PCS. The mechanisms identified so far provide targets for therapeutic interventions. To accelerate the development of therapies, we propose evaluating drugs targeting different mechanisms in clinical trial networks using harmonized diagnostic and outcome criteria and subgrouping patients based on a thorough clinical profiling including a comprehensive diagnostic and biomarker phenotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Scheibenbogen
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Judith Theresia Bellmann-Strobl
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Cornelia Heindrich
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kirsten Wittke
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Elisa Stein
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christiana Franke
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Harald Prüss
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Berlin, Germany
| | - Hannah Preßler
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie-Luise Machule
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heinrich Audebert
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Carsten Finke
- Department of Neurology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hanna Gwendolyn Zimmermann
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Birgit Sawitzki
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Center of Immunomics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Meisel
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Immunology, Labor Berlin - Charité Vivantes GmbH, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Toelle
- Department of Nephrology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Krueger
- Department of Nephrology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna C. Aschenbrenner
- Systems Medicine, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
| | - Joachim L. Schultze
- Systems Medicine, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- PRECISE Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics, DZNE and University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Genomics and Immunoregulation, Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marc D. Beyer
- Systems Medicine, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Bonn, Germany
- PRECISE Platform for Single Cell Genomics and Epigenomics, DZNE and University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Markus Ralser
- Institute of Biochemistry, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- The Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Mülleder
- Institute of Biochemistry, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leif Erik Sander
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Konietschke
- Institute of Biochemistry, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- Experimental and Clinical Research Center, a cooperation between the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Silvia Stojanov
- Childrens’ Hospital, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Lisa Bruckert
- Clinical Trial Office, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dennis M. Hedderich
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Franziska Knolle
- Department of Neuroradiology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriela Riemekasten
- Department of Rheumatology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Maria J. G. T. Vehreschild
- Department of Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Oliver A. Cornely
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Bonn-Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Translational Research, Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany
| | - Uta Behrends
- Childrens’ Hospital, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Berlin, Germany
- AGV Research Unit Gene Vectors, Helmholtz Center Munich (HMGU), Munich, Germany
| | - Susen Burock
- Clinical Trial Office, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Babicki M, Kapusta J, Pieniawska-Śmiech K, Kałuzińska-Kołat Ż, Kołat D, Mastalerz-Migas A, Jankowski P, Chudzik M. Do COVID-19 Vaccinations Affect the Most Common Post-COVID Symptoms? Initial Data from the STOP-COVID Register-12-Month Follow-Up. Viruses 2023; 15:1370. [PMID: 37376668 DOI: 10.3390/v15061370] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Around the world, various vaccines have been developed to prevent the SARS-CoV-2 virus infection and consequently the COVID-19 disease. However, many patients continue to report persistent symptoms after the acute phase. Since gathering scientific information on long COVID and post-COVID syndrome has become an urgent issue, we decided to investigate them in relation to the vaccination status of patients from the STOP-COVID registry. In this retrospective study, we analyzed data from the medical visit after contraction of COVID-19 and follow-up visits in the 3rd and 12th month after the disease. In total, 801 patients were included in the analysis. The most frequent complaints after 12 months included deterioration of exercise tolerance (37.5%), fatigue (36.3%), and memory/concentration difficulties (36.3%). In total, 119 patients declared that they had been diagnosed with at least one new chronic disease since the end of isolation, and 10.6% required hospitalization. The analysis of individual symptoms revealed that headache (p = 0.001), arthralgia (p = 0.032), and dysregulation of hypertension (p = 0.030) were more common in unvaccinated patients. Considering headache and muscle pain, people vaccinated after the disease manifested these symptoms less frequently. Subsequent research is needed to consider vaccines as a preventive factor for post-COVID syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Babicki
- Department of Family Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, 51-141 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Kapusta
- Department of Internal Diseases, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland
| | - Karolina Pieniawska-Śmiech
- Department of Immunology and Pediatrics, The J. Gromkowski Provincial Specialist Hospital, 51-149 Wroclaw, Poland
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Wroclaw Medical University, 50-368 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Żaneta Kałuzińska-Kołat
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, 90-136 Lodz, Poland
- Boruta Medical Center, 95-100 Zgierz, Poland
| | - Damian Kołat
- Department of Experimental Surgery, Medical University of Lodz, 90-136 Lodz, Poland
- Boruta Medical Center, 95-100 Zgierz, Poland
| | | | - Piotr Jankowski
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatric Cardiology, Medical Centre for Postgraduate Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Chudzik
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatric Cardiology, Medical Centre for Postgraduate Education, 01-813 Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, 90-549 Lodz, Poland
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38
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Kirchberger I, Meisinger C, Warm TD, Hyhlik-Dürr A, Linseisen J, Goßlau Y. Post-COVID-19 Syndrome in Non-Hospitalized Individuals: Healthcare Situation 2 Years after SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Viruses 2023; 15:1326. [PMID: 37376625 DOI: 10.3390/v15061326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although "post-COVID-19 syndrome" (PCS) is reported to be common even in non-hospitalized individuals, long-term information on symptom burden, healthcare needs, utilization, and satisfaction with healthcare is scarce. The objectives of this study were to describe symptom burden, healthcare utilization and experiences with the healthcare offered for PCS in a German sample of non-hospitalized persons 2 years after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Individuals with past COVID-19 confirmed by positive polymerase chain reaction testing were examined at the University Hospital of Augsburg from 4 November 2020 to 26 May 2021 and completed a postal questionnaire between 14 June 2022 and 1 November 2022. Participants who self-reported the presence of fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, memory problems or concentration problems were classified as having PCS. Of the 304 non-hospitalized participants (58.2% female, median age 53.5), 210 (69.1%) had a PCS. Among these, 18.8% had slight to moderate functional limitations. Participants with PCS showed a significantly higher utilization of healthcare and a large proportion complained about lacking information on persistent COVID-19 symptoms and problems finding competent healthcare providers. The results indicate the need to optimize patient information on PCS, facilitate access to specialized healthcare providers, provide treatment options in the primary care setting and improve the education of healthcare providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inge Kirchberger
- Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Christine Meisinger
- Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Tobias D Warm
- Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Alexander Hyhlik-Dürr
- Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
| | - Jakob Linseisen
- Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry and Epidemiology-IBE, LMU Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Yvonne Goßlau
- Vascular Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany
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Ciaffi J, Vanni E, Mancarella L, Brusi V, Lisi L, Pignatti F, Naldi S, Assirelli E, Neri S, Reta M, Faldini C, Ursini F. Post-Acute COVID-19 Joint Pain and New Onset of Rheumatic Musculoskeletal Diseases: A Systematic Review. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13111850. [PMID: 37296705 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13111850] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
As the number of reports of post-acute COVID-19 musculoskeletal manifestations is rapidly rising, it is important to summarize the current available literature in order to shed light on this new and not fully understood phenomenon. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review to provide an updated picture of post-acute COVID-19 musculoskeletal manifestations of potential rheumatological interest, with a particular focus on joint pain, new onset of rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases and presence of autoantibodies related to inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies. We included 54 original papers in our systematic review. The prevalence of arthralgia was found to range from 2% to 65% within a time frame varying from 4 weeks to 12 months after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Inflammatory arthritis was also reported with various clinical phenotypes such as symmetrical polyarthritis with RA-like pattern similar to other prototypical viral arthritis, polymyalgia-like symptoms, or acute monoarthritis and oligoarthritis of large joints resembling reactive arthritis. Moreover, high figures of post-COVID-19 patients fulfilling the classification criteria for fibromyalgia were found, ranging from 31% to 40%. Finally, the available literature about prevalence of rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies was largely inconsistent. In conclusion, manifestations of rheumatological interest such as joint pain, new-onset inflammatory arthritis and fibromyalgia are frequently reported after COVID-19, highlighting the potential role of SARS-CoV-2 as a trigger for the development of autoimmune conditions and rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Ciaffi
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli (IOR), 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elena Vanni
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli (IOR), 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Luana Mancarella
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli (IOR), 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Brusi
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli (IOR), 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucia Lisi
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli (IOR), 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Pignatti
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli (IOR), 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Susanna Naldi
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli (IOR), 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Assirelli
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli (IOR), 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Simona Neri
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli (IOR), 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimo Reta
- UO Interaziendale Medicina Interna ad Indirizzo Reumatologico (SC) AUSL BO-IRCCS AOU BO, 40133 Bologna, Italy
| | - Cesare Faldini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
- 1st Orthopedic and Traumatology Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli (IOR), 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Ursini
- Medicine & Rheumatology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli (IOR), 40136 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
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Pandey S, Garg P, Joseph J. Trachipleistophora hominis: molecular characterization of a rare pathogen causing microsporidial stromal keratitis. Future Microbiol 2023; 18:249-253. [PMID: 37140251 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2022-0082] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The authors report the clinical and microbiological findings of a unique case of stromal keratitis caused by a rare microsporidium, Trachipleistophora hominis. This case of stromal keratitis was in a 49-year-old male with a history of COVID-19 infection and diabetes mellitus. Corneal scraping specimens revealed numerous microsporidia spores upon microscopic examination. PCR of the corneal button revealed the presence of T. hominis infection, which could be controlled by penetrating keratoplasty surgery. The graft was clear with no recurrence of infection until the last follow-up 6 weeks postsurgery. This is the first case of human stromal keratitis caused by this organism in a post-COVID infection, confirmed by molecular diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suchita Pandey
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500034, India
| | - Prashant Garg
- Shantilal Shanghvi Cornea Institute, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India
| | - Joveeta Joseph
- Jhaveri Microbiology Centre, Brien Holden Eye Research Centre, LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500034, India
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41
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Nehme M, Vetter P, Chappuis F, Kaiser L, Guessous I. Prevalence of Post-Coronavirus Disease Condition 12 Weeks After Omicron Infection Compared With Negative Controls and Association With Vaccination Status. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 76:1567-1575. [PMID: 36519381 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [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: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-coronovirus disease (COVID) symptoms can persist several months after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. Little is known, however, about the prevalence of post-COVID condition following infections from Omicron variants and how this varies according to vaccination status. This study evaluates the prevalence of symptoms and functional impairment 12 weeks after an infection by Omicron variants (BA.1 and BA.2) compared with negative controls tested during the same period. METHODS Outpatient individuals who tested positive or negative for COVID-19 infection between December 2021 and February 2022 at the Geneva University Hospitals were followed 12 weeks after their test date. RESULTS Overall, 11.7% of Omicron cases had symptoms 12 weeks after the infection compared with 10.4% of individuals who tested negative during the same period (P < .001), and symptoms were much less common in vaccinated versus nonvaccinated individuals with Omicron infection (9.7% vs 18.1%; P < .001). There were no significant differences in functional impairment at 12 weeks between Omicron cases and negative controls, even after adjusting for multiple potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS The differential prevalence of post-COVID symptoms and functional impairment attributed to Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 infection is low when compared with negative controls. Vaccination is associated with lower prevalence of post-COVID symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayssam Nehme
- Division of Primary Care Medicine of the Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pauline Vetter
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva Center for Emerging Viral Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - François Chappuis
- Division of Tropical and Humanitarian Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Kaiser
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva Center for Emerging Viral Diseases, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Division of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Virology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Idris Guessous
- Division of Primary Care Medicine of the Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Saini L, Krishna D, Gunasekaran PK, Tiwari S, Kumar P, Goyal JP, Khera D, Choudhary B, Didel S, Gaur R, Laxmi V, Panda S, Singh K. Clinical Profile, Follow-up, and Role of Neuroimaging in Pediatric Guillain-Barré Syndrome in the COVID Era: An Ambispective Study. J Child Neurol 2023; 38:407-413. [PMID: 37365810 DOI: 10.1177/08830738231184089] [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] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Background: To define the varied presentations of Guillain-Barré syndrome in children in the COVID era and 6 months' follow-up outcome. Methods: Ambispective study of 15 months' duration involving children with Guillain-Barré syndrome aged 1 month to 18 years at a tertiary care pediatric hospital. They were categorized into groups A and B based on COVID-19 serology testing. Hughes Disability Scale was used for disability assessment. Modified Rankin scale was used for improvement assessment in follow-up. Results: Of 19 children with Guillain-Barré syndrome, 9 (47%) were females and 10 (53%) were males. Groups A and B had children with negative (8) and positive serology (11), respectively. The most common presentation in both groups was motor weakness. Post-COVID pediatric Guillain-Barré syndrome presented with variants of Guillain-Barré syndrome rather than the classical form (P = .03). In group B, patients with elevated inflammatory markers had poor response to intravenous immunoglobulin, and 5 of 11 patients had good response to pulse steroids, probably depicting an inflammation-predominant pathology. Conclusion: Post-COVID Guillain-Barré syndrome in children presented with Guillain-Barré syndrome variants rather than the classic form. Neuroimaging is of great value in both confirming Guillain-Barré syndrome diagnosis and excluding differentials. Patients with elevated inflammatory markers and residual weakness may be given a pulse steroid trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lokesh Saini
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Deepthi Krishna
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | | | - Sarbesh Tiwari
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Prawin Kumar
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Jagdish Prasad Goyal
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Daisy Khera
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Bharat Choudhary
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Siyaram Didel
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Ravi Gaur
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Veena Laxmi
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Samhita Panda
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Kuldeep Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
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Kersten J, Schellenberg J, Jerg A, Kirsten J, Persch H, Liu Y, Steinacker JM. Strain Echocardiography in Acute COVID-19 and Post-COVID Syndrome: More than Just a Snapshot. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041236. [PMID: 37189854 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041236] [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: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) has become an established, widely available diagnostic method in the past few years, making its value clear in cases of COVID-19 and the further course of the disease, including post-COVID syndrome. Since the beginning of the pandemic, many studies have been published on the use of STE in this condition, enabling, on the one hand, a better understanding of myocardial involvement in COVID-19 and, on the other, a better identification of risk to patients, although some questions remain unanswered in regard to specific pathomechanisms, especially in post-COVID patients. This review takes a closer look at current findings and potential future developments by summarising the extant data on the use of STE, with a focus on left and right ventricular longitudinal strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Kersten
- Division for Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Ulm, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Jana Schellenberg
- Division for Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Ulm, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Achim Jerg
- Division for Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Ulm, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Johannes Kirsten
- Division for Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Ulm, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Hasema Persch
- Division for Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Ulm, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Yuefei Liu
- Division for Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Ulm, 89075 Ulm, Germany
| | - Jürgen M Steinacker
- Division for Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine, University Hospital of Ulm, 89075 Ulm, Germany
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de Lima IC, de Menezes DC, Uesugi JHE, Bichara CNC, da Costa Vasconcelos PF, Quaresma JAS, Falcão LFM. Liver Function in Patients with Long-Term Coronavirus Disease 2019 of up to 20 Months: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:5281. [PMID: 37047897 PMCID: PMC10094195 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20075281] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The long-term laboratory aspects of the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on liver function are still not well understood. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the hepatic clinical laboratory profile of patients with up to 20 months of long-term COVID-19. A total of 243 patients of both sexes aged 18 years or older admitted during the acute phase of COVID-19 were included in this study. Liver function analysis was performed. Changes were identified in the mean levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and ferritin. A ferritin level of >300 U/L was observed in the group that presented more changes in liver function markers (ALT, AST, and GGT). Age ≥ 60 years, male sex, AST level > 25 U/L, and GGT level ≥ 50 or 32 U/L were associated with an ALT level > 29 U/L. A correlation was found between ALT and AST, LDH, GGT, and ferritin. Our findings suggest that ALT and AST levels may be elevated in patients with long-term COVID-19, especially in those hospitalised during the acute phase. In addition, an ALT level > 29 U/L was associated with changes in the levels of other markers of liver injury, such as LDH, GGT, and ferritin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Costa de Lima
- Center for Biological Health Sciences, State University of Pará, Belém 66087670, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Juarez Antônio Simões Quaresma
- Center for Biological Health Sciences, State University of Pará, Belém 66087670, Brazil
- Tropical Medicine Center, Federal University of Pará, Belém 66055240, Brazil
- School of Medicine, São Paulo University, São Paulo 01246903, Brazil
| | - Luiz Fábio Magno Falcão
- Center for Biological Health Sciences, State University of Pará, Belém 66087670, Brazil
- School of Medicine, São Paulo University, São Paulo 01246903, Brazil
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Rai DK, Sharma P, Karmakar S, Thakur S, Ameet H, Yadav R, Gupta VB. Approach to post COVID-19 persistent cough: A narrative review. Lung India 2023; 40:149-154. [PMID: 37006099 PMCID: PMC10174656 DOI: 10.4103/lungindia.lungindia_250_22] [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: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A large proportion of patients who completely recovered from acute coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection later continued to experience symptoms even after recovery, irrespective of the severity of the disease. Various terms with varying duration were used for those who had persistent symptoms, of which cough was the most common. We systematically searched the published literature concerning post-COVID-19 cough, its prevalence, and the potential ways to reduce it in clinical practice. The aim of this review was to provide an overview of existing literature concerning post-COVID-19 cough. Literature shows that augmented cough reflex sensitivity is responsible for persistent cough after acute viral upper respiratory infection (URI). Overall, the heightened cough reflex associated with SARSCoV2 induces neurotropism, neuroinflammation, and neuroimmunomodulation via the vagal sensory nerves. Therapies for post-COVID-19 cough aim at the suppression of cough reflex. For a patient who does not respond to early symptomatic treatment, Inhaled corticosteroids can be given a trial to suppress airway inflammation. More trials of novel cough therapies in patients with post-COVID-19 cough using various outcome measures need to be studied in future research. Several agents are currently available for symptomatic relief. However, non-response or refractory cough continues to preclude adequate symptom relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deependra K. Rai
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, AIIMS Patna, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Priya Sharma
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, AIIMS Patna, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Saurabh Karmakar
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, AIIMS Patna, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Somesh Thakur
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, AIIMS Patna, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - H Ameet
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, AIIMS Patna, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Rajesh Yadav
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, AIIMS Patna, Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Vatsal B. Gupta
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, AIIMS Patna, Patna, Bihar, India
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Herrero-Montes M, Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Ferrer-Pargada D, Izquierdo-Cuervo S, Abascal-Bolado B, Valera-Calero JA, Paras-Bravo P. Association of Kinesiophobia with Catastrophism and Sensitization-Associated Symptoms in COVID-19 Survivors with Post-COVID Pain. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:diagnostics13050847. [PMID: 36899992 PMCID: PMC10000376 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13050847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain symptoms after the acute phase of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) are present in almost 50% of COVID-19 survivors. The presence of kinesiophobia is a risk factor which may promote and perpetuate pain. This study aimed to investigate variables associated with the presence of kinesiophobia in a sample of previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors exhibiting post-COVID pain. An observational study was conducted in three urban hospitals in Spain, including one hundred and forty-six COVID-19 survivors with post-COVID pain. Demographic (age, weight, height), clinical (intensity and duration of pain), psychological (anxiety level, depressive level, sleep quality), cognitive (catastrophizing), sensitization-associated symptoms, and health-related quality of life variables were collected in 146 survivors with post-COVID pain, as well as whether they exhibited kinesiophobia. Stepwise multiple linear regression models were conducted to identify variables significantly associated with kinesiophobia. Patients were assessed a mean of 18.8 (SD 1.8) months after hospital discharge. Kinesiophobia levels were positively associated with anxiety levels (r: 0.356, p < 0.001), depression levels (r: 0.306, p < 0.001), sleep quality (r: 0.288, p < 0.001), catastrophism (r: 0.578, p < 0.001), and sensitization-associated symptoms (r: 0.450, p < 0.001). The stepwise regression analysis revealed that 38.1% of kinesiophobia variance was explained by catastrophism (r2 adj: 0.329, B = 0.416, t = 8.377, p < 0.001) and sensitization-associated symptoms (r2 adj: 0.381, B = 0.130, t = 3.585, p < 0.001). Kinesiophobia levels were associated with catastrophism and sensitization-associated symptoms in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors with post-COVID pain. Identification of patients at a higher risk of developing a higher level of kinesiophobia, associated with post-COVID pain symptoms, could lead to better therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Herrero-Montes
- Departamento de Enfermería, Universidad de Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Grupo de Investigación en Enfermería, 39005 Santander, Spain
| | - César Fernández-de-las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Diego Ferrer-Pargada
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, 39008 Cantabria, Spain
| | - Sheila Izquierdo-Cuervo
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, 39008 Cantabria, Spain
| | - Beatriz Abascal-Bolado
- Servicio de Neumología, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, 39008 Cantabria, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Valera-Calero
- Department of Radiology, Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Grupo InPhysio, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Clínico San Carlos (IdISSC), 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Paras-Bravo
- Departamento de Enfermería, Universidad de Cantabria, 39005 Santander, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Grupo de Investigación en Enfermería, 39005 Santander, Spain
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Fernández-de-Las-Peñas C, Cuadrado ML, Gómez-Mayordomo V, García-Azorín D, Arendt-Nielsen L. Headache as a COVID-19 onset symptom or Post-COVID symptom according to the SARS-CoV-2 Variant. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:179-186. [PMID: 36857191 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2185138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION COVID19 associated headaches are highly common and there is currently an unmet need to better understand their association with SARSCoV2 variants. Headaches are a prevalent symptom in the acute phase of COVID19 and are associated with a better prognosis and better immune response. They are also a relevant post-COVID symptom. AREAS COVERED This article analyses the differences in the prevalence of headache as an onset symptom and in post-COVID headache among the different SARS-CoV-2 variants: the historical strain, Alpha, Delta and Omicron. The different pathophysiological mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 infection may cause headache are also discussed. EXPERT OPINION The presence of headache at the acute phase is a risk factor for post-COVID headache, whereas a history of primary headache does not appear to be associated with post-COVID headache. The prevalence of headache as an onset symptom appears to be variable for the different SARS-CoV-2 variants, but current data are inconclusive. However, the current evidence also suggests that headache represents a prevalent symptom in the acute and post-infection COVID-19 phase, regardless of SARS-CoV-2 variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Fernández-de-Las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Madrid. Spain
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Maria L Cuadrado
- Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Victor Gómez-Mayordomo
- Department of Neurology, Institute of Neurosciences, Vithas Madrid La Milagrosa University Hospital. Madrid, Spain
| | - David García-Azorín
- Headache Unit, Department of Neurology, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Neuroscience Research Unit, Institute for Biomedical Research of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, AMech-Sense, alborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
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Hedin K, van der Velden AW, Hansen MP, Moberg AB, Balan A, Bruno P, Coenen S, Johansen E, Kowalczyk A, Kurotschka PK, van der Linde SR, Malania L, Rohde J, Verbakel J, Vornhagen H, Vellinga A. Initial symptoms and three months follow-up after acute COVID-19 in outpatients: An international prospective cohort study. Eur J Gen Pract 2023:2154074. [PMID: 36655704 DOI: 10.1080/13814788.2022.2154074] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most studies on long-term follow-up of patients with COVID-19 focused on hospitalised patients. No prospective study with structured follow-up has been performed in non-hospitalised patients with COVID-19. OBJECTIVES To assess long-COVID and post-COVID (WHO definition: symptomatic at least 12 weeks), describe lingering symptoms, their impact on daily activities, and general practice visits and explore risk factors for symptom duration in outpatients. METHODS A prospective study of adult outpatients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and symptoms consistent with COVID-19 in 11 European countries, recruited during 2020 and 2021 from primary care and the community. Structured follow-up by phone interviews (symptom rating, symptom impact on daily activities and general practice visits) was performed at weeks 2, 4, 8, and 12 by study personnel. Data was analysed descriptively by using correlation matrixes and Cox regression. RESULTS Of 270 enrolled patients, 52% developed long-COVID and 32% post-COVID-syndrome. When only considering the presence of moderate or (very) severe symptoms at weeks 8 and 12, these percentages were 28% and 18%, respectively. Fatigue was the most often reported symptom during follow-up. The impact of lingering symptoms was most evident in sports and household activities. About half (53%) had at least one general practice contact during follow-up. Obese patients took twice as long to return to usual health (HR: 0.5, 95%CI: 0.3-0.8); no other risk profile could predict lingering symptoms. CONCLUSION Long-COVID and post-COVID are also common in outpatients. In 32%, it takes more than 12 weeks to return to usual health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Hedin
- Futurum, Region Jönköping County, and Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Sciences in Malmö, Family Medicine, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Alike W van der Velden
- Julius Center of Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Anna B Moberg
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | - Pascale Bruno
- Département de Santé Publique, Université Côte d'Azur, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice, Nice, France
| | - Samuel Coenen
- Centre for General Practice, Department of Family Medicine & Population Health, University of Antwerp, Antwerp (Wilrijk), Belgium
| | - Eskild Johansen
- Center for General Practice at, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Anna Kowalczyk
- Centre for Family and Community Medicine, the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Sanne R van der Linde
- Julius Center of Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lile Malania
- National Center for Disease Control and Public Health, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Jörn Rohde
- Department of General Practice, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan Verbakel
- EPI-Centre, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Heike Vornhagen
- Data Science Institute, National University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Akke Vellinga
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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49
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Ceci B, Buhagiar K, Gouder C. An unusual case of post-covid-19 polyserositis. Hippokratia 2023; 27:29. [PMID: 38533229 PMCID: PMC10908313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Bonello Ceci
- Department of Respiratory and General Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Malta
| | - K Buhagiar
- Department of Respiratory and General Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Malta
| | - C Gouder
- Department of Respiratory and General Medicine, Mater Dei Hospital, Malta
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50
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Melhorn J, Alamoudi A, Mentzer AJ, Fraser E, Fries A, Cassar MP, Kwok A, Knight JC, Raman B, Talbot NP, Petousi N. Persistence of inflammatory and vascular mediators 5 months after hospitalization with COVID-19 infection. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1056506. [PMID: 36844209 PMCID: PMC9950100 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1056506] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aim In acute severe COVID-19, patients present with lung inflammation and vascular injury, accompanied by an exaggerated cytokine response. In this study, our aim was to describe the inflammatory and vascular mediator profiles in patients who were previously hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonitis, months after their recovery, and compare them with those in patients recovering from severe sepsis and in healthy controls. Methods A total of 27 different cytokine, chemokine, vascular endothelial injury and angiogenic mediators were measured in the plasma of forty-nine patients 5.0 ± 1.9 (mean ± SD) months after they were hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia, eleven patients 5.4 ± 2.9 months after hospitalization with acute severe sepsis, and 18 healthy controls. Results Compared with healthy controls, IL-6, TNFα, SAA, CRP, Tie-2, Flt1, and PIGF were significantly increased in the post-COVID group, and IL-7 and bFGF were significantly reduced. While IL-6, PIGF, and CRP were also significantly elevated in post-Sepsis patients compared to controls, the observed differences in TNFα, Tie-2, Flt-1, IL-7 and bFGF were unique to the post-COVID group. TNFα levels significantly correlated with the severity of acute COVID-19 illness (spearman's r = 0.30, p < 0.05). Furthermore, in post-COVID patients, IL-6 and CRP were each strongly negatively correlated with gas transfer factor %predicted (spearman's r = -0.51 and r = -0.57, respectively, p < 0.002) and positively correlated with computed tomography (CT) abnormality scores at recovery (r = 0.28 and r = 0.46, p < 0.05, respectively). Conclusion A unique inflammatory and vascular endothelial damage mediator signature is found in plasma months following acute COVID-19 infection. Further research is required to determine its pathophysiological and clinical significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Melhorn
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine (NDM), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Asma Alamoudi
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander J. Mentzer
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine (NDM), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, NDM, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Emily Fraser
- Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Anastasia Fries
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine (NDM), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Philip Cassar
- Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Kwok
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine (NDM), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, NDM, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Julian Charles Knight
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine (NDM), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, NDM, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Oxford Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Betty Raman
- Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nick P Talbot
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nayia Petousi
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine (NDM), University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Nayia Petousi,
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