Tag: long covid complications

The Effect of Sex on the Risk of Long-COVID and Cardiovascular Complications in Healthy Patients without Comorbidities: Data from a Polish Long-COVID Cardiovascular (PoLoCOV-CVD) Study

Abstract:

Background: The prevalence of long-COVID (LC) presents a significant challenge to healthcare systems globally. There are still some discrepancies on the role of sex as an independent risk factor of LC complications. Thus, we aimed to determine the differences in clinical and cardiovascular complications between males and females without comorbidities after COVID-19.
Methods: Clinical data on the course of the disease with the accompanying symptoms and post-COVID-19 symptoms were compiled from both male and female subjects with a minimum 12-week interval after COVID-19 recovery. Next, the patients were followed for 12 months. ECG, echocardiography, 24 h ECG monitoring, 24 h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM), and selected biochemical tests were performed. LC was diagnosed based on the World Health Organization (WHO) definition. To reduce the impact of confounders, i.e., body mass index (BMI) and age, on the results of the study, the nearest neighbour (NN) propensity score matching (PSM) method with a 1:1 ratio was used.
Results: The results were obtained following the removal of cases with comorbidities from the database consisting of 1237 males and 2192 females, and PSM of the new database included 886 cases (443 males and 443 females). At both the 3-month and 1-year post-recovery marks, females consistently reported a higher frequency of LC symptoms compared to males (p < 0.001 for both comparisons). Moreover, after 1 year of follow-up, females exhibited a higher prevalence of LC compared to males, with rates of 14% versus 8.3%, respectively (p = 0.013).
The symptoms that significantly differed between females and males in the 12-month follow-up were hair loss (5.4 vs. 0.7%, p < 0.001), memory and concentration disturbances (8.4 vs. 4.3%, p = 0.013), and headaches (4.3 vs. 1.4%, p = 0.008). Females presented lower mean arterial pressure (MAP) [89 (83–95) mmHg versus (vs.) 94 (89–100); p < 0.001] and lower pulse pressure (PP) [46 (42–52) mmHg vs. 51 (48–57); p < 0.001] in 24 h ABPM and more elevated heart rates (HRs) in 24 h ECG monitoring as well as arrhythmia (p < 0.001 and p = 0.018, respectively). Males had a higher occurrence of ECG abnormalities such as QRS >= 120 ms, ST-T changes, T inversion, arrhythmia, and QRS fragmentation (27.3% vs. 19.2%; p = 0.004). No significant differences were observed between males and females concerning physical activity levels, stress, fatigue, alcohol consumption, and smoking habits.
Conclusions: One year post-COVID-19 recovery, regardless of age and BMI, healthy females more often suffered from LC symptoms than males. They had lower MAP and PP in 24 h ABPM, more often had higher HRs and arrhythmia in 24 h ECG monitoring, and fewer ECG abnormalities than males.
Source: Bielecka-Dabrowa A, Sakowicz A, Gryglewska-Wawrzak K, Kapusta J, Banach M, Jankowski P, Chudzik M. The Effect of Sex on the Risk of Long-COVID and Cardiovascular Complications in Healthy Patients without Comorbidities: Data from a Polish Long-COVID Cardiovascular (PoLoCOV-CVD) Study. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2024; 13(6):1559. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13061559 https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/13/6/1559 (Full text)

High Prevalence of Long COVID in Common Variable Immunodeficiency: An Italian Multicentric Study

Abstract:

The long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection represent a relevant global health problem. Long COVID (LC) is defined as a complex of signs and symptoms developed during or after SARS-CoV-2 infection and lasting > 12 weeks. In common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) patients, we previously reported higher risk of hospitalization and death during SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as prolonged swab positivity and frequent reinfections.

The aim of the present study was to assess the risk of LC in an Italian cohort of CVID patients. We used a translated version of the survey proposed by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to collect data on LC. In the enrolled cohort of 175 CVID patients, we found a high prevalence of LC (65.7%). The most frequent LC symptoms were fatigue (75.7%), arthralgia/myalgia (48.7%), and dyspnea (41.7%). The majority of patients (60%) experienced prolonged symptoms, for at least 6 months after infection.

In a multivariate analysis, the presence of complicated phenotype (OR 2.44, 95% CI 1.88-5.03; p = 0.015), obesity (OR 11.17, 95% CI 1.37-90.95; p = 0.024), and female sex (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.09-3.89; p = 0.024) significantly correlated with the development of LC.

In conclusion, in this multicenter observational cohort study, we demonstrated that CVID patients present an increased prevalence of LC when compared to the general population. Improved awareness on the risk of LC in CVID patients could optimize management of this new and alarming complication of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Source: Villa A, Milito C, Deiana CM, Gambier RF, Punziano A, Buso H, Bez P, Lagnese G, Garzi G, Costanzo G, Giannuzzi G, Pagnozzi C, Dalm VASH, Spadaro G, Rattazzi M, Cinetto F, Firinu D. High Prevalence of Long COVID in Common Variable Immunodeficiency: An Italian Multicentric Study. J Clin Immunol. 2024 Feb 6;44(2):59. doi: 10.1007/s10875-024-01656-2. PMID: 38319477; PMCID: PMC10847195. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10847195/ (Full text)

Haematological sequelae in the post-acute phase of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection

Abstract:

Many patients surviving SARS-CoV-2 infection suffer from long-term symptoms (long COVID or post COVID) such as shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of taste or smell and cognitive deterioration. However, few data are available concerning blood cell counts and haematological parameters during the post-COVID period.

We analysed haematological data from 83 patients previously admitted to the internal medicine unit of our institution because of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection; all data were obtained within 1-12 months from disease onset. A control group of 70 apparently healthy, age- and sex-matched COVID-19 negative individuals was assessed for comparison. Blood cell counts improved in the post-COVID period, but 81% of patients had persistent abnormalities, compared with 50% in the control group, p < 0.001.

Most common haematological findings included anaemia (40%), reduced lymphocyte (43%) or eosinophil counts (38%) and low IgM memory B cells and correlated with advanced age, number of chronic comorbidities, female gender, altered renal function, reduced baseline Hb and procalcitonin concentrations and increased RDW. Data on lymphocytes and IgM memory B cells show that impaired immune responses may persist for up to one year in the post-COVID period, possibly contributing to long-term symptoms, especially in female patients.

Source: Bergamaschi G, Barteselli C, Calabretta F, Lenti MV, Merli S, Rossi CM, Di Sabatino A. Haematological sequelae in the post-acute phase of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Intern Emerg Med. 2024 Jan;19(1):125-133. doi: 10.1007/s11739-023-03459-6. Epub 2023 Nov 24. PMID: 38001354. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38001354/

Case report: A case of Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy secondary to Influenza A virus during Long COVID

Abstract:

Ocular abnormalities have been reported in association with viral infections, including Long COVID, a debilitating illness caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This report presents a case of a female patient diagnosed with Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy (AMN) following an Influenza A virus infection during Long COVID who experienced severe inflammation symptoms and ocular complications. We hypothesize that the rare occurrence of AMN in this patient could be associated with the immune storm secondary to the viral infection during Long COVID.

Source: Zhang J, Xia Y, Li X, He R, Xie X. Case report: A case of Acute Macular Neuroretinopathy secondary to Influenza A virus during Long COVID. Front Immunol. 2024 Jan 15;14:1302504. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1302504. PMID: 38288123; PMCID: PMC10822910. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10822910/ (Full text)

Increased von Willebrand and Factor VIII plasma levels in gynecologic patients with Post-Acute-COVID-Sequela (PASC)/Long COVID

Highlights:

  • Growing evidence suggests that persistent microvascular inflammation, clumping/clotting of blood cells and thrombotic complications may be key causes of Long COVID.
  • Plasma levels of von Willebrand factor and Factor VIII were uniformly higher in all gynecologic patients with Long COVID vs controls without Long COVID.
  • Persistently elevated levels of Von Willebrand and Factor VIII may represent the results of lingering microvascular damage (i.e., spike-induced endotheliosis).

Abstract:

Up to 30 % of COVID-infected patients may develop post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), also known as Long COVID (LC), a syndrome characterized by a variety of debilitating symptoms lasting for more than 3 months after the acute infection. While the pathophysiological mechanisms behind PASC/LC are not completely understood, growing evidence suggests that an important component of this syndrome may be related to persistent microvascular inflammation causing clumping/clotting of red blood cells and platelets and thrombotic complications.

We retrospectively evaluated the plasma levels of von Willebrand factor (VWF), Factor VIII and D-dimer in 10 gynecologic patients (60 % with an endometrial or ovarian cancer diagnosis) affected by PASC/LC vs 5 control patients (60 % harboring endometrial or ovarian tumors). We found elevated VWF and Factor VIII levels in all 10 PASC/LC patients (means of 254 % and 229 %, respectively) vs none of the 5 randomly selected cancer control patients (means of 108 % and 95 %, respectively), p = 0.0046 and p < 0.0001, respectively. In contrast, no significant difference was noted in the levels of D-dimer in PASC/LC.

Importantly, abnormally elevated VWF and Factor VIII levels were found to persist for at least 2 years in patients with Long COVID symptoms. VWF and Factor VIII but not D-dimer levels are significantly elevated in the plasma of PASC/LC cancer patients. Abnormally and persistently elevated VWF and Factor VIII levels may represent the results of persistent microvascular damage (i.e., spike-induced endotheliosis) and may be biomarkers of persistent inflammation in gynecologic patients with PASC/LC.

Source: Stefania Bellone, Eric R. Siegel, David E. Scheim, Alessandro D. Santin.Increased von Willebrand and Factor VIII plasma levels in gynecologic patients with Post-Acute-COVID-Sequela (PASC)/Long COVID. Gynecologic Oncology Reports, Volume 51, February 2024, 101324. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352578924000031 (Full text)

Spinal cord infarction attributed to SARS-CoV-2, with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19: A case report

Abstract:

Background: While stroke and lower extremity venous thromboemboli have been commonly reported following acute infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), spinal cord infarction or ischemia has been extremely rare. Findings of long coronavirus disease (COVID) in this select population have not been studied.

Case summary: We present the case of a 70-year-old female with sudden onset of trunk and lower extremity sensorimotor loss due to spinal cord infarction, attributed to acute infection with SARS-CoV-2. Diagnostic work up confirmed a T3 complete (ASIA impairment Scale A) paraplegia resulting from a thrombotic infarct. Her reported myalgias, neuropathic pain, spasticity, bladder spasms, and urinary tract infections exceeded the frequency and severity of many spinal cord injury (SCI) individuals of similar age and degree of neurologic impairment.

In her first year after contracting COVID-19, she underwent 2 separate inpatient rehabilitation courses, but also required acute hospitalization 6 additional times for subsequent infections or uncontrolled pain. Yet other complications of complete non-traumatic SCI (NTSCI), including neurogenic bowel and temperature hypersensitivity, were mild, and pressure injuries were absent. She has now transitioned from the acute to chronic phase of spinal cord injury care, with subsequent development of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC).

Conclusion: This individual experienced significant challenges with the combined effects of acute T3 NTSCI and acute COVID-19, with subsequent progression to PASC.

Source: Oleson CV, Olsen AC, Shermon S. Spinal cord infarction attributed to SARS-CoV-2, with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19: A case report. World J Clin Cases. 2023 Dec 26;11(36):8542-8550. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i36.8542. PMID: 38188200; PMCID: PMC10768511. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10768511/ (Full text)

Post-acute COVID-19 complications in UK doctors: results of a cross-sectional survey

Abstract:

Background: As a consequence of their occupation, doctors and other healthcare workers were at higher risk of contracting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and more likely to experience severe disease compared to the general population. However, systematic information on post-acute COVID complications in doctors is very limited.

Aims: This study aimed to determine the symptoms, perceived determinants, health and occupational impact, and consequent needs relating to post-acute COVID complications in UK doctors.

Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was distributed to UK doctors self-identifying as having Long COVID or other post-acute COVID complications.

Results: Of 795 responses, 603 fulfilled the inclusion criteria of being a UK-based medical doctor experiencing one or more post-acute COVID complications. Twenty-eight per cent reported a lack of adequate Respiratory Protective Equipment at the time of contracting COVID-19. Eighteen per cent of eligible respondents reported that they had been unable to return to work since acquiring COVID.

Conclusions: Post-acute COVID (Long COVID) in UK doctors is a substantial burden for respondents to our questionnaire. The results indicated that insufficient respiratory protection could have contributed to occupational disease, with COVID-19 being contracted in the workplace, and resultant post-COVID complications. Although it may be too late to address the perceived determinants of inadequate protection for those already suffering with Long COVID, more investment is needed in rehabilitation and support of those afflicted.

Source: D Bland, R Evans, A Binesmael, S Wood, S P Qureshi, K Fearnley, A Small, W D Strain, R Agius, Post-acute COVID-19 complications in UK doctors: results of a cross-sectional survey, Occupational Medicine, 2023;, kqad120, https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqad120 https://academic.oup.com/occmed/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/occmed/kqad120/7468904?redirectedFrom=fulltext

The long-term health outcomes, pathophysiological mechanisms and multidisciplinary management of long COVID

Abstract:

There have been hundreds of millions of cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). With the growing population of recovered patients, it is crucial to understand the long-term consequences of the disease and management strategies.

Although COVID-19 was initially considered an acute respiratory illness, recent evidence suggests that manifestations including but not limited to those of the cardiovascular, respiratory, neuropsychiatric, gastrointestinal, reproductive, and musculoskeletal systems may persist long after the acute phase. These persistent manifestations, also referred to as long COVID, could impact all patients with COVID-19 across the full spectrum of illness severity.

Herein, we comprehensively review the current literature on long COVID, highlighting its epidemiological understanding, the impact of vaccinations, organ-specific sequelae, pathophysiological mechanisms, and multidisciplinary management strategies. In addition, the impact of psychological and psychosomatic factors is also underscored.

Despite these crucial findings on long COVID, the current diagnostic and therapeutic strategies based on previous experience and pilot studies remain inadequate, and well-designed clinical trials should be prioritized to validate existing hypotheses. Thus, we propose the primary challenges concerning biological knowledge gaps and efficient remedies as well as discuss the corresponding recommendations.

Source: Li, J., Zhou, Y., Ma, J. et al. The long-term health outcomes, pathophysiological mechanisms and multidisciplinary management of long COVID. Sig Transduct Target Ther 8, 416 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41392-023-01640-z https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-023-01640-z (Full text)

Clinical and pulmonary function analysis in long-COVID revealed that long-term pulmonary dysfunction is associated with vascular inflammation pathways and metabolic syndrome

Abstract:

Introduction: Long-term pulmonary dysfunction (L-TPD) is one of the most critical manifestations of long-COVID. This lung affection has been associated with disease severity during the acute phase and the presence of previous comorbidities, however, the clinical manifestations, the concomitant consequences and the molecular pathways supporting this clinical condition remain unknown. The aim of this study was to identify and characterize L-TPD in patients with long-COVID and elucidate the main pathways and long-term consequences attributed to this condition by analyzing clinical parameters and functional tests supported by machine learning and serum proteome profiling.

Methods: Patients with L-TPD were classified according to the results of their computer-tomography (CT) scan and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide adjusted for hemoglobin (DLCOc) tests at 4 and 12-months post-infection.

Results: Regarding the acute phase, our data showed that L-TPD was favored in elderly patients with hypertension or insulin resistance, supported by pathways associated with vascular inflammation and chemotaxis of phagocytes, according to computer proteomics. Then, at 4-months post-infection, clinical and functional tests revealed that L-TPD patients exhibited a restrictive lung condition, impaired aerobic capacity and reduced muscular strength. At this time point, high circulating levels of platelets and CXCL9, and an inhibited FCgamma-receptor-mediated-phagocytosis due to reduced FcγRIII (CD16) expression in CD14+ monocytes was observed in patients with L-TPD. Finally, 1-year post infection, patients with L-TPD worsened metabolic syndrome and augmented body mass index in comparison with other patient groups.

Discussion: Overall, our data demonstrated that CT scan and DLCOc identified patients with L-TPD after COVID-19. This condition was associated with vascular inflammation and impair phagocytosis of virus-antibody immune complexes by reduced FcγRIII expression. In addition, we conclude that COVID-19 survivors required a personalized follow-up and adequate intervention to reduce long-term sequelae and the appearance of further metabolic diseases.

Source: Sanhueza S, Vidal MA, Hernandez MA, Henriquez-Beltran ME, Cabrera C, Quiroga R, Antilef BE, Aguilar KP, Castillo DA, Llerena FJ, Fraga Figueroa M, Nazal M, Castro E, Lagos P, Moreno A, Lastra JJ, Gajardo J, Garcés P, Riffo B, Buchert J, Sanhueza R, Ormazába V, Saldivia P, Vargas C, Nourdin G, Koch E, Zuñiga FA, Lamperti L, Bustos P, Guzmán-Gutiérrez E, Tapia CA, Ferrada L, Cerda G, Woehlbier U, Riquelme E, Yuseff MI, Muñoz Ramirez BA, Lombardi G, De Gonzalo-Calvo D, Salomon C, Verdugo RA, Quiñones LA, Colombo A, Barría MI, Labarca G, Nova-Lamperti E. Clinical and pulmonary function analysis in long-COVID revealed that long-term pulmonary dysfunction is associated with vascular inflammation pathways and metabolic syndrome. Front Med (Lausanne). 2023 Oct 6;10:1271863. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1271863. PMID: 37869162; PMCID: PMC10590130. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10590130/ (Full text)

Fibrin microthrombi in bladder urothelium after SARS-CoV-2 infection: Case report

Abstract:

A 45-year-old male with diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia was referred to urology due to persistent symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, erectile dysfunction, and constant pain localized to the bladder, pelvis, and perineal area, 3–4 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. A bladder biopsy showed urothelial mucosa and submucosa with hemorrhage and fibrin microthrombi in blood vessels. Hydrodistention of the bladder and pelvic floor physical therapy resolved symptoms, though bladder and pain symptoms returned upon reinfection with SARS-CoV-2. Urinalysis revealed elevated urinary interleukin-8, which may indicate localized bladder inflammation.

Source: Hoang Roberts L, Zwaans BMM, Jabbar K, Bartolone SN, Padmanabhan P, Peters KM. Fibrin microthrombi in bladder urothelium after SARS-CoV-2 infection: Case report. Urol Case Rep. 2023 Sep 25;51:102575. doi: 10.1016/j.eucr.2023.102575. PMID: 37829494; PMCID: PMC10565678. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214442023002619 (Full text)