Tag: long covid symptoms

Musculoskeletal complications in long COVID-19: A systematic review

Abstract:

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has crippled humanity since early 2020. Various sequelae of COVID-19 have been reported in different body systems. Musculoskeletal symptoms are widely reported during COVID-19 infection, but musculoskeletal complications in long COVID-19 are underreported. However, post-COVID-19 survivors have reported complaints of persisting or new-onset fatigue, myalgia, arthralgia, arthritis, muscle weakness, etc in clinical practice. The well-known detrimental effects of steroids on the musculoskeletal system coupled with their over-the-counter availability can also be anticipated since they were the cornerstone of life-saving management in this pandemic.

Aim: To determine the musculoskeletal complications in long COVID.

Methods: We performed a systematic review of ‘systematic reviews and meta-analyses’.

Results: Of the 63 articles screened, 24 articles were included. Two articles specifically discussed children and adolescents. One article discussed rehabilitation intervention. No article addressed rehabilitation of musculoskeletal issues in long COVID-19 in particular. Fatigue was the most common musculoskeletal complication.

Conclusion: Fatigue is found to be very common along with myalgia and arthralgia. There were no studies on rehabilitation intervention in musculoskeletal complications specifically. Considering the lacuna in literature and the needs of the current situation, further studies are warranted to standardize effective rehabilitation interventions in musculoskeletal complications. More homogenous studies are needed. Studies on functional impairment due to musculoskeletal involvement are essential.

Source: Swarnakar R, Jenifa S, Wadhwa S. Musculoskeletal complications in long COVID-19: A systematic review. World J Virol. 2022 Nov 25;11(6):485-495. doi: 10.5501/wjv.v11.i6.485. PMID: 36483107; PMCID: PMC9724204. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9724204/ (Full text)

Persistent symptoms after COVID-19 during the first wave are not associated with differential immunity to SARS-CoV-2

Abstract:

Among the unknowns in decoding the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 persistent symptoms in Long Covid is whether there is a contributory role of abnormal immunity during acute infection – some have proposed that Long Covid may be a consequence of either an excessive or inadequate initial response. We analysed SARS-CoV-2 humoral and cellular immunity in healthcare workers infected during the first wave.

Symptom questionnaires allowed stratification into those with persistent symptoms and those without for comparison. During the period up to 18-weeks post-infection, we observed no difference in antibody responses to spike, RBD or nucleoprotein, virus neutralisation, or T cell responses. Also, there was no difference in the profile of antibody waning.

Analysis at 1-year, after two vaccine doses, comparing those with persistent symptoms to those without, again showed similar SARS-CoV-2 immunity. Thus, quantitative differences in SARS-CoV-2 adaptive immunity during acute infection are unlikely to contribute to Long Covid causality.

Source: Altmann D, Reynolds C, Joy G, et al. Persistent symptoms after COVID-19 during the first wave are not associated with differential immunity to SARS-CoV-2. Research Square; 2022. DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2324777/v1. https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-2324777/v1 (Full text)

Stellate Ganglion Block for Long COVID Symptom Management: A Case Report

Abstract:

Stellate ganglion block (SGB) is gaining increasing acceptance as a treatment modality for various medical conditions. It works by blocking neuronal transmissions which in turn alleviates sympathetically-driven disease processes. Many of the prolonged sequelae of long COVID are thought to be mediated by dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system, and SGB is being investigated as a potential option for symptomatic management of long COVID. This case report demonstrates the efficacy of SGB in a previously healthy patient for the management of long COVID symptoms including fatigue, post-exertional malaise, shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Source: Khan M H, Kirkpatrick K P, Deng Y, et al. (December 07, 2022) Stellate Ganglion Block for Long COVID Symptom Management: A Case Report. Cureus 14(12): e32295. doi:10.7759/cureus.32295 https://www.cureus.com/articles/127985-stellate-ganglion-block-for-long-covid-symptom-management-a-case-report (Full text)

Effect of Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 on Long COVID-19: A Narrative Review

Abstract:

Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 have saved millions of lives and played an important role in containing the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 is also associated with reduced disease severity and, perhaps, with COVID-19 symptom burden.

In this narrative review, we present, in a clinically relevant question-and-answer manner, the evidence regarding the association between vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 and long COVID-19. We discuss how the mechanism of action of vaccines could interplay with the pathophysiology of post-COVID-19 condition.

Furthermore, we describe how specific factors, such as the number of vaccine doses and the type of SARS-CoV-2 variants, may affect post-COVID-19 condition. We also discuss the role of timing for vaccination in relation to the onset of long COVID-19 symptoms, as it seems to affect the frequency and severity of the condition.

Additionally, we describe the potential modifying effect of age, as well as the association of type and level of immune response with long COVID-19. We also describe how system-specific long COVID-19 sequelae, namely neurocognitive-psychologic symptoms and cardiovascular pathology, could be altered by vaccination.

Last, we address the question of whether seasonal influenza vaccination has a meaningful impact on the frequency of long COVID-19.

Source: Tofarides AG, Christaki E, Milionis H, Nikolopoulos GK. Effect of Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 on Long COVID-19: A Narrative Review. Life (Basel). 2022 Dec 8;12(12):2057. doi: 10.3390/life12122057. PMID: 36556422. https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/12/12/2057 (Full text)

Post-Viral Fatigue Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection during Pregnancy: A Longitudinal Comparative Study

Abstract:

Studies reported post-COVID-19 fatigue in the general population, but not among pregnant women. Our objectives were to determine prevalence, duration, and risk factors of post-viral fatigue among pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2.

This study involved 588 pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy or delivery in Brazil. Three groups were investigated: G1 (n = 259, symptomatic infection during pregnancy); G2 (n = 131, positive serology at delivery); G3 (n = 198, negative serology at delivery). We applied questionnaires investigating fatigue at determined timepoints after infection for G1, and after delivery for all groups; fatigue prevalence was then determined.

Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratio (HR) and 95% CI of the risk of remaining with fatigue in G1. Overall fatigue prevalence in G1 at six weeks, three months and six months were 40.6%, 33.6%, and 27.8%, respectively. Cumulative risk of remaining with fatigue increased over time, with HR of 1.69 (95% CI: 0.89-3.20) and 2.43 (95% CI: 1.49-3.95) for women with moderate and severe symptoms, respectively.

Multivariate analysis showed cough and myalgia as independent risk factors in G1. Fatigue prevalence was significantly higher in G1 compared to G2 and G3. Post-viral fatigue prevalence is higher in women infected during pregnancy; fatigue’s risk and duration increased with the severity of infection.

Source: Oliveira AMDSS, Carvalho MA, Nacul L, Cabar FR, Fabri AW, Peres SV, Zaccara TA, O’Boyle S, Alexander N, Takiuti NH, Mayaud P, Brizot ML, Francisco RPV. Post-Viral Fatigue Following SARS-CoV-2 Infection during Pregnancy: A Longitudinal Comparative Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Nov 26;19(23):15735. doi: 10.3390/ijerph192315735. PMID: 36497810; PMCID: PMC9737157. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9737157/ (Full text)

The prevalence and long-term health effects of Long Covid among hospitalised and non-hospitalised populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract:

Background: The aim of this study was to systematically synthesise the global evidence on the prevalence of persistent symptoms in a general post COVID-19 population.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using multiple electronic databases (MEDLINE and The Cochrane Library, Scopus, CINAHL, and medRxiv) until January 2022. Studies with at least 100 people with confirmed or self-reported COVID-19 symptoms at ≥28 days following infection onset were included. Patient-reported outcome measures and clinical investigations were both assessed. Results were analysed descriptively, and meta-analyses were conducted to derive prevalence estimates. This study was pre-registered (PROSPERO-ID: CRD42021238247).

Findings: 194 studies totalling 735,006 participants were included, with five studies conducted in those <18 years of age. Most studies were conducted in Europe (n = 106) or Asia (n = 49), and the time to follow-up ranged from ≥28 days to 387 days. 122 studies reported data on hospitalised patients, 18 on non-hospitalised, and 54 on hospitalised and non-hospitalised combined (mixed). On average, at least 45% of COVID-19 survivors, regardless of hospitalisation status, went on to experience at least one unresolved symptom (mean follow-up 126 days). Fatigue was frequently reported across hospitalised (28.4%; 95% CI 24.7%-32.5%), non-hospitalised (34.8%; 95% CI 17.6%-57.2%), and mixed (25.2%; 95% CI 17.7%-34.6%) cohorts. Amongst the hospitalised cohort, abnormal CT patterns/x-rays were frequently reported (45.3%; 95% CI 35.3%-55.7%), alongside ground glass opacification (41.1%; 95% CI 25.7%-58.5%), and impaired diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (31.7%; 95% CI 25.8%-3.2%).

Interpretation: Our work shows that 45% of COVID-19 survivors, regardless of hospitalisation status, were experiencing a range of unresolved symptoms at ∼ 4 months. Current understanding is limited by heterogeneous study design, follow-up durations, and measurement methods. Definition of subtypes of Long Covid is unclear, subsequently hampering effective treatment/management strategies.

Source: O’Mahoney LL, Routen A, Gillies C, Ekezie W, Welford A, Zhang A, Karamchandani U, Simms-Williams N, Cassambai S, Ardavani A, Wilkinson TJ, Hawthorne G, Curtis F, Kingsnorth AP, Almaqhawi A, Ward T, Ayoubkhani D, Banerjee A, Calvert M, Shafran R, Stephenson T, Sterne J, Ward H, Evans RA, Zaccardi F, Wright S, Khunti K. The prevalence and long-term health effects of Long Covid among hospitalised and non-hospitalised populations: A systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine. 2022 Dec 1;55:101762. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2022.101762. PMID: 36474804; PMCID: PMC9714474. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9714474/ (Full text)

A Scoping Review on Long COVID-19: Physiological and Psychological Symptoms Post-Acute, Long-Post and Persistent Post COVID-19

Abstract:

Background: The identification of persistent symptoms of chronic/long COVID-19 is crucial in understanding the management of long haulers of post COVID-19.
Methods: Pub Med (Medline) database was scoped for original articles based on a search strategy related to the objectives. The selected articles post-screening were analyzed for variables relating to chronic/long COVID-19. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
Results: A total of 33 studies were reviewed. A total of 60% of the studies were observational studies and most of them were from high income countries. Almost half of the studies were in phase 3 of post-COVID-19, i.e., symptoms lasting >24 weeks. Among the physiological and psychological symptoms studied, fatigue, dyspnea, cough, headache, memory loss, depression, brain fog and lack of concentration were found to be the most frequently reported symptoms. Excessive sleep, constipation and neuropathic pain were among the least reported symptoms. Prior hospitalization, the female gender was found to be a risk factor. Limitations were reported by all studies.
Conclusions: The major physiological and psychological symptoms of long COVID-19 have been explained with risk factors and its impact on patients’ lifestyles. The findings of this review hope to facilitate clinicians to draw conclusions to manage the long-term effects of post/chronic COVID-19.
Source: Surapaneni KM, Singhal M, Saggu SR, Bhatt A, Shunmathy P, Joshi A. A Scoping Review on Long COVID-19: Physiological and Psychological Symptoms Post-Acute, Long-Post and Persistent Post COVID-19. Healthcare. 2022; 10(12):2418. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare10122418 https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/10/12/2418 (Full text)

Brain fog as a Long-term Sequela of COVID-19

Abstract:

Increasing data indicate that people infected with COVID-19 are at high risk for developing long-term neurological complications, such as “brain fog” or cognitive impairment. However, little is known about the long-term outcomes of COVID-19 survivors. This also applies to the prevalence, risk factors, and pathobiological findings associated with these consequences. Although cognitive complications are anticipated in patients who require a long-lasting hospital stay or intubation, milder cases of COVID-19 with no record of hospitalization have also been shown to experience assessable cognitive challenges. Cognitive impairment can have a devastating impact on daily functioning. Understanding the long-term effect of COVID-19 on cognitive function is vital for applying specific schemes to those who wish to return to their jobs productively.

Source: Nouraeinejad A. Brain fog as a Long-term Sequela of COVID-19. SN Compr Clin Med. 2023;5(1):9. doi: 10.1007/s42399-022-01352-5. Epub 2022 Nov 24. PMID: 36466122; PMCID: PMC9685075. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42399-022-01352-5 (Full text)

Post-COVID-19 syndrome/condition or long COVID: Persistent illness after acute SARS CoV-2 infection

Abstract:

Background: Approximately 10 million Australians have had confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. The waves of infection in the population have been succeeded by smaller waves of people affected by persistent illness following acute infection. Post-COVID-19 symptoms may extend for months following infection. There is a range of symptoms causing mild to debilitating impairment.

Objective: This article summarises what is currently understood about the pathophysiology, risk factors, symptoms and how to approach both the assessment and care of people with post-COVID-19 sequelae.

Discussion: Currently recommended is a person-centred approach from a multidisciplinary team, with general practitioners centrally coordinating care. As the understanding of post-acute COVID-19 is evolving, regularly updated or ‘living guidelines’ will be crucial for those affected to be provided with best care within the health system.

Source: Allard N, Miller A, Morgan M, Chakraborty S. Post-COVID-19 syndrome/condition or long COVID: Persistent illness after acute SARS CoV-2 infection. Aust J Gen Pract. 2022 Dec;51(12):952-957. doi: 10.31128/AJGP-05-22-6429. PMID: 36451331. https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2022/december/post-covid-19-syndrome-condition-or-long-covid (Full text)