Tag: long covid symptoms

Musculoskeletal symptoms in patients with Long COVID: A cross-sectional study on Iranian patients

Abstract:

Background and objectives: Latest studies have revealed that an increasing number of Corona Virus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) patients may continue to feel symptoms after the acute phase. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms after the acute phase of COVID-19 and its associated factors.

Methods: We designed a cross-sectional study from January 2021 to April 2021. An online questionnaire was designed and sent to patients who had recovered from COVID-19. The questionnaire contained questions on participants’ demographic characteristics, COVID-19 course at its acute phase, and musculoskeletal symptoms after recovering from COVID-19. Musculoskeletal symptoms associations with patients’ characteristic and COVID-19 course was evaluated.

Result: 239 patients, including 72 (30.1%) males and 167 (69.9%) females with a mean age of 37.96 years (SD=11.19), were included in the study. 98.74% of our patients had experienced at least one musculoskeletal symptom after recovering from COVID-19, and the most common symptom was fatigue, as 91.2% of participants experienced this symptom, followed by myalgia, headache, and low back pain. High BMI, hospitalization, and ICU admission were associated with a higher risk of musculoskeletal symptoms.

Conclusion: This study indicated a high prevalence of persistent musculoskeletal symptoms among patients who recovered from COVID-19. Modifiable factors, such as BMI, can be targeted to reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms in COVID-19 survivors and reduce its burden.

Source: Azadvari M, Haghparast A, Nakhostin-Ansari A, Emami Razavi SZ, Hosseini M. Musculoskeletal symptoms in patients with Long COVID: A cross-sectional study on Iranian patients. Heliyon. 2022 Aug 11:e10148. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10148. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35971463; PMCID: PMC9367176. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9367176/ (Full text)

Post-COVID-19 neurologic syndrome: Another legacy of the pandemic

Abstract:

COVID-19 quickly escalated to a global pandemic in 2020. As research on the topic continues, the medical community has found that this acute illness can cause a new chronic illness: postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Some patients with PASC develop predominately neurologic sequelae (post-COVID-19 neurologic syndrome or PCNS). This article describes PASC and PCNS, their proposed pathogenicity and possible neurovirulence mechanisms, symptoms, and treatment recommendations.

Source: Luciew, Joshua D. MPAS, PA-C; Erickson, Rodney A. MD; Kaufman, Tara K. MD. Post-COVID-19 neurologic syndrome: Another legacy of the pandemic. JAAPA: August 9, 2022 – Volume – Issue – 10.1097/01.JAA.0000854524.40560.f3 doi: 10.1097/01.JAA.0000854524.40560.f3  https://journals.lww.com/jaapa/Fulltext/9900/Post_COVID_19_neurologic_syndrome__Another_legacy.18.aspx (Full text)

Comorbidity of long COVID and psychiatric disorders after a hospitalisation for COVID-19: a cross-sectional study

Abstract:

Objectives: Long COVID is a major public health issue. Whether long COVID is comorbid with psychiatric disorders remains unclear. Here, we investigate the association between long COVID, psychiatric symptoms and psychiatric disorders.

Design: Cross-sectional.

Settings: Bicêtre Hospital, France, secondary care.

Participants: One hundred seventy-seven patients admitted in intensive care unit during acute phase and/or reporting long COVID complaints were assessed 4 months after hospitalisation for an acute COVID.

Main outcome measures: Eight long COVID complaints were investigated: fatigue, respiratory and cognitive complaints, muscle weakness, pain, headache, paraesthesia and anosmia. The number of complaints, the presence/absence of each COVID-19 complaint as well as lung CT scan abnormalities and objective cognitive impairment) were considered. Self-reported psychiatric symptoms were assessed with questionnaires. Experienced psychiatrists assessed Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition-based diagnoses of psychiatric disorders.

Results: One hundred and fifteen (65%) patients had at least one long COVID complaint. The number of long COVID complaints was associated with psychiatric symptoms. The number of long COVID complaints was higher in patients with psychiatric disorders (mean (m) (SD)=2.47 (1.30), p<0.05), new-onset psychiatric disorders (m (SD)=2.41 (1.32), p<0.05) and significant suicide risk (m (SD)=2.67 (1.32), p<0.05) than in patients without any psychiatric disorder (m (SD)=1.43 (1.48)). Respiratory complaints were associated with a higher risk of psychiatric disorder and new-onset psychiatric disorder, and cognitive complaints were associated with a higher risk of psychiatric disorder.

Conclusions: Long COVID is associated with psychiatric disorders, new-onset psychiatric disorders and suicide risk. Psychiatric disorders and suicide risk should be systematically assessed in patients with long COVID.

Source: Gasnier M, Choucha W, Radiguer F, Faulet T, Chappell K, Bougarel A, Kondarjian C, Thorey P, Baldacci A, Ballerini M, Ait Tayeb AEK, Herrero H, Hardy-Leger I, Meyrignac O, Morin L, Lecoq AL, Pham T, Noel N, Jollant F, Montani D, Monnet X, Becquemont L, Corruble E, Colle R; COMEBAC study group. Comorbidity of long COVID and psychiatric disorders after a hospitalisation for COVID-19: a cross-sectional study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2022 Aug 11:jnnp-2021-328516. doi: 10.1136/jnnp-2021-328516. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35953265.  https://jnnp.bmj.com/content/early/2022/08/10/jnnp-2021-328516 (Full text)

Symptom burden and immune dynamics 6 to 18 months following mild SARS-CoV-2 infection -a case-control study

Abstract:

Background: The burden and duration of persistent symptoms after non-severe COVID-19 remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess post-infection symptom trajectories in home-isolated COVID-19 cases compared to age- and time-period matched seronegative controls, and investigate immunological correlates of long COVID.

Methods: A prospective case-control study conducted between February 28th and April 4th 2020 included home-isolated COVID-19 cases followed for 12 (n = 233) to 18 (n = 149) months, and 189 age-matched SARS-CoV-2 naive controls. We collected clinical data at baseline, 6, 12 and 18 months post-infection, and blood samples at 2, 4, 6 and 12 months for analysis of SARS-CoV-2 specific humoral and cellular responses.

Results: Overall, 46% (108/233) had persisting symptoms 12 months after COVID-19. Compared to controls, adult cases had a high risk of fatigue (27% excess risk, gender and comorbidity adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.86, 95% confidence interval [CI]3.27-10.5), memory problems (21% excess risk, aOR 7.42, CI 3.51-15.67), concentration problems (20% excess risk, aOR 8.88, CI 3.88-20.35), and dyspnea (10% excess risk, aOR 2.66, CI 1.22-5.79). The prevalence of memory problems increased overall from 6 to 18 months (excess risk 11.5%, CI 1.5, 21.5, p = 0.024) and among women (excess risk 18.7%, CI 4.4, 32.9, p = 0.010). Longitudinal spike IgG was significantly associated with dyspnea at 12 months. The spike-specific clonal CD4 + TCRβ depth was significantly associated with both dyspnea and number of symptoms at 12 months.

Conclusions: This study documents a high burden of persisting symptoms after mild COVID-19, and suggest that infection induced SARS-CoV-2 specific immune responses may influence long-term symptoms.

Source: Fjelltveit EB, Blomberg B, Kuwelker K, Zhou F, Onyango TB, Brokstad KA, Elyanow R, Kaplan IM, Tøndel C, Mohn KGI, Özgümüş T, Cox RJ, Langeland N; Bergen COVID-19 Research Group. Symptom burden and immune dynamics 6 to 18 months following mild SARS-CoV-2 infection -a case-control study. Clin Infect Dis. 2022 Aug 12:ciac655. doi: 10.1093/cid/ciac655. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35959897; PMCID: PMC9384725. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9384725/ (Full text)

Post-COVID-19 neuropsychiatric manifestations among COVID-19 survivors suffering from migraine: a case-control study

Abstract:

Background: The burden of post-coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 symptoms has been increasing and is of great concern in patients with pre-existing chronic medical conditions.This study aimed to delineate the post-COVID-19 neuropsychiatric symptoms among migraine patients compared to the non-migraine control group.

Methods: Two groups, each of 204 COVID-19 survivors, were enrolled in the study after 3 months of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, one group fulfilling the episodic migraine criteria and the other serving as a matching control group. Subjects were evaluated through an in-person interview for post-COVID-19 neuropsychiatric symptoms, including detailed headache patterns and severity, using the visual analogue scale.

Results: The Frequency of headache during the acute phase of COVID-19 was more frequent in migraine patients (OR = 1.60, 95%CI = 1.04-2.45, P-value = 0.031). The reported significant post-COVID-19 neuropsychiatric symptoms in migraine patients compared to controls were fatigue (OR = 1.662, 95%CI = 1.064-2.596, P-value = 0.025), anosmia/hyposmia (OR = 2.06, 95%CI = 1.164- 3.645, P-value = 0.012), cacosmia (OR = 2.663, 95%CI = 1.145-6.195, P-value = 0.019), depression (OR = 2.259, 95%CI = 1.284- 3.975, P-value = 0.004), anxiety (OR = 3.267, 95%CI = 1.747- 6.108, P-value ≤ 0.001), insomnia (OR = 2.203, 95%CI = 1.298- 3.739, P-value = 0.003), and headache (OR = 3.148, 95%CI = 1.616-6.136, P-value = ≤ 0.001).While there was no statistically significant difference between migraine patients and controls regarding the post-COVID-19 functional status score (P-value = 0.102). The pattern of post-COVID-19 headache was reported as chronic headache transformation in 17.6% of the migraine group, with the median intensity rate being 5.5 and IQR (3-7). In the control group, 14% experienced chronic headache attributed to systemic viral infection with a median intensity rate of 2 and IQR (2-5), while 12% experienced a new daily persistent headache with a median intensity of 5 and IQR (1-6).

Conclusion: The study highlighted the importance of follow-up migraine patients upon recovery from COVID-19 infection, being more vulnerable to post-COVID-19 symptoms.

Source: Magdy R, Elmazny A, Soliman SH, Elsebaie EH, Ali SH, Abdel Fattah AM, Hassan M, Yassien A, Mahfouz NA, Elsayed RM, Fathy W, Abdel-Hamid HM, Mohamed J, Hussein M. Post-COVID-19 neuropsychiatric manifestations among COVID-19 survivors suffering from migraine: a case-control study. J Headache Pain. 2022 Aug 12;23(1):101. doi: 10.1186/s10194-022-01468-y. PMID: 35962348; PMCID: PMC9372973. https://thejournalofheadacheandpain.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s10194-022-01468-y (Full text)

The COVID-19 Pandemic and Post-Infection Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What Lies Ahead for Gastroenterologists

Clinical Problem

An increasingly recognized subset of patients develops post-infection sequelae also described as long COVID or postacute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS). These patients experience a myriad of neurologic, respiratory, cardiac, psychiatric, and/or GI symptoms that persist for 4 weeks or more from the initial diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2.

Epidemiology

In a survey study of 749 survivors, 29% reported at least 1 new chronic GI symptom 6 months after their COVID-19 infection, with heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal pain being the most common.2 Of the patients with abdominal pain, 39% met Rome IV criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Other studies also reported a 30%–40% prevalence of GI PACS. Additionally, COVID-19 infection was associated with worsening severity of preexisting IBS symptoms. Some risk factors for GI PACS include the presence of GI symptoms during acute infection, psychiatric diagnoses (depression, anxiety) both pre- and post-COVID-19, need for hospitalization during acute illness, and loss of smell and taste. Infectious gastroenteritis is an established risk-factor for development of disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), particularly post-infection IBS (PI-IBS). Many of the risk factors for GI PACS described are also known predisposing factors for PI-IBS, with some exceptions, such as female gender, a risk factor for PI-IBS but not consistently associated with GI PACS. In addition to IBS, other de novo DGBIs, such as functional dyspepsia, heartburn, chest pain, and dysphagia, can be experienced in the spectrum of GI PACS.

Disease Mechanisms

The pathophysiology of PACS including that of the GI manifestations is incompletely understood; however, it is likely multifactorial (Figure 1). Epithelial invasion by SARS-CoV-2 is substantiated by the high expression levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 on the enterocytes and colonocytes. The angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 is a negative regulator of the renin-angiotensin system and has a protective cellular role, including in the intestinal tract. Following the entry of SARS-CoV-2 in the cell, angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 protein is downregulated, resulting in an increase in angiotensin-II, the likely molecular mechanism of severe acute respiratory syndrome and systemic inflammatory response development with this coronavirus. Intestinal microbial dysbiosis has also been associated with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and PACS. Long-term respiratory dysfunction after COVID-19 is associated with altered gut microbiota and persistently elevated lipopolysaccharide-binding protein levels. One study showed that dysbiosis in COVID-19 patients continued throughout their hospitalizations and up to 21 days from disease onset, with a decrease in health-promoting, short-chain fatty acid–forming bacteria.3 Gut microbiome of patients with PACS was characterized by higher levels of Ruminococcus gnavus and Bacteroides vulgatus, and lower levels of Faecalibacterium prausnitzii. Interestingly, presence of butyrate-producing bacteria showed an inverse correlation with development of PACS at 6 months.4 A recent study also suggested that salivary microbiome during acute infection may predict the development of GI PACS.5

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Source: Walter W. Chan and Madhusudan Grover. The COVID-19 Pandemic and Post-Infection Irritable Bowel Syndrome: What Lies Ahead for Gastroenterologists. Published: August 06, 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cgh.2022.05.044 (Full text)

Clinical, sociodemographic and environmental factors impact post-COVID-19 syndrome

Abstract:

Background: Sociodemographic and environmental factors are associated with incidence, severity, and mortality of COVID-19. However, little is known about the role of such factors in persisting symptoms among recovering patients. We designed a cohort study of hospitalized COVID-19 survivors to describe persistent symptoms and identify factors associated with post-COVID-19 syndrome.

Methods: We included patients hospitalized between March to August 2020 who were alive six months after hospitalization. We collected individual and clinical characteristics during hospitalization and at follow-up assessed ten symptoms with standardized scales, 19 yes/no symptoms, a functional status and a quality-of-life scale and performed four clinical tests. We examined individual exposure to greenspace and air pollution and considered neighbourhood´s population density and socioeconomic conditions as contextual factors in multilevel regression analysis.

Results: We included 749 patients with a median follow-up of 200 (IQR = 185-235) days, and 618 (83%) had at least one of the ten symptoms measured with scales. Pain (41%), fatigue (38%) and posttraumatic stress disorder (35%) were the most frequent. COVID-19 severity, comorbidities, BMI, female sex, younger age, and low socioeconomic position were associated with different symptoms. Exposure to ambient air pollution was associated with higher dyspnoea and fatigue scores and lower functional status.

Conclusions: We identified a high frequency of persistent symptoms among COVID-19 survivors that were associated with clinical, sociodemographic, and environmental variables. These findings indicate that most patients recovering from COVID-19 will need post-discharge care, and an additional burden to health care systems, especially in LMICs, should be expected.

Source: Ferreira JC, Moreira TCL, de Araújo AL, Imamura M, Damiano RF, Garcia ML, Sawamura MV, Pinna FR, Guedes BF, Gonçalves FAR, Mancini M, Burdmann EA, da Silva Filho DF, Polizel JL, Bento RF, Rocha V, Nitrini R, de Souza HP, Levin AS, Kallas EG, Forlenza OV, Busatto GF, Batistella LR, de Carvalho CRR, Mauad T, Gouveia N; HCFMUSP COVID-19 Study Group. Clinical, sociodemographic and environmental factors impact post-COVID-19 syndrome. J Glob Health. 2022 Aug 9;12:05029. doi: 10.7189/jogh.12.05029. PMID: 35939273. https://jogh.org/2022/jogh-12-05029 (Full text)

Long COVID Symptomatology After 12 Months and Its Impact on Quality of Life According to Initial Coronavirus Disease 2019 Disease Severity

Abstract:

Background: “Long COVID” is characterized by a variety of symptoms and an important burden for affected people. Our objective was to describe long COVID symptomatology according to initial coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severity.

Methods: Predi-COVID cohort study participants, recruited at the time of acute COVID-19 infection, completed a detailed 12-month symptom and quality of life questionnaire. Frequencies and co-occurrences of symptoms were assessed.

Results: Among the 289 participants who fully completed the 12-month questionnaire, 59.5% reported at least 1 symptom, with a median of 6 symptoms. Participants with an initial moderate or severe acute illness declared more frequently 1 or more symptoms (82.6% vs 38.6%, P < .001) and had on average 6.8 more symptoms (95% confidence interval, 4.18-9.38) than initially asymptomatic participants who developed symptoms after the acute infection. Overall, 12.5% of the participants could not envisage coping with their symptoms in the long term. Frequently reported symptoms, such as neurological and cardiovascular symptoms, but also less frequent ones such as gastrointestinal symptoms, tended to cluster.

Conclusions: Frequencies and burden of symptoms present 12 months after acute COVID-19 infection increased with the severity of the acute illness. Long COVID likely consists of multiple subcategories rather than a single entity. This work will contribute to the better understanding of long COVID and to the definition of precision health strategies.

Clinical trials registration: NCT04380987.

Source: Fischer A, Zhang L, Elbéji A, Wilmes P, Oustric P, Staub T, Nazarov PV, Ollert M, Fagherazzi G. Long COVID Symptomatology After 12 Months and Its Impact on Quality of Life According to Initial Coronavirus Disease 2019 Disease Severity. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2022 Aug 5;9(8):ofac397. doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofac397. PMID: 35983269; PMCID: PMC9379809. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9379809/ (Full text)

A Review of Respiratory Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) and the Potential Benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Abstract:

With the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic continuing into its third year, the number of patients who survive acute COVID-19 infection but go on to develop long-term symptoms is increasing daily. Those individuals who experience one or more of a variety of persistent symptoms post-COVID-19 are now diagnosed with the syndrome called post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC), often colloquially called “Long COVID.” This article discusses relevant research and current hypotheses regarding the pathophysiology and management of respiratory symptoms of PASC, in order to provide primary care physicians with context for management of this heterogeneous population. We focus on the growing body of research that supports the use of pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with PASC to improve symptoms and quality of life.

Source: Simon M, Simmons JE. A Review of Respiratory Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) and the Potential Benefits of Pulmonary Rehabilitation. R I Med J (2013). 2022 Sep 1;105(7):11-15. PMID: 35930484.  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35930484/ http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2022/09/2022-09-11-covid-simon.pdf (Full text available as PDF file)

Cognitive Complications of COVID-19 Infection

Abstract:

SARS-CoV-2 is associated with a post-infectious neurocognitive syndrome characterized by fatigue and deficits in attention, memory, and executive function. As screening cognitive testing generally remains normal, the pathophysiologic basis of these symptoms remains controversial and there is no standardized treatment paradigm.

We present a clinical case demonstrative of typical neurocognitive sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, highlighting medical and social factors that may have contributed to the severity of symptoms. We discuss the pathophysiologic evidence for cognitive “brain fog” following COVID-19 infection as well as lifestyle changes and rehabilitation strategies that may improve recovery. As the benefits of pharmacologic therapy remain unproven, we close with a brief discussion of medication options that might be appropriate targets for future clinical trials in the context of rehabilitative treatment.

Source: Warren S, Drake J, Wu CK. Cognitive Complications of COVID-19 Infection. R I Med J (2013). 2022 Sep 1;105(7):27-30. PMID: 35930487. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35930487/ http://rimed.org/rimedicaljournal/2022/09/2022-09-27-covid-warren.pdf  (Full text available as PDF file)