Tag: pre-existing conditions

ICD-10 Diagnoses prior to ME/CFS diagnosis in children and young people suggest potential early diagnostic indicators

Abstract:

To identify ICD-10-GM codes recorded in the year preceding a Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) diagnosis, we conducted a 1:5 matched case–control study using statutory health insurance data of 6–27-year-olds with ME/CFS (ICD-10-GM: G93.3, 2020–2022). Cases (n = 6,077) were matched 1:5 to controls by birth year, sex, and postal code. ICD-10-GM codes from the preceding year were analyzed using multivariable conditional logistic regression, reporting odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals. Most cases were female and aged 18–27 years.

Forty-four ICD-10-GM code classes were associated with increased and four with decreased odds, spanning 13 diagnostic chapters. Most associations were in chapters F (mental/behavioral disorders), R (respiratory diseases), and M (musculoskeletal disorders). Frequent conditions included fatigue, depression, pain disorders, and somatoform disorders (≥ 10% in cases; ORs 1.11–2.19. Rare diagnoses (≤ 1% prevalence), such as fibromyalgia (OR 2.08, 95% CI: 1.20–3.59) and mild cognitive impairment (2.93, 1.21–7.10), were strongly associated. Four COVID-19 or vaccination-related code classes were identified, with post-COVID-19 condition showing the highest OR (3.84, 2.97–4.98). Several ICD-10-GM codes, including COVID-19 related codes, were associated with later ME/CFS diagnoses.

Prospective studies should clarify timing relative to ME/CFS onset, and distinguish between pre-existing conditions, comorbidities, early manifestations, or misdiagnoses.

Source:Wirth M, Haastert B, Linnenkamp U, Andrich S, Icks A, Pricoco R, Behrends U, De Bock F. ICD-10 Diagnoses prior to ME/CFS diagnosis in children and young people suggest potential early diagnostic indicators. Sci Rep. 2026 Feb 26. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-40848-1. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 41741569. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-40848-1 (Full text)

Impacts of long COVID on disability, function and quality of life for adults living in Australia

Abstract:

Background: To describe the impact of long COVID on disability, function and quality of life among adults living in Australia.

Method: People aged >18years with a history of COVID-19 infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction or rapid antigen test were eligible for this cross-sectional survey. The World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 measured disability and function, and the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey assessed quality of life.

Results: Participants (n =121) reported significant functional impairment and reduced quality of life compared with established population norms for these outcome measures. Most (n =104, 86%) reported clinically significant disability and participation limitations in daily activities. Mean World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 scores indicated higher levels of disability than 98% of the general population. The 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores indicated lower quality of life across all domains, but particularly in relation to vitality and social functioning. Regression analysis found significant associations between the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 and 36-Item Short Form Health Survey scores, and vaccine dose number, comorbidities and self-rated recovery.

Conclusion: Long COVID is associated with significantly reduced function and quality of life, which are distinct outcomes requiring targeted assessment and intervention. The overall impact may be exacerbated in people with pre-existing comorbidities who are more susceptible to long COVID in the first place. The findings underscore the need for targeted rehabilitation and support services for people living in Australia with long COVID, and further longitudinal research to explore the long-term impact on disability and quality of life, and inform policy and healthcare service delivery.

Source: Hitch D, Botha T, Tesfay F, Holton S, Said CM, Hensher M, Richards K, Angeles MR, Bennett CM, Pepin G, Rasmussen B, Nicola-Richmond K. Impacts of long COVID on disability, function and quality of life for adults living in Australia. Aust J Prim Health. 2025 Aug;31:PY25033. doi: 10.1071/PY25033. PMID: 40977216. https://www.publish.csiro.au/py/Fulltext/PY25033 (Full text)

Prevalence and severity of neurologic symptoms in Long-COVID and the role of pre-existing conditions, hospitalization, and mental health

Abstract:

Background: Long-COVID refers to ongoing, relapsing, or new symptoms present 30 or more days after Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This study examined the prevalence and severity of neurologic symptoms at greater than 1 month following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and the influence of pre-existing neurologic and psychiatric conditions, current depression and anxiety status, and hospitalization on the presence and severity of these symptoms.

Methods: This prospective cohort study recruited primarily self-referred Long-COVID participants with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Online questionnaires inquiring about pre-existing conditions, neurologic symptoms and their severity pre, during and post COVID-19, and current anxiety and depression screening were completed by 213 participants at a median time of 8 months after infection. Descriptive analyses and prevalence modeling were performed.

Results: The most frequent neurologic symptoms post COVID-19 were fatigue, concentration/memory difficulties, unrefreshed sleep, and dysarthria/word finding difficulties (73.2–86.4%). Neurologic symptoms were highly prevalent with significantly greater odds post COVID-19 compared to pre for all symptoms and higher prevalence at time periods farther from infection, including those implicit in fibromyalgia and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Several severe neurologic symptoms were significantly more prevalent post COVID-19. Moderate to severe anxiety (34%) and depression (27%) were observed post COVID-19. Preexisting neurologic or psychiatric conditions did not demonstrate any significant difference in neurologic symptom prevalence post COVID-19. Those who met criteria for moderate or severe anxiety post COVID-19 had a significant difference in prevalence of fatigue, sensitivity to touch and unrefreshed sleep. Similarly, fatigue, concentration/memory difficulty and unrefreshed sleep were more prevalent in moderate to severe depression. There were no significant differences in neurologic symptom prevalence in a hospitalized group when compared to non- hospitalized.

Conclusion: Long-COVID has a high burden of long lasting and severe neurological sequelae. These sequelae are independent of pre-existing self-reported neurologic and psychiatric conditions, as well as previous hospitalization. Current moderate to severe anxiety and depression status can impact fatigue, cognition, and sleep post COVID-19. Focus on the biological impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the nervous system will be essential in ameliorating the tremendous symptom burden left in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: Huff Hanalise V. , Roberts Henry , Bartrum Elizabeth , Norato Gina , Grayson Nicholas , Fleig Katherine , Wilkerson Miciah J. , Stussman Barbara J. , Nath Avindra , Walitt Brian. Prevalence and severity of neurologic symptoms in Long-COVID and the role of pre-existing conditions, hospitalization, and mental health. Frontiers in Neurology, Volume 16 – 2025 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2025.1562084 10.3389/fneur.2025.1562084 ISSN:1664-2295 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2025.1562084/full (Full text)

Does Pre-existing Diabetes Correlate with Long COVID-19 in Europe? Evidence from the Analysis of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe’s Corona Surveys

Abstract:

Background. A substantial proportion of those infected with COVID-19 are presenting with persistent symptoms, referred to as long COVID-19. Emerging evidence suggests that the presence of pre-existing chronic conditions, such as diabetes, may increase the risk of long COVID-19. Objectives. To investigate whether having pre-existing diabetes increases the risk of developing long COVID-19 in the population of middle-aged and older adults (≥50 years old) in Europe, while assessing if this relationship can be accounted for or is modified by the known long COVID-19 and diabetes risk factors (age, sex, hospitalization, pre-existing hypertension, and weight status).

Methods. A population-based longitudinal prospective study involving a sample of respondents aged 50 years and older () with probable or confirmed COVID-19 infection from 27 countries that participated in both waves 7 and 8 of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe and its 2020 and 2021 Corona Surveys. Logistic regression modeling was performed.

Results. Overall, 66.8% of the respondents affected by COVID-19 infection reported at least one long COVID-19 symptom; 55.2% were female, and the average age was 64.6 years; 13.2% had pre-existing diabetes. Respondents with pre-existing diabetes had significantly higher odds of developing long COVID-19, compared to those without diabetes (; 95% ). This relationship remained significant (; 98% ) after adjusting for sex ( for females; 95% ), hospitalization for COVID-19 illness (; 95% ), pre-existing hypertension (; 95% ), and overweight (; 95% ) and obese (; 95% ) weight status. The effect of pre-existing diabetes on the risk of long COVID-19 is moderated by age; it was highest at the age of 50 (; 95% ), and then, it declined with age.

Conclusions. There is a relationship between pre-existing diabetes and long COVID-19, even after controlling for literature-based confounding factors, with age having a moderating effect on this relationship.

Source: Sarah Cuschieri, Piotr Wilk, “Does Pre-existing Diabetes Correlate with Long COVID-19 in Europe? Evidence from the Analysis of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe’s Corona Surveys”, Journal of Diabetes Research, vol. 2024, Article ID 7459628, 7 pages, 2024. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/7459628 https://www.hindawi.com/journals/jdr/2024/7459628/ (Full text)

Habitual short sleepers with pre-existing medical conditions are at higher risk of Long COVID

Abstract:

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Preliminary evidence suggests that the risk of Long COVID is higher among people with pre-existing medical conditions. Based on its proven adjuvant role in immunity, habitual sleep duration may alter the risk for developing Long COVID. The objective of this study was to determine whether the odds of Long COVID are higher amongst those with pre-existing medical conditions, and whether the strength of this association varies by habitual sleep duration.

METHODS: Using data from 13,461 respondents from 16 countries who participated in the 2021 survey based International COVID Sleep Study II (ICOSS II), we studied the associations between habitual sleep duration, pre-existing medical conditions, and Long COVID.

RESULTS: Of 2,508 individuals who had COVID-19, 61% reported at least one Long COVID symptom. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of having Long COVID was 1.8-fold higher for average-length sleepers (6-9h/night) with pre-existing medical conditions compared to those without pre-existing medical conditions [aOR 1.84 (1.18-2.90), P=0.008]. The risk of Long COVID was 3-fold higher for short sleepers with pre-existing medical conditions [aOR 2.95 (1.04-8.4), P=0.043] and not significantly higher for long sleepers with pre-existing conditions [aOR 2.11 (0.93-4.77), P=0.073] compared to average-length sleepers without pre-existing conditions.

CONCLUSIONS: Habitual short nighttime sleep duration exacerbated the risk of Long COVID in individuals with pre-existing conditions. Restoring nighttime sleep to average duration represents a potentially modifiable behavioral factor to lower the odds of Long COVID for at-risk patients.

Source: Linor Berezin, MD, et al. Habitual short sleepers with pre-existing medical conditions are at higher risk of Long COVID. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, Articles in Advance. https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/pdf/10.5664/jcsm.10818 (Full text)