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Glaser N, Diexer S, Klee B, Purschke O, Binder M, Frese T, Girndt M, Höll J, Moor I, Rosendahl J, Gekle M, Sedding D, Mikolajczyk R, Gottschick C. The contribution of SARS-CoV-2 to the burden of acute respiratory infections in winter season 2022/2023: results from the DigiHero study. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 144:107057. [PMID: 38631507 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES In winter of 2022/2023 SARS-CoV-2 had developed into one of many seasonal respiratory pathogens, causing an additional burden of acute respiratory infections (ARIs). Although testing was still widely used, many positive tests were not reported for the official statistics. Using data from a population-based cohort, we aimed to investigate the contribution of SARS-CoV-2 to the burden of ARI. METHODS Over 70,000 participants of the German population-based DigiHero study were invited to a questionnaire about the number and time point of ARI and SARS-CoV-2 test results in winter 2022/2023. We calculated the incidence of non-severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) ARI, the additional contribution of SARS-CoV-2, and extrapolated the age-specific estimates to obtain the total burden of SARS-CoV-2 in Germany. RESULTS For the winter of 2022/2023, 37,708 participants reported 54,813 ARIs, including 9358 SARS-CoV-2 infections. This translated into a cumulative incidence of 145 infections/100 persons for all ARIs, 120 infections/100 persons for non-SARS ARI, and 25 infections/100 persons for SARS ARI (+21%). CONCLUSIONS Our estimate for ARI related to SARS-CoV-2 is consistent with the difference in all ARI between pre-pandemic years and 2022/2023. This additional burden should be considered, particularly, with respect to the implications for the work force.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Glaser
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sophie Diexer
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bianca Klee
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Oliver Purschke
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Mascha Binder
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany; Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Frese
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Matthias Girndt
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jessica Höll
- Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Irene Moor
- Institute for Medical Sociology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jonas Rosendahl
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Daniel Sedding
- Mid-German Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany.
| | - Cornelia Gottschick
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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2
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Naik H, Wilton J, Tran KC, Janjua NZ, Levin A, Zhang W. Long-term Health-related Quality of Life in Working-age COVID-19 Survivors: A Cross-sectional Study. Am J Med 2024:S0002-9343(24)00338-3. [PMID: 38795939 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2024.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most working-age (18-64) adults have been infected with SARS-CoV-2, and some may have developed post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). However, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) greater than 2 years following infection remains uncharacterized. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, COVID-19 survivors from throughout British Columbia (BC), Canada, completed a questionnaire greater than 2 years post-infection. PCC status was self-reported, and HRQOL was assessed using the EuroQol 5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L) instrument. We compared HRQOL in those with current PCC, those with recovered PCC, and those without a history of PCC. Iterative proportional fitting was used to weight analyses to be representative of COVID-19 survivors in BC. Multivariable regression models were used to adjust for confounders. RESULTS Of the 1,135 analyzed participants, 19.2% had current PCC, and 27.6% had recovered PCC. Compared to those without a history of PCC, participants with recovered PCC had a similar weighted mean EQ-5D health utility (adjusted difference -0.02 [95%CI -0.03, 0.00]), but those with current PCC had a lower health utility (adjusted difference -0.08 [95%CI -0.12, -0.05]). Compared to those without a history of PCC, participants with current PCC were more likely to report problems with mobility (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 6.00 [95%CI 2.88-12.52]), self-care (aOR 5.96 [95%CI 1.84-19.32]), usual activities (aOR 8.00 [95%CI 4.27-14.99]), pain/discomfort (aOR 4.28 [95%CI 2.46-7.48]), and anxiety/depression (aOR 3.45 [95%CI 1.90-6.27]). CONCLUSIONS In working-age adults who have survived greater than 2 years following COVID-19, HRQOL is high among those who have never had PCC or have recovered from PCC. However, individuals with ongoing symptoms of PCC have lower HRQOL and are more likely to have deficits in multiple functional domains. These findings underscore the importance of implementing targeted healthcare interventions to improve HRQOL in adults with long-term PCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiten Naik
- Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Post-COVID-19 Interdisciplinary Clinical Care Network, Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - James Wilton
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Karen C Tran
- Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Post-COVID-19 Interdisciplinary Clinical Care Network, Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Naveed Zafar Janjua
- Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; BC Centre for Disease Control, Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; School of Population and Public Health, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Adeera Levin
- Department of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Post-COVID-19 Interdisciplinary Clinical Care Network, Provincial Health Services Authority, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wei Zhang
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; Centre for Advancing Health Outcomes, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Diexer S, Klee B, Gottschick C, Broda A, Purschke O, Binder M, Gekle M, Girndt M, Hoell JI, Moor I, Sedding D, Rosendahl J, Mikolajczyk R. Insights into early recovery from Long COVID-results from the German DigiHero Cohort. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8569. [PMID: 38609482 PMCID: PMC11015032 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59122-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
65 million people worldwide are estimated to suffer from long-term symptoms after their SARS-CoV-2 infection (Long COVID). However, there is still little information about the early recovery among those who initially developed Long COVID, i.e. had symptoms 4-12 weeks after infection but no symptoms after 12 weeks. We aimed to identify associated factors with this early recovery. We used data from SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals from the DigiHero study. Participants provided information about their SARS-CoV-2 infections and symptoms at the time of infection, 4-12 weeks, and more than 12 weeks post-infection. We performed multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with early recovery from Long COVID and principal component analysis (PCA) to identify groups among symptoms. 5098 participants reported symptoms at 4-12 weeks after their SARS-CoV-2 infection, of which 2441 (48%) reported no symptoms after 12 weeks. Men, younger participants, individuals with mild course of acute infection, individuals infected with the Omicron variant, and individuals who did not seek medical care in the 4-12 week period after infection had a higher chance of early recovery. In the PCA, we identified four distinct symptom groups. Our results indicate differential risk of continuing symptoms among individuals who developed Long COVID. The identified risk factors are similar to those for the development of Long COVID, so people with these characteristics are at higher risk not only for developing Long COVID, but also for longer persistence of symptoms. Those who sought medical help were also more likely to have persistent symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Diexer
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Bianca Klee
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Cornelia Gottschick
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anja Broda
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Oliver Purschke
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Mascha Binder
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Haematology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland, Petersgraben 4, 4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius-Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06110, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Matthias Girndt
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jessica I Hoell
- Paediatric Haematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Irene Moor
- Institute for Medical Sociology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Daniel Sedding
- Mid-German Heart Centre, Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Jonas Rosendahl
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 8, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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4
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Klee B, Costa D, Frese T, Knoechelmann A, Meyer G, Meyer T, Purschke O, Schildmann J, Steckelberg A, Mikolajczyk R. To Remind or Not to Remind During Recruitment? An Analysis of an Online Panel in Germany. Int J Public Health 2024; 69:1606770. [PMID: 38586472 PMCID: PMC10996063 DOI: 10.3389/ijph.2024.1606770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: To explore the role of reminders in recruiting and maintaining participation in an online panel. Methods: 50,045 individuals from five German federal states were invited by regular mail to participate in the online study "Health-Related Beliefs and Healthcare Experiences in Germany." Those who did not respond to the first attempt received a postal reminder. Comparisons of sociodemographic characteristics and responses were made between first-attempt respondents and those who enrolled after the second letter. Results: After the initial letter, 2,216 (4.4%, 95%CI: 4.3%-4.6%) registered for the study; after a reminder 1,130 (2.5%, 2.3%-2.6% of those reminded) enrolled. Minor sociodemographic differences were observed between the groups and the content of the responses did not differ. Second-attempt respondents were less likely to participate in subsequent questionnaires: 67.3% of first-attempt vs. 43.3% of second-attempt respondents participated in their fourth survey. Recruitment costs were 79% higher for second-attempt respondents. Conclusion: While reminders increased the number of participants, lower cost-effectiveness and higher attrition of second-attempt respondents support the use of single invitation only for studies with a similar design to ours when the overall participation is low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bianca Klee
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Daniela Costa
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Thomas Frese
- Institute for General Medicine, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Anja Knoechelmann
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Gabriele Meyer
- Institute for Health and Nursing Sciences, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Thorsten Meyer
- Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Oliver Purschke
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Jan Schildmann
- Institute for History and Ethics of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Anke Steckelberg
- Institute for Health and Nursing Sciences, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Interdisciplinary Centre for Health Sciences, Medical Faculty of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
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Gheorghita R, Soldanescu I, Lobiuc A, Caliman Sturdza OA, Filip R, Constantinescu – Bercu A, Dimian M, Mangul S, Covasa M. The knowns and unknowns of long COVID-19: from mechanisms to therapeutical approaches. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1344086. [PMID: 38500880 PMCID: PMC10944866 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1344086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been defined as the greatest global health and socioeconomic crisis of modern times. While most people recover after being infected with the virus, a significant proportion of them continue to experience health issues weeks, months and even years after acute infection with SARS-CoV-2. This persistence of clinical symptoms in infected individuals for at least three months after the onset of the disease or the emergence of new symptoms lasting more than two months, without any other explanation and alternative diagnosis have been named long COVID, long-haul COVID, post-COVID-19 conditions, chronic COVID, or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Long COVID has been characterized as a constellation of symptoms and disorders that vary widely in their manifestations. Further, the mechanisms underlying long COVID are not fully understood, which hamper efficient treatment options. This review describes predictors and the most common symptoms related to long COVID's effects on the central and peripheral nervous system and other organs and tissues. Furthermore, the transcriptional markers, molecular signaling pathways and risk factors for long COVID, such as sex, age, pre-existing condition, hospitalization during acute phase of COVID-19, vaccination, and lifestyle are presented. Finally, recommendations for patient rehabilitation and disease management, as well as alternative therapeutical approaches to long COVID sequelae are discussed. Understanding the complexity of this disease, its symptoms across multiple organ systems and overlapping pathologies and its possible mechanisms are paramount in developing diagnostic tools and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roxana Gheorghita
- Victor Babes University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Iuliana Soldanescu
- Integrated Center for Research, Development and Innovation for Advanced Materials, Nanotechnologies, Manufacturing and Control Distributed Systems (MANSiD), University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Andrei Lobiuc
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Olga Adriana Caliman Sturdza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Suceava Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Suceava, Romania
| | - Roxana Filip
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Suceava Emergency Clinical County Hospital, Suceava, Romania
| | - Adela Constantinescu – Bercu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Institute of Cardiovascular Science, Hemostasis Research Unit, University College London (UCL), London, United Kingdom
| | - Mihai Dimian
- Integrated Center for Research, Development and Innovation for Advanced Materials, Nanotechnologies, Manufacturing and Control Distributed Systems (MANSiD), University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Department of Computer, Electronics and Automation, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
| | - Serghei Mangul
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mihai Covasa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine and Biological Science, University of Suceava, Suceava, Romania
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pomona, CA, United States
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Schurr M, Junne F, Martus P, Paul G, Jürgensen JS, Allwang C, Binneböse M, Wallis H, Mikolajczyk R, Galante-Gottschalk A, Zipfel S, Ehehalt S, Giel KE. SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with physical but not mental fatigue - Findings from a longitudinal controlled population-based study. J Psychosom Res 2024; 178:111598. [PMID: 38277895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Fatigue has been identified as the core symptom of long-Covid, however, putative pandemic-related influences remain largely unclear. We investigated trajectories of total, physical and mental fatigue and the factors associated with it in previously infected and non-infected individuals up to one year post- infection. METHODS We used data from a longitudinal cohort study of German adults with two samples: A representative probability sample and a sample of individuals with proven SARS-CoV-2 infection. Surveys were conducted in spring 2020(T1), autumn 2020(T2) and summer 2021(T3). Fatigue was assessed using the FAS, distinguishes between physical and mental fatigue. Depression, anxiety and stress were assessed using PHQ-4 and PSQ. RESULTS 1990 participants [mean age 47.2 (SD = 17.0), 30.5% previously infected] were included in the survey at T1 (n = 1118 at T2, n = 692 at T3). Total and physical fatigue, but not mental fatigue were significantly higher in the previously infected compared to the non-infected sample at T2, but this group difference disappeared at T3. We identified Covid-infection as a factor associated with transient total and physical fatigue at T2. Depression, anxiety and stress at T1 were associated with total, physical and mental fatigue at both follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the importance of considering physical and mental fatigue as separate entities, while suggesting a greater relevance of the physical signs of fatigue in understanding long-Covid. The results further showed that baseline mental health symptoms were the most strongly associated with fatigue trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Schurr
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.
| | - Florian Junne
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Peter Martus
- Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and applied Biostatistics, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Gregor Paul
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Pneumology and Infectious Diseases, Klinikum Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - Christine Allwang
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marius Binneböse
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Hannah Wallis
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences; Institute of Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics and Informatics, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | | | - Stephan Zipfel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Germany
| | - Stefan Ehehalt
- Public Health Department, State Capital-City Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Katrin Elisabeth Giel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany; German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Germany
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7
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Li G, Wu J, Huang Y, Wang Q, Xing T, Ou T. Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia among renal transplant recipients in Beijing Omicron wave. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0300523. [PMID: 38230924 PMCID: PMC10846129 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03005-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The novel coronavirus disease-19 had become an unprecedented global health emergency, quickly expanding worldwide. Omicron (B.1.1.529), as a novel variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), was initially identified in South Africa and Botswana. Renal transplant recipients (RTRs) are a special group and are more vulnerable to viral pneumonia. Thus, this study aimed to assess the incidence and risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia that occurred in RTRs with Omicron infection. This single-center case-control study enrolled the RTRs who were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection by the SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid test, which were divided into two groups according to the imaging features of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. The parameters were collected by questionnaires and analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions. A total of 313 RTRs completed the questionnaires, and 131 were enrolled in this study with a mean age of 42.66 years. The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia among the enrolled participants was 76.3%. The first symptoms included fever (89.3%), cough (93.1%), and expectoration (81.7%). From the comparison, the parameters such as age, gender, body mass index, lymphocyte count, and the percent of neutrophils and the basic serum creatinine before SARS-CoV-2 infection were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, age and the basic serum creatinine were independent risk factors for developing SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia (P < 0.05). Older RTRs with a high level of serum creatinine before SARS-CoV-2 infection were more at risk of developing SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. More randomized controlled studies are needed.IMPORTANCEThis study aimed to assess the incidence and the risk factors of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia that occurred in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) with Omicron infection. In conclusion, older RTRs with a high level of serum creatinine before SARS-CoV-2 infection were more at risk of developing SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia and should be timely treated, in case of severe pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangping Li
- Department of Urology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangtao Wu
- Department of Urology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Huang
- Department of Urology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Urology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tianying Xing
- Department of Urology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tongwen Ou
- Department of Urology, Xuanwu Hospital Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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8
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Fischer C, Willscher E, Paschold L, Gottschick C, Klee B, Diexer S, Bosurgi L, Dutzmann J, Sedding D, Frese T, Girndt M, Hoell JI, Gekle M, Addo MM, Schulze Zur Wiesch J, Mikolajczyk R, Binder M, Schultheiß C. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination may mitigate dysregulation of IL-1/IL-18 and gastrointestinal symptoms of the post-COVID-19 condition. NPJ Vaccines 2024; 9:23. [PMID: 38316833 PMCID: PMC10844289 DOI: 10.1038/s41541-024-00815-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The rapid development of safe and effective vaccines helped to prevent severe disease courses after SARS-CoV-2 infection and to mitigate the progression of the COVID-19 pandemic. While there is evidence that vaccination may reduce the risk of developing post-COVID-19 conditions (PCC), this effect may depend on the viral variant. Therapeutic effects of post-infection vaccination have been discussed but the data for individuals with PCC remains inconclusive. In addition, extremely rare side effects after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination may resemble the heterogeneous PCC phenotype. Here, we analyze the plasma levels of 25 cytokines and SARS-CoV-2 directed antibodies in 540 individuals with or without PCC relative to one or two mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccinations as well as in 20 uninfected individuals one month after their initial mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccination. While none of the SARS-CoV-2 naïve individuals reported any persisting sequelae or exhibited PCC-like dysregulation of plasma cytokines, we detected lower levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in patients with ongoing PCC who received one or two vaccinations at a median of six months after infection as compared to unvaccinated PCC patients. This reduction correlated with less frequent reporting of persisting gastrointestinal symptoms. These data suggest that post-infection vaccination in patients with PCC might be beneficial in a subgroup of individuals displaying gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Fischer
- Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Translational Immuno-Oncology, Department of Biomedicine, University, and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Edith Willscher
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Lisa Paschold
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Oncology/Hematology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Cornelia Gottschick
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics, and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Bianca Klee
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics, and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Sophie Diexer
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics, and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Lidia Bosurgi
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Protozoa Immunology, Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Dutzmann
- Mid-German Heart Center, Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Daniel Sedding
- Mid-German Heart Center, Department of Cardiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Thomas Frese
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Matthias Girndt
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Jessica I Hoell
- Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Michael Gekle
- Julius Bernstein-Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Marylyn M Addo
- I. Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems, Braunschweig, Germany
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute for Infection Research and Vaccine Development (IIRVD), Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Rafael Mikolajczyk
- Institute for Medical Epidemiology, Biometrics, and Informatics (IMEBI), Interdisciplinary Center for Health Sciences, Medical School of the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, (Saale), Germany
| | - Mascha Binder
- Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Translational Immuno-Oncology, Department of Biomedicine, University, and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Schultheiß
- Division of Medical Oncology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Laboratory of Translational Immuno-Oncology, Department of Biomedicine, University, and University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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Mead MN, Seneff S, Wolfinger R, Rose J, Denhaerynck K, Kirsch S, McCullough PA. COVID-19 mRNA Vaccines: Lessons Learned from the Registrational Trials and Global Vaccination Campaign. Cureus 2024; 16:e52876. [PMID: 38274635 PMCID: PMC10810638 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.52876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Our understanding of COVID-19 vaccinations and their impact on health and mortality has evolved substantially since the first vaccine rollouts. Published reports from the original randomized phase 3 trials concluded that the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines could greatly reduce COVID-19 symptoms. In the interim, problems with the methods, execution, and reporting of these pivotal trials have emerged. Re-analysis of the Pfizer trial data identified statistically significant increases in serious adverse events (SAEs) in the vaccine group. Numerous SAEs were identified following the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), including death, cancer, cardiac events, and various autoimmune, hematological, reproductive, and neurological disorders. Furthermore, these products never underwent adequate safety and toxicological testing in accordance with previously established scientific standards. Among the other major topics addressed in this narrative review are the published analyses of serious harms to humans, quality control issues and process-related impurities, mechanisms underlying adverse events (AEs), the immunologic basis for vaccine inefficacy, and concerning mortality trends based on the registrational trial data. The risk-benefit imbalance substantiated by the evidence to date contraindicates further booster injections and suggests that, at a minimum, the mRNA injections should be removed from the childhood immunization program until proper safety and toxicological studies are conducted. Federal agency approval of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines on a blanket-coverage population-wide basis had no support from an honest assessment of all relevant registrational data and commensurate consideration of risks versus benefits. Given the extensive, well-documented SAEs and unacceptably high harm-to-reward ratio, we urge governments to endorse a global moratorium on the modified mRNA products until all relevant questions pertaining to causality, residual DNA, and aberrant protein production are answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Nathaniel Mead
- Biology and Nutritional Epidemiology, Independent Research, Copper Hill, USA
| | - Stephanie Seneff
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, USA
| | - Russ Wolfinger
- Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Independent Research, Research Triangle Park, USA
| | - Jessica Rose
- Immunology and Public Health Research, Independent Research, Ottawa, CAN
| | - Kris Denhaerynck
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Independent Research, Basel, CHE
| | - Steve Kirsch
- Data Science, Independent Research, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Peter A McCullough
- Cardiology, Epidemiology, and Public Health, McCullough Foundation, Dallas, USA
- Cardiology, Epidemiology, and Public Health, Truth for Health Foundation, Tucson, USA
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10
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Agergaard J, Gunst JD, Schiøttz-Christensen B, Østergaard L, Wejse C. Long-term prognosis at 1.5 years after infection with wild-type strain of SARS-CoV-2 and Alpha, Delta, as well as Omicron variants. Int J Infect Dis 2023; 137:126-133. [PMID: 37907167 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Knowledge is limited on how changing SARS-CoV-2 variants may translate into different characteristics and affect the prognosis of patients with long COVID, especially following Omicron variants. We compared long-term prognosis of patients in a Danish Post-COVID Clinic infected with wild-type strain, Alpha, Delta, or Omicron variants as well as the pre-Omicron compared to the Omicron period. METHODS At enrollment, a Post-COVID symptom Questionnaire (PCQ), and standard health scores, were registered and repeated four times until 1.5 years after infection. PCQ was the primary outcome to assess the severity of long COVID, and Delta PCQ to assess failure to improve. RESULTS A total of 806 patients were enrolled. Patients infected with Omicron and Delta variants presented with more severe long COVID (median PCQ 43 in Delta vs 38 in wild-type, P = 0.003) and health scores (EuroQol five-dimension five-level-index was 0.70 in Omicron vs 0.76 in wild-type, P = 0.009 and 0.78 pre-Omicron, P = 0.006). At 1.5 years after infection, patients had no clinically meaningful decline in severity of long COVID, and 57% (245/429) of patients failed to improve 1.5 years after infection, with no differences between variants. CONCLUSION More than half of patients referred to a Post-COVID Clinic failed to improve in long COVID severity 1.5 years after infection regardless of variants of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Agergaard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | | | - Berit Schiøttz-Christensen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark; Research Unit of General Practice, University of Southern Denmark, Odense M, Denmark
| | - Lars Østergaard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Christian Wejse
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark; Center of Global Health, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
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