1
|
Liviero F, Scapellato ML, Volpin A, Battistella M, Fabris L, Brischigliaro L, Folino F, Moretto A, Mason P, Pavanello S. Long term follow-up of heart rate variability in healthcare workers with mild COVID-19. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1403551. [PMID: 38827576 PMCID: PMC11141692 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1403551] [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] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Prior investigations into post-COVID dysautonomia often lacked control groups or compared affected individuals solely to healthy volunteers. In addition, no data on the follow-up of patients with SARS-CoV-2-related autonomic imbalance are available. Methods In this study, we conducted a comprehensive clinical and functional follow-up on healthcare workers (HCWs) with former mild COVID-19 (group 1, n = 67), to delineate the trajectory of post-acute autonomic imbalance, we previously detected in a case-control study. Additionally, we assessed HCWs for which a test before SARS-CoV-2 infection was available (group 2, n = 29), who later contracted SARS-CoV-2, aiming to validate findings from our prior case-control investigation. We evaluated autonomic nervous system heart modulation by means of time and frequency domain heart rate variability analysis (HRV) in HCWs during health surveillance visits. Short-term electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings, were obtained at about 6, 13 months and both at 6 and 13 months from the negative SARS-CoV-2 naso-pharyngeal swab (NPS) for group 1 and at about 1-month from the negative NPS for group 2. HCWs who used drugs, had comorbidities that affected HRV, or were hospitalized with severe COVID-19 were excluded. Results Group 1 was split into three subgroups clinically and functionally followed at, about 6 months (subgroup-A, n = 17), 13 months (subgroup-B, n = 37) and both at 6 and 13 months (subgroup-C, n = 13) from the negative SARS-CoV-2 NPS. In subgroup-A, at 6-month follow-up compared with baseline, the spectral components in the frequency domain HRV parameters, showed an increase in normalized high frequency power (nHF) (t = 2.99, p = 0.009), a decrease in the normalized low frequency power (nLF) (t = 2.98, p = 0.009) and in the LF/HF ratio (t = 3.13, p = 0.006). In subgroup B, the comparison of the spectral components in the frequency domain HRV parameters, at 13-month follow-up compared with baseline, showed an increase in nHF (t = 2.54, p = 0.02); a decrease in nLF (t = 2.62, p = 0.01) and in the LF/HF ratio (t = 4.00, p = 0.0003). In subgroup-C, at both 6 and 13-month follow-ups, the spectral components in the frequency domain HRV parameters were higher than baseline in nHF (t = 2.64, p = 0.02 and (t = 2.13, p = 0.05, respectively); lower in nLF (t = 2.64, p = 0.02 and (t = 2.13, p = 0.05, respectively), and in LF/HF (t = 1.92, p = 0.08 and (t = 2.43, p = 0.03, respectively). A significant proportion of HCWs reported persistent COVID-19 symptoms at both the 6 and 13-month follow-ups, seemingly unrelated to cardiac autonomic balance. In group 2 HCWs, at 1-month follow-up compared with baseline, the spectral components in the frequency domain HRV parameters, showed a decrease in nHF (t = 2.19, p = 0.04); an increase in nLF (t = 2.15, p = 0.04) and in LF/HF (t = 3.49, p = 0.002). Conclusion These results are consistent with epidemiological data suggesting a higher risk of acute cardiovascular complications during the first 30 days after COVID-19. The SARS-CoV-2 associated autonomic imbalance in the post-acute phase after recovery of mild COVID-19 resolved 6 months after the first negative SARS-CoV-2 NPS. However, a significant proportion of HCWs reported long-term COVID-19 symptoms, which dot not seems to be related to cardiac autonomic balance. Future research should certainly further test whether autonomic imbalance has a role in the mechanisms of long-COVID syndrome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Liviero
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Luisa Scapellato
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Volpin
- Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Monica Battistella
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Fabris
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Laura Brischigliaro
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Franco Folino
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Angelo Moretto
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Paola Mason
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sofia Pavanello
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Occupational Medicine Unit, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lupi L, Vitiello A, Parolin C, Calistri A, Garzino-Demo A. The Potential Role of Viral Persistence in the Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection (PASC). Pathogens 2024; 13:388. [PMID: 38787240 PMCID: PMC11123686 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13050388] [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: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is associated not only with the development of acute disease but also with long-term symptoms or post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC). Multiple lines of evidence support that some viral antigens and RNA can persist for up to 15 months in multiple organs in the body, often after apparent clearance from the upper respiratory system, possibly leading to the persistence of symptoms. Activation of the immune system to viral antigens is observed for a prolonged time, providing indirect evidence of the persistence of viral elements after acute infection. In the gastrointestinal tract, the persistence of some antigens could stimulate the immune system, shaping the local microbiota with potential systemic effects. All of these interactions need to be investigated, taking into account predisposing factors, multiplicity of pathogenic mechanisms, and stratifying populations of vulnerable individuals, particularly women, children, and immunocompromised individuals, where SARS-CoV-2 may present additional challenges.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Lupi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (L.L.); (A.V.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Adriana Vitiello
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (L.L.); (A.V.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Cristina Parolin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (L.L.); (A.V.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Arianna Calistri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (L.L.); (A.V.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Alfredo Garzino-Demo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (L.L.); (A.V.); (C.P.); (A.C.)
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis, School of Dentistry, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang Y, Wang X, Huang C, Yang H, Jiang C, Yu X, Hong J, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Zhao R, An Z, Tong Z. Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir Reduced Mortality in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19 During the Omicron Outbreak: Real-World Evidence from Beijing. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:1367-1377. [PMID: 38618583 PMCID: PMC11012621 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s445826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The efficacy of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir for hospitalized patients with COVID-19 has not been fully established. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with high risk for disease progression at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital from October 15, 2022, to March 31, 2023. Patients ≥18 years old who were hospitalized with COVID-19 within 5 days of symptom onset were included. Baseline data were obtained from the routine electronic health record database of the hospital information system. Outcomes were monitored at 28 days via electronic medical record reviews or telephone interviews. Results We identified 1120 patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the study period. After exclusions, 167 nirmatrelvir-ritonavir users and 132 controls were included. 28-day all-cause mortality rate was 12.0% (20/167) in the nirmatrelvir-ritonavir group, versus 22.7% (30/132) in the control group (unadjusted log-rank p = 0.010; HR = 0.49, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.28-0.86, IPTW-adjusted HR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.40-0.86). The 28-day disease progression rates did not differ between the two groups (unadjusted HR = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.34-1.02, IPTW-adjusted HR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.50-1.06). Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir significantly reduced all-cause mortality and disease progression within 28 days among patients aged ≥65 years without ≥2 vaccine doses. Conclusion We found significantly reduced all-cause mortality in the nirmatrelvir-ritonavir group, particularly in elderly patients who were incompletely vaccinated. Future randomized controlled studies are needed to validate our findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinrui Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chong Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chunguo Jiang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaojia Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jun Hong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yushu Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhuoling An
- Department of Pharmacy, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhaohui Tong
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ruiyin W, Qi J, Tingting W, Yuqin Y, Yan J, Kun P. Long COVID outcomes following omicron wave in non-hospital population. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1377866. [PMID: 38560433 PMCID: PMC10978792 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1377866] [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: 01/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The persistence of symptoms or the development of new symptoms following a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 has given rise to a multifaceted clinical condition referred to as "long COVID" (LC). The understanding of LC among China's non-hospitalized population continues to be insufficient. This investigation was designed to evaluate the protracted consequences amongst this demographic, as well as to identify the associated risk factors. Methods This research constitutes a prospective cohort study focusing on non-hospitalized individuals, aged between 18 and 59, who have been positively diagnosed with COVID-19. Each participant was subjected to a sequence of questionnaire-based surveys, designed to evaluate symptoms as well as the status of depression and anxiety. A logistic regression model, adjusted for multiple variables, was employed to scrutinize the correlation between demographic elements, lifestyle attributes, and health-related risk factors in relation to conditions and symptoms post COVID-19 infection. Results A total of 706 individuals participated in the 3 months follow-up, with 620 continuing on to the 6 months follow-up. The median age was 35 (28, 43) years, and 597 (85%) are female. Upon follow-up, Compared with patients without LC, patients with LC have a higher proportion of females (420 (87%) vs. 177 (79%); p = 0.010), were older (35 (29, 44) years vs. 33 (27, 41) years; p = 0.010) and have more comorbidities. Out of all participants, 483 (68.4%) reported experiencing at least one symptom at the 3 months mark, while 49.7% reported symptoms persisting at the 6 months mark. At the 3 months follow-up, the most prevalent persistent symptoms were cough (46%), fatigue (38%), and shortness of breath (34%). By the 6 months follow-up, fatigue (25%), shortness of breath (22%), and sleep disorders (16%) were the most commonly reported symptoms. Anxiety and depression were consistently reported as prevalent symptoms throughout the follow-up period. Most patient symptoms fade over time, with the quickest decreases observed in cough (from 46 to 9%), expectoration (from 26 to 6.3%), smell disorder (from 16 to 3.9%), and taste disorder (from 18 to 3.5%). Male and those possessing advanced educational qualifications exhibit a decreased susceptibility to the sustained incidence of coughing. Conversely, older age and the presence of comorbidities were identified as risk factors for persistent fatigue and shortness of breath. Conclusion In the after of COVID-19, it has been observed that the majority of patient symptoms tend to decrease over time. The primary residual symptoms noticed after a 6 month follow-up were fatigue, dyspnea, and sleep disturbances. However, it's noteworthy that the risk factors associated with these symptoms exhibit subtle variations. Furthermore, psychological sequelae, namely depression and anxiety, are frequently reported among COVID-19 survivors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wang Ruiyin
- Department of Respiratory, Beijing Longfu Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Qi
- Department of Respiratory, Beijing Longfu Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wang Tingting
- Department of Respiratory, Beijing Longfu Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Yuqin
- Department of Respiratory, Beijing Longfu Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Yan
- Department of Respiratory, Beijing Longfu Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Kun
- Department of Office of the Hospital, Beijing Longfu Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Eduvirgem J, Bressan J, Hermsdorff HHM, Montenegro LC, Brandão ML, Neves AAT, da Silva LSA, Gerake-Dias TA, Pimenta AM. Risk and protective factors for Long COVID in Brazilian adults (CUME Study). Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1344011. [PMID: 38455472 PMCID: PMC10919220 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1344011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Most people recover from COVID-19, however, between 5 to 20% have experienced new, recurring, or continuous health problems four or more weeks after being infected, a phenomenon called Long COVID, and whose reasons for its manifestation are incipient. Our objective was to analyse the risk and protective factors for Long COVID in Brazilian adults participating in the CUME Study. Methods The CUME Study is a prospective cohort conducted with graduates from federal universities in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. In this study, 390 participants who answered the baseline questionnaire in 2016 and the third follow-up questionnaire in 2022 (which contained a block of questions about occurrence of COVID-19 and Long COVID) were included. The diagnosis of Long COVID was based on self-reporting of persistence of signs and symptoms of COVID-19 between 30 days and 6 months after remission of the disease. To estimate the risk and protective factors for Long COVID, a hierarchical multivariate statistical analysis was conducted using the Poisson regression technique. Results Long COVID was observed in 48.9% of the participants. The following characteristics were identified as risk factors for the outcome: female sex (RR = 1.56; 95% CI = 1.22-1.99); prior diagnosis of hypertension (RR = 1.46; 95% CI = 1.19-1.80); having contracted COVID-19 in the first (RR =1.38; 95% CI = 1.07-1.79) or in the second waves (RR = 1.33; 95% CI = 1.07-1.65) of the pandemic period; and having presented three or more signs and symptoms during the acute phase of COVID-19 (RR = 2.99; 95% CI = 1.08-8.24). On the other hand, having a doctoral/postdoctoral educational level (RR = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.50-0.94) was identified as a protective factor for the outcome. Conclusion Health system managers and healthcare professionals should be aware of the socioeconomic profile and disease history of patients who have had COVID-19 because women, people with a prior diagnosis of hypertension, and those who manifested multiple signs and symptoms of COVID-19 during the acute phase of the disease were at greater risk of developing Long COVID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Júlio Eduvirgem
- Posgraduate Program in Nursing, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Josefina Bressan
- Department of Nutrition and Health, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Marlise Lima Brandão
- Posgraduate Program in Nursing, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Adriano Marçal Pimenta
- Posgraduate Program in Nursing, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
- Department of Nursing, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fernández-de-las-Peñas C, Raveendran AV, Giordano R, Arendt-Nielsen L. Long COVID or Post-COVID-19 Condition: Past, Present and Future Research Directions. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2959. [PMID: 38138102 PMCID: PMC10745830 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11122959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of symptoms after an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection (long-COVID) has become a worldwide healthcare emergency but remains underestimated and undertreated due to a lack of recognition of the condition and knowledge of the underlying mechanisms. In fact, the prevalence of post-COVID symptoms ranges from 50% during the first months after the infection up to 20% two-years after. This perspective review aimed to map the existing literature on post-COVID symptoms and to identify gaps in the literature to guide the global effort toward an improved understanding of long-COVID and suggest future research directions. There is a plethora of symptomatology that can be due to COVID-19; however, today, there is no clear classification and definition of this condition, termed long-COVID or post-COVID-19 condition. The heterogeneity in the symptomatology has led to the presence of groups/clusters of patients, which could exhibit different risk factors and different mechanisms. Viral persistence, long-lasting inflammation, immune dysregulation, autoimmune reactions, reactivation of latent infections, endothelial dysfunction and alteration in gut microbiota have been proposed as potential mechanisms explaining the complexity of long-COVID. In such an equation, viral biology (e.g., re-infections, SARS-CoV-2 variants), host biology (e.g., genetics, epigenetics) and external factors (e.g., vaccination) should be also considered. These various factors will be discussed in the current perspective review and future directions suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- César Fernández-de-las-Peñas
- Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Madrid, Spain
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (R.G.); (L.A.-N.)
| | | | - Rocco Giordano
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (R.G.); (L.A.-N.)
| | - Lars Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction (SMI), Department of Health Science and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, Aalborg University, DK-9220 Aalborg, Denmark; (R.G.); (L.A.-N.)
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Mech-Sense, Aalborg University Hospital, DK-9000 Aalborg, Denmark
- Steno Diabetes Center North Denmark, Clinical Institute, Aalborg University Hospital, DK-9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|