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1.
Open Forum Infect Dis ; 9(8): ofac382, 2022 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2299657

ABSTRACT

Persistent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection is difficult to treat. Here, we report a case of 5-month persistent coronavirus disease 2019 in an immunocompromised patient who was successfully treated with 30 consecutive days of remdesivir. Prolonged remdesivir infusion with concurrent cycle threshold monitoring might provide a potential solution to cure these patients with difficult-to-treat infections.

2.
Eur J Clin Invest ; : e13989, 2023 Mar 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2262387

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: There has been little consensus for a specific definition of long COVID, though several organizations have created varying ones. We sought to examine the definition of long COVID used in ongoing clinical trials. METHODS: We searched 'long COVID' and related terms on both PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov for randomized studies that either included patients with long COVID or had a persistent or long-term COVID-related outcome and abstracted long COVID definition components. RESULTS: Of the 92 studies, a laboratory-only confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 was stipulated in 54.3% (n = 50) studies. We found eight different time durations specified for how long symptoms needed to have occurred, ranging from 4 to 52 weeks, with 12 weeks being the most common (34.8%; n = 32). 35.9% (n = 33) did not specify a time duration. There were 57 different symptoms specified in total, with a median of one symptom identified per study (range 0-32). 8.7% of trials adhered to NICE or WHO definitions. CONCLUSION: Standardized definitions of long COVID should be applied in studies assessing this condition to unify and harmonize research on this topic.

3.
Semergen ; 49(5): 101939, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2256448

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: This study analyzed the impact of patients' age, sex, vaccination, immunosuppressive treatment, and previous comorbidities on the risk of developing persistent COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 virus reinfection. METHOD: Population-based observational retrospective study of a cohort of 110,726 patients aged 12 years or older, who were diagnosed with COVID-19 between June 1st, 2021 and February 28th, 2022 in the island of Gran Canaria. RESULTS: 340 patients suffered reinfection. The combination of advanced age, female sex and lack of complete or incomplete vaccination against COVID-19 was strongly predictive of reinfection (p<0.05). In the 188 patients who developed persistent COVID-19, the persistence of symptoms was more frequent in adult patients, women, and patients with a diagnosis of asthma. Complete vaccination was associated with a lower risk of reinfection ([OR] 0.05, 95%CI 0.04-0.07; p<0.05) and of developing persistent COVID-19 ([OR] 0.07, 95%CI 0.05-0.10; p<0.05). None of the patients with reinfection or persistent COVID-19 died during the period of the study. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed the link between age, sex, asthma and risk of persistent COVID-19. It was not possible to define the patient's comorbidities as a factor that influences the development of reinfection, but its association with age, sex, type of vaccine and hypertension was demonstrated. Higher vaccination coverage was associated with a lower risk of persistent COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2 reinfection.


Subject(s)
Asthma , COVID-19 , Adult , Humans , Female , SARS-CoV-2 , COVID-19/epidemiology , Spain/epidemiology , Reinfection , Retrospective Studies , Asthma/epidemiology
4.
Front Med (Lausanne) ; 9: 1016013, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2278697

ABSTRACT

Background: Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, a great variability of symptoms that affect all organs and systems of the body has been identified in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection; this symptomatology can sometimes persist over time, giving rise to the so-called long COVID or post-COVID. The aim of this study is to delve into the clinical characterization of these patients, as well as to take into account the influence of factors such as hospitalization, admission to ICU, history of pneumonia, or vaccination status on the persistence of symptoms. Material and methods: An observational, descriptive, multicenter, and retrospective study was designed with a series of cases of people who presented long COVID, which includes univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses. Data were obtained from an online ad hoc questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Software Version 25 (IBM-Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Results: Hospitalization, ICU admission, history of pneumonia, and vaccination were predictive factors (positive or negative) for the following long-COVID symptoms: headache, menstrual disorders, joint pain, cough, chills, nasal congestion, back pain, abdominal pain, weight loss, eye discomfort, facial erythema, itching, tremors, dizziness, seizures, sleeping difficulty, dry eyes, palpitations, fatigue, paresthesia, dyspnea, aphonia, chest pain, high blood pressure, vomiting, memory loss, brain fog, hypothermia, low blood pressure, sputum or phlegm, lack of concentration, hair loss, and erectile dysfunction. Conclusion: This study provides evidence on the clinical characterization of patients suffering from long COVID in order to offer them the most appropriate treatments.

5.
J Clin Nurs ; 2023 Feb 17.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2264337

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To determine post-COVID syndromes in the Indian population, correlating a wide spectrum of post-COVID manifestations with acute disease severity and associated risk factors. BACKGROUND: Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) is defined as signs and symptoms that develop during or after acute COVID-19 infection. DESIGN OF STUDY: This is a prospective observational cohort with repetitive measurements. METHODS: The study followed RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19-positive survivors discharged from HAHC Hospital, New Delhi, for a period of 12 weeks. The patients were interviewed over the phone at 4 weeks and 12 weeks from the onset of symptoms for evaluation of clinical symptoms and health-related quality of life parameters. RESULTS: A total of 200 patients completed the study. At the baseline, 50% of the patients were categorised as severe based on their acute infection assessment. At 12 weeks after symptom onset, fatigue (23.5%), hair loss (12.5%) and dyspnea (9%) were the main persistent symptoms. The incidence of hair loss (12.5%), memory loss (4.5%) and brain fog (5%) were found to be increased as compared to the acute infection period. Severity of the acute COVID infection behaved as an independent predictor for the development of PCS, with high odds of experiencing persistent cough (OR = 13.1), memory loss (OR = 5.2) and fatigue (OR = 3.3). Further, 30% of subjects in the severe group experienced statistically significant fatigue at 12 weeks (p < .05). CONCLUSION: From the results of our study, it can be concluded that there is a huge disease burden of post-COVID Syndrome (PCS). The PCS comprised multisystem symptoms ranging from serious complaints of dyspnea, memory loss and brain fog to non-serious complaints of fatigue and hair loss. Severity of the acute COVID infection behaved as an independent predictor for the development of PCS. Our findings strongly recommend vaccination against COVID-19, for protection from disease severity as well as prevention of PCS. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: The findings of our study support the multidisciplinary approach required for the management of PCS with a team comprising of physicians, nurses, physiotherapists and psychiatrists working in close coordination for the rehabilitation of these patients. As nurses are considered the most trusted professionals in the community and the class of health workers associated with rehabilitation, focus should be given to educating them on PCS, which would prove to be an important strategy for efficient monitoring and long-term management of COVID-19 survivors.

7.
Medicina (Kaunas) ; 58(12)2022 Dec 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2200503

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives: Patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 can have persistent symptoms after acute illness, which affects their quality of life (QoL). Research and data about this topic in Latin American ambulatory patients are scarce. Materials and Methods: We conducted an observational, prospective, transversal, and analytical study. To measure QoL, we used a validated Spanish version of the MOS/RAND 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). Results: We included 206 outpatients in the study. A total of 73.3% patients had persistence of one or more symptoms. The most frequent persistent symptoms were fatigue (36.9%), anxiety (26.2%), and headache (24.8%). No statistically significant difference in the SF-36 QoL scores and the frequency of persistent COVID-19 symptoms was found when comparing the ≤5 and >5 months groups, except for myalgia, which was less frequently observed in the >5 months group after COVID-19 (26.2% vs. 14.1%, p < 0.038). Female gender was associated with an increased risk of persistence of symptoms (OR = 2.95, 95% CI 1.56−5.57). Having comorbidities/sequelae attributed to COVID-19 and persistence of COVID-19 symptoms were associated risk factors for poor physical component summary (PCS); on the other hand, female gender, anxiety, and depression were associated with poor mental component summary (MCS). Conclusion: Most outpatients had persistent COVID-19 symptoms after infection. Persistence of symptoms was associated with poor MCS and PCS. It is important to follow-up not only patients discharged from the hospital after SARS-CoV-2 infection, but also those under ambulatory management to provide them with rehabilitation and psychological therapy to improve their QoL.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , Female , COVID-19/complications , Quality of Life , Outpatients , Prospective Studies , SARS-CoV-2
8.
Healthcare (Basel) ; 11(2)2023 Jan 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2199997

ABSTRACT

Persistent COVID-19 condition includes a wide variety of symptoms and health problems of indeterminate duration. The present study examined the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the population with Long COVID seen in Primary Care using a questionnaire based on the existing scientific literature. It was an observational and descriptive study of the characteristics of the Spanish population with Long COVID over 14 years of age. The responses were analysed by means of a descriptive analysis of the variables recorded, in addition to a bivariate analysis to determine the existence of a relationship between persistent COVID-19 and variables such as gender, age, vaccination status or concomitant pathology. The results obtained clearly describe the sociodemographic characteristics of the population, highlighting the predominance of female gender and the prevalence of tiredness and fatigue. Furthermore, relevant information was obtained on the differences in symptomatology according to gender, age, previous pathologies and alterations derived from infection and/or vaccination. These data are important for better detection, diagnosis and treatment of Long COVID and the improvement of the quality of life of this population.

9.
J Clin Nurs ; 2022 Nov 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2137031

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Single studies support the presence of several post-COVID-19 symptoms; however, there is no evidence for the synthesis of symptoms. OBJECTIVE: We attempt to provide an overview of the persistent symptoms that post-COVID-19 patients encounter, as well as the duration of these symptoms to help them plan their rehabilitation. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 16 studies involving 8756 patients post-COVID-19 were included. METHODS: The CINAHL, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from 2019 to August 2021. Observational studies that reported data on post-COVID-19 symptoms were included. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal for Observational Studies. We included medium- to high-quality studies. We used a random-effects model for the meta-analytical pooled prevalence of each post-COVID-19 symptom, and I2 statistics for heterogeneity. RESULTS: From the 2481 studies identified, 16 met the inclusion criteria. The sample included 7623 hospitalised and 1133 non-hospitalised patients. We found the most prevalent symptoms were fatigue and dyspnea with a pooled prevalence ranging from 42% (27%-58%). Other post-COVID-19 symptoms included sleep disturbance 28% (14%-45%), cough 25% (10%-44%), anosmia/ageusia 24% (7%-47%), fever 21% (4%-47%), myalgia 17% (2%-41%), chest pain 11% (5%-20%), and headache 9% (2%-20%). In addition to physical symptoms, anxiety/depression was also prevalent 27% (8%-53%). CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue and dyspnea were the most prevalent post-COVID-19 symptoms and experienced up to 12 months. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Multiple persistent symptoms are still experienced until 12 months of post-Covid 19. This meta-analysis should provide some awareness to nurses to highlights the unmet healthcare needs of post-COVID-19 patients. Long-term monitoring for the evaluation and treatment of symptoms and conditions and rehabilitation programs should be conducted.

10.
Med Clin (Barc) ; 159(9): 440-446, 2022 11 11.
Article in English, Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2131855

ABSTRACT

SARS-CoV-2 is currently causing a persistent COVID-19 pandemic, which poses a risk of causing long-term cardiovascular sequels in the population. The viral mechanism of cell infection through the angiotensin 2 converter enzyme receptor and the limited antiviral innate immune response are the suspected causes for a more frequent cardiovascular damage in SARS-CoV-2 infection. Knowledge of the appearance during acute infection of other cardiac conditions beyond the classical myocarditis and pericarditis, the long-term cardiac manifestations (persistent COVID-19), and the increased incidence of myocarditis and pericarditis after vaccination is of special interest in order to offer our patients best practices based on current scientific evidence.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Myocarditis , Pericarditis , Humans , SARS-CoV-2 , Pandemics , Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 , Myocarditis/diagnosis , Myocarditis/epidemiology , Myocarditis/etiology
11.
AIDS Rev ; 2022 Nov 25.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2146188

ABSTRACT

Around 10% of adults infected with SARS-CoV-2 that survive a first episode of COVID-19 appear to experience long-term clinical manifestations. The signs and symptoms of this post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) include fatigue, dyspnea, joint pain, myalgia, chest pain, cough, anosmia, dysgeusia, headache, depression, anxiety, memory loss, concentration difficulties, and insomnia. These sequelae remind the constellation of clinical manifestations previously recognized as myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) or chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). This condition has been described following distinct infectious events, mostly acute viral illnesses. In this way, the pathophysiology of PACS might overlap with mechanisms involved in other post-infectious fatigue syndromes. The risk of PACS is more frequent in women than men. Additional host genetic factors could be involved. There is a dysregulation of multiple body organs and systems, involving the immune system, the coagulation cascade, endocrine organs, autonomic nervous system, microbiota-gut-brain axis, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, etc. Hypothetically, an abnormal response to certain infectious agents could trigger the development of postinfectious fatigue syndromes.

12.
Front Public Health ; 10: 970378, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2142326

ABSTRACT

Background: Female long haulers deal with persistent post-acute COVID-19 symptoms that have serious health implications. This study aimed to identify resilience resources at multiple socio-ecological levels for female long haulers and describe how resilience resources affect their responses to long COVID. Methods: Purposive sampling was adopted to recruit participants through social media from April to June 2021 followed by 15 semi-structured interviews. An inductive analytical approach was adopted to categorize themes by open and axial coding that were verified by peer review. Results: Female long haulers relied on resources at various socio-ecological levels to foster their resilience in response to long COVID. At the individual level, they utilized cognitive and emotional resources to increase knowledge, learn new skills, set goals, and manage emotions; behavioral resources (e.g., internal motivation and executive functioning) to perform physical, creative, and recreational activities, and adopt healthier eating habits; and spiritual resources to perform spiritual rituals and connect with God. At the social level, the support from existing relationships and/or online social support groups enhanced their social identity and provided material and informational resources. At the health systems level, the guidance from counselors and physicians and availability of clinics, medicines, and health equipment assisted them in symptom management and medication adherence. Conclusion: The resilience of female long haulers can be enhanced through (1) offering financial and health-related resources, (2) developing online social-support groups, (3) counseling and care service training for healthcare professionals, and (4) implementing more psychosocial interventions by labor organizations.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Humans , Female , Adaptation, Psychological , Qualitative Research , Social Support , Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
13.
Int J Environ Res Public Health ; 19(22)2022 Nov 09.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2110077

ABSTRACT

Studies suggest that persistent symptoms after COVID-19 (long COVID) influence functioning and activities of daily living (ADL). However, it is still uncertain how and to what extent. This study aimed to describe patient-reported mental fatigue, ADL problems, ADL ability, sick leave and functional status among patients with long COVID. In this cross-sectional study, 448 patients, ≥18 years old and referred to occupational therapy at a Danish Post-COVID-19 Clinic, were included. Mental fatigue was measured by the Mental Fatigue Scale, ADL problems and ability were measured by the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure, sick leave was self-reported and functional status was evaluated by the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status Scale. Mean age was 46.8 years, 73% of the patients were female, and 75% suffered from moderate to severe mental fatigue. The majority reported difficulties performing productive and leisure activities. The median performance and satisfaction scores were 4.8 and 3, respectively. In total, 56% of the patients were on sick leave, and 94% were referred to rehabilitation. A decrease in functional status was found between pre-COVID-19 and assessment. Conclusively, the patients were highly affected in their everyday life and had distinct rehabilitation needs. Future research is needed to address causalities and rehabilitation for this patient group.


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Sick Leave , Humans , Female , Middle Aged , Adolescent , Male , Activities of Daily Living , Cross-Sectional Studies , COVID-19/epidemiology , Functional Status , Canada , Mental Fatigue/epidemiology , Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
14.
Microbiol Spectr ; : e0127022, 2022 Oct 31.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2097932

ABSTRACT

The emergence of a new type of COVID-19 patients, who were retested positive after hospital discharge with long-term persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection but without COVID-19 clinical symptoms (hereinafter, LTPPs), poses novel challenges to COVID-19 treatment and prevention. Why was there such a contradictory phenomenon in LTPPs? To explore the mechanism underlying this phenomenon, we performed quantitative proteomic analyses using the sera of 12 LTPPs (Wuhan Pulmonary Hospital), with the longest carrying history of 132 days, and mainly focused on 7 LTPPs without hypertension (LTPPs-NH). The results showed differential serum protein profiles between LTPPs/LTPPs-NH and health controls. Further analysis identified 174 differentially-expressed-proteins (DEPs) for LTPPs, and 165 DEPs for LTPPs-NH, most of which were shared. GO and KEGG analyses for these DEPs revealed significant enrichment of "coagulation" and "immune response" in both LTPPs and LTPPs-NH. A unity of contradictory genotypes in the 2 aspects were then observed: some DEPs showed the same dysregulated expressed trend as that previously reported for patients in the acute phase of COVID-19, which might be caused by long-term stimulation of persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection in LTPPs, further preventing them from complete elimination; in contrast, some DEPs showed the opposite expression trend in expression, so as to retain control of COVID-19 clinical symptoms in LTPPs. Overall, the contrary effects of these DEPs worked together to maintain the balance of LTPPs, further endowing their contradictory steady-state with long-term persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection but without symptoms. Additionally, our study revealed some potential therapeutic targets of COVID-19. Further studies on these are warranted. IMPORTANCE This study reported a new type of COVID-19 patients and explored the underlying molecular mechanism by quantitative proteomic analyses. DEPs were significantly enriched in "coagulation" and "immune response". Importantly, we identified 7 "coagulation system"- and 9 "immune response"-related DEPs, the expression levels of which were consistent with those previously reported for patients in the acute phase of COVID-19, which appeared to play a role in avoiding the complete elimination of SARS-CoV-2 in LTPPs. On the contrary, 6 "coagulation system"- and 5 "immune response"-related DEPs showed the opposite trend in expression. The 11 inconsistent serum proteins seem to play a key role in the fight against long-term persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection, further retaining control of COVID-19 clinical symptom of LTPPs. The 26 proteins can serve as potential therapeutic targets and are thus valuable for the treatment of LTPPs; further studies on them are warranted.

15.
Med Clin (Engl Ed) ; 159(9): 440-446, 2022 Nov 11.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-2076508

ABSTRACT

SARS-Cov2 is currently causing a persistent Covid-19 pandemic, which poses a risk of causing long-term cardiovascular sequels in the population. The viral mechanism of cell infection through the angiotensin 2 converter enzyme receptor and the limited antiviral innate immune response are the suspected causes for a more frequent cardiovascular damage in SARS-Cov2 infection. Knowledge of: the appearance during acute infection of other cardiac conditions beyond the classical myocarditis and pericarditis), the long-term cardiac manifestations (persistent Covid-19), and the increased incidence of myocarditis and pericarditis after vaccination; it is of special interest in order to offer our patients best practices based on current scientific evidence.


El SARS-Cov2 está causando actualmente una pandemia sostenida de Covid-19, con el riesgo de causar secuelas cardíacas a largo plazo en la población. El temor que el SARS-Cov2 cause un daño miocárdico mayor que otros virus convencionales se basa en su mecanismo de infección de células humanas a través del receptor de la enzima convertidora de la angiotensina 2 y las defensas antivirales innatas hasta ahora reducidas contra un nuevo virus. El conocimiento de: la aparición durante la infección aguda de otras afectaciones cardiacas además de las clásicas miocarditis y pericarditis, las manifestaciones cardiacas observadas a largo plazo (Covid-19 persistente) y, la incidencia incrementada de miocarditis y pericarditis tras la vacunación; resulta de especial interés a fin de ofrecer a nuestros pacientes la mejor atención posible basada en la evidencia científica actual.

17.
Infez Med ; 30(2): 223-230, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1980043

ABSTRACT

COVID-19 patients may experience varying degrees of symptom severity, significantly impacting the health-related quality of life. As a result, the current study examines the impact of symptom severity on health-related quality of life among Saudi adult COVID- 19 patients. In this cross-sectional study 310 adult COVID-19 patients were recruited through a snowball technique in Saudi Arabia. We used a questionnaire (SF-12 RAND tool questionnaire) that included three parts: sociodemographic factors, perception of degree severity of COVID-19 symptoms, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Out of 310 COVID-19 adult patients, 200 (64.5%) were female, 110 (35.5%) were between 30-49 years old. The mean scores of the HRQoL, physical components summary (PCS), and mental components summary (MCS) were 58.11±17.02, 71.32±23.72, and 44.91±17.94, respectively. Patients with very severe symptoms had the lowest HRQoL mean rank (120.39, P=0.023). There was a strong positive correlation between HRQoL and PCS (0.852) and HRQoL and MCS (0.730). However, PCS and MCS had a weak positive correlation (0.292). The severity of COVID-19 symptoms had a significant impact on HRQoL. Thus, it is essential to enhance the uptake of vaccines to decrease the risk of infections and avoid impact on quality of life.

18.
Journal of Health and Allied Sciences NU ; 2022.
Article in English | Web of Science | ID: covidwho-1967695

ABSTRACT

Background Following a massive outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a significant number of survivors are still suffering from residual symptoms and complications. We designed a preliminary study to evaluate such symptom spectra in COVID-19 patients who had been discharged from the hospital. Methods A telephone interview was conducted with 100-randomly chosen hospital-discharged COVID-19 survivors from the electronic patient record. The interview structure and method were developed by a panel of experts. A specially trained group conducted the interviews and data collection. The statistical analysis was performed in accordance with the data type (continuous and categorical). Group comparisons were also done between intensive care unit (ICU) versus general ward admission, and patients discharged between 3 and 12 weeks versus more than 12 weeks. Additionally, world clouds were used for better visualization of various prevalent symptoms. Results Eighty-two participants were finally included for interview after preliminary screening. Fifty-three patients (64.6%) were male participants;74.4% had at least one symptom. In general, fatigue, cough, insomnia, and shortness of breath were the most common persistent symptoms. Symptoms were more prevalent among the patients discharged from ICU compared with those discharged from the general ward. Cough, loss of appetite, depression, and incoherence were more common in patients after 12 weeks of hospital discharge. Conclusion There is a wide range of persistent symptoms in the COVID-19 survivors who have been discharged from the hospital. Some symptoms arise or persisted even after 12 weeks. Based on the study results, available literature, and expert consensus, an assessment form has been developed that could be used for further research and clinical assessment of similar problems. Large-scale epidemiological study (longitudinal and cross-sectional) is needed to understand the nature and prevalence of the postacute phase of COVID-19 at the country level. The results of this study could inform the stakeholders and policymakers for taking necessary steps toward a further decision.

19.
Int J Environ Res Public Health ; 19(15)2022 07 26.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1957330

ABSTRACT

Persistent COVID-19 symptoms (long COVID) may bring challenges to long haulers' social lives. Females may endure more profound impacts given their special social roles and existing structural inequality. This study explores the effects of long COVID on the social life of female long haulers. We conducted semi-structured interviews via Zoom between April and June 2021 with 15 female long haulers in the United States, purposely recruited from Facebook and Slack groups and organization websites related to long COVID. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim with consent. The interview data were managed using MAXQDA and examined by thematic analysis. Long COVID negatively affected female long haulers' social lives by causing physical limitations, economic issues, altered social relationships, social roles' conflicts, and social stigma. Long COVID prevented female long haulers' recovery process. Physical limitations altered their perceptions on body, and family-work conflicts caused tremendous stress. They also experienced internalized stigma and job insecurities. This study provides insights into challenges that COVID-19 female long haulers could face in their return to normal social life, underscoring the vulnerability of females affected by long COVID due to significant alterations in their social lives. Shifting to new methods of communication, especially social media, diminished the adverse effects of long COVID (e.g., social isolation).


Subject(s)
COVID-19 , COVID-19/complications , Female , Humans , Qualitative Research , Social Stigma , Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome
20.
IDCases ; 29: e01528, 2022.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1945122

ABSTRACT

Background: Patients having undergone B-cell-depletion with anti-CD20-antibodies have a higher risk of mortality, delayed viral clearance and prolonged infection due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We report two cases of patients with persistent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in association with B-cell-depletion that were treated with the monoclonal antibody Sotrovimab. Case presentation: Both patients presented with chronic symptoms of COVID-19 such as dyspnea, fatigue, and chest pain. Nasopharyngeal swabs remained positive months after the initial infection with fluctuating cycle threshold (Ct) values around 30. Both patients received a single infusion with the monoclonal SARS-CoV-2 antibody Sotrovimab, which resulted in a rapid improvement of symptoms and inflammation markers as well as negative SARS-CoV-2 swabs. A follow-up after a month showed ongoing improvement of symptoms, persistent negative SARS-CoV-2 swabs, and positive serum antibodies. Conclusion: Infusion with the monoclonal SARS-CoV-2 antibody led to rapid improvement in two patients with persistent COVID-19 after B-cell depletion.

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