New frontiers in inflammation: from translational research to clinic (information about the 15th World Congress on Inflammation (WCI2022)).

The following provides a summary of the 15th World Congress on Inflammation (WCI2022), which took place in Rome (Italy) from June 5 to 8, 2022. Presented are the main trends and most promising research developments in the field of inflammation, including identification of cellular and molecular mechanisms and investigation of new pathogenetic pathways, target molecules, genetic mechanisms, and new therapeutic strategies. In addition, described are the primary areas of research engaged in by leading scientific groups and national societies from various countries in the field of inflammatory pathology mechanisms.

Fatigue and cognitive impairment in post-COVID syndrome: possible treatment approaches

Post-COVID syndrome can develop in all patients who have had COVID-19, regardless of the disease severity. Clinical manifestations post-COVID syndrome vary greatly, but the most common symptoms include fatigue, anxiety and depression disorders (ADDs), and cognitive impairment (CI). Objective: to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Cholytilin (choline alfoscerate) and the combined drug MexiB 6 in patients with post-COVID syndrome and fatigue, ADDs, and CI. Patients and methods. The study included 100 patients aged 22 to 71 years who have had COVID-19 5.4 months ago. Inclusion criterion: cognitive complaints, fatigue, and emotional disturbances. The evaluation included neurological exam, Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), 10-words list task, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Study participants were divided into two groups. Patients who had ADDs (anxiety/depression level according to HADS ≥8 points;n=50) were prescribed with MexiB 6 (1 tablet three times per day). Patients with CI (mean MoCA score ≤25 points;n=50) were prescribed with Cholytilin (2 capsules (800 mg) in the morning and 1 capsule (400 mg) at lunchtime). The follow-up period was 60 days. Results and discussion. According to MoCA scores, a decrease in cognition was observed in 58% of participants, while 28% did not notice CI earlier. ADD fere present in 51%, and fatigue – in 100% of patients. We observed a significant reduction in fatigue severity (from 62.42±7.18 to 52.32±16.36 points;p<0.05) in patients prescribed with MexiB 6. The majority of patients noted a significant increase in physical activity, decreased fatigue, improvement of attention and physical well-being, and increased workplace efficiency. We also found a significant decrease in ADDs severity: ADDs either regressed completely (in 42% of participants) or became subclinical (in 48%;р<0.001). CI severity also reduced according to mean МоСА (from 26.60±1.31 to 27.28±1.39 points;p<0.05) and FAB (from 16.98±1.06 to 17.20±0.90 points;p<0.05) scores. In a subgroup of patients with mild CI treated with Cholytilin mean МоСА (from 23.50±0.99 to 26.36±1.34;р<0.001) and FAB (from 16.02±0.91 to 16.96±0.99;р<0.001) scores significantly increased. Complete regression of CI was observed in 74% of participants (р<0.001). We also found a decrease in ADDs (р<0.001) and fatigue (mean MFI-20 scores decreased from 42.28±10.73 to 35.60±8.10;р<0.001) severity in all study participants. Conclusion. Patients who have had COVID-19, regardless of the disease severity, have a high prevalence of fatigue, ADDs and CI, and MexiB 6 and Cholytilin have a potential in their treatment.