Diferencia en las distintas funciones de las lipoproteínas de alta densidad en respuesta a la infección por SARS-CoV-2 / Differential Functions of High-density Lipoproteins in Response to SARS-CoV-2 Infection

RESUMEN Introducción. El síndrome post COVID (SPC), que se caracteriza por síntomas que se extienden superando las 4 semanas post-infección, podría desencadenar aumento en el riesgo cardiovascular. Las lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL) presentan funciones antiaterogénicas, como su capacidad para promover el transporte inverso del colesterol (TIC) y su actividad antioxidante, en la que es clave la enzima paraoxonasa 1 (PON 1). Objetivo. Evaluar funcionalidad de HDL en pacientes con SPC comparados con pacientes asintomáticos (PA) y controles. Material y métodos. Se incluyeron 9 individuos con SPC, 18 PA y 10 controles. Se midieron el hemograma, el perfil lipoproteico básico, las apolipoproteínas A-I y B, y marcadores inflamatorios por métodos automatizados. La actividad de PON 1 se evaluó empleando un método espectrofotométrico y los 3 pasos del TIC, eflujo de colesterol (ECC), y actividades de lecitina:colesterol aciltransferasa (LCAT) y proteína transportadora de colesterol esterificado (CETP), por métodos radiométricos. Resultados. No se observaron diferencias en sexo, edad, ni parámetros generales. El grupo PA presentó mayor actividad PON que los controles (94±76 vs. 183±111 vs. 148±58 nmol/mL.min, en controles, PA y SPC, respectivamente; p=0,049). No se observaron diferencias en el TIC. El ECC (r=-0,45; p=0,049) y CETP (r=-0,38; p=0,028) correlacionaron negativamente con el índice neutrófilos/linfocitos. LCAT correlacionó inversamente con la ferritina (r=-0,34; p=0,046). Conclusiones. El incremento de PON 1 en el grupo PA representaría un mecanismo de defensa frente al estrés oxidativo post-infección. Todos los pasos del TIC mostraron una correlación negativa con marcadores inflamatorios. Nuestros resultados podrían explicar, en parte, el vínculo entre COVID y ateroesclerosis.

ABSTRACT Background. Post-COVID syndrome (PCS), characterized by symptoms that persist for more than 4 weeks after initial infection, could increase cardiovascular risk. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) have antiatherogenic functions, such as the ability to promote reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) and antioxidant activity. In this regard, paraoxonase 1 (PON 1) plays a key role. Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate HDL functions in patients with PCS and compare them with asymptomatic patients (AP) and controls. Methods. The study included 9 patients with PCS, 18 AP and 10 controls. Complete blood count, basic lipoprotein profile, apolipoproteins A-I and B, and inflammatory markers were measured using automated methods. PON 1 activity was evaluated by a spectrophotometric assay, and the 3 steps of RCT, cellular cholesterol (efflux CCE), lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activity and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) activity were evaluated by radiometric assays. Results. There were no differences in sex, age, or general parameters. The AP group had higher PON activity than the control group (94±76 vs. 183±111 vs. 148±58 nmol/mL.min, in controls, AP and PCS, respectively; p=0.049). There were no differences in RCT. Cellular cholesterol efflux (r=-0.45; p=0.049) and CETP (r=- 0.38; p=0.028) had a negative correlation with neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. LCAT had an inverse correlation with ferritin (r=-0.34; p=0.046). Conclusions . Increased antioxidant activity of PON 1 would represent a defensive mechanism against oxidative stress after infection. All the RCT steps had a negative correlation with inflammatory markers. Our findings may explain, at least in part, the link between COVID-19 and atherosclerosis.

Síndrome post COVID-19. Gravedad y evolución en 4673 trabajadores sanitarios / Post COVID-19 syndrome. Severity and evolution in 4673 health care workers

Resumen Introducción : La evolución del síndrome post COVID ha sido variable y carecemos de información sobre su impacto en los profesionales de la salud. Métodos : Realizamos una encuesta a través de una red social en profesionales de la salud sobre casos de síndrome post COVID-19 confirmados con PCR. En un cuestionario web, preguntamos sobre 21 síntomas, su gravedad, duración, grado de afectación de la actividad y reincorporación al trabajo. Resultados : Respondieron 4673 profesionales sanita rios de 21 países, edad media de 47 años, 64% mujeres. El curso inicial fue asintomático en el 9%, síntomas leves en el 36%, síntomas moderados sin hospitalización en el 40% o con hospitalización en el 11%, y síntomas graves en el 1%. Los síntomas más prevalentes fueron fatiga (67%), insomnio (44%), ansiedad (42%), mialgia (41%) y anosmia (41%). La prevalencia se redujo a la mitad en los primeros 5 cinco meses, pero en muchos casos se prolongó durante más de un año. En el análisis multi variado los síntomas tendieron a agruparse en clusters (cognitivos, neuropsiquiátricos, cardiorrespiratorios, digestivos, otros). La necesidad de cambiar de área de trabajo fue del 16% y la falta de reincorporación al tra bajo del 7%, relacionadas con la mayor edad, el número de síntomas y la gravedad del curso inicial. Conclusión : En muchos casos la persistencia de los síntomas post COVID-19 puede ser prolongada y te ner un impacto laboral en los profesionales sanitarios, requiriendo la adopción de políticas específicas para reducir el daño.

Abstract Background : The evolution of post COVID-19 syn drome has been variable and we lack information on its impact on healthcare professionals. Methods : We conducted a survey through a social network in health professionals on post COVID-19 syn drome cases confirmed with PCR. In a web-based ques tionnaire, we asked about 21 symptoms, their severity, duration, degree of activity impairment and return to work. Results : 4673 health professionals from 21 countries responded, mean age of 47 years, 64% women. The initial course was asymptomatic in 9%, mild symptoms 36%, moderate symptoms without hospitalization 40% or with hospitalization 11%, and severe symptoms 1%. The most prevalent symptoms were fatigue (67%), insomnia (44%), anxiety (42%), myalgia (41%) and anosmia (41%). Prevalence dropped by half in the first 5 five months, but in many cases, it lasted for more than a year. In the mul 670 tivariate analysis, symptoms tended to be grouped into clusters (cognitive, neuropsychiatric, cardiorespiratory, digestive, others). The need to change the work area was 16% and lack of return to work 7%, related to older age, number of symptoms and severity of the initial course. Conclusion : in many cases the persistence of post- COVID symptoms can be prolonged and have an occu pational impact on healthcare professionals, requiring the adoption of specific policies to reduce harm.

Exploring the long-term impact of COVID-19: incidence and factors associated with insomnia in recovered patients

Background: COVID-19's recognition as a multi-organ disease with diverse manifestations extends beyond acute illness into post-recovery phases. Post-COVID-19 infection, individuals often endure a spectrum of psychiatric symptoms, notably including persistent insomnia. This study aimed to investigate insomnia's correlation with age, gender, comorbidity, infection severity, and biomarkers during hospitalization. Methods: This study employed a prospective design to explore the correlation between insomnia and various factors in COVID-19 survivors. Data were collected over a one-year period, with an emphasis on age, gender, comorbidity, infection severity, and biomarkers. Results: The incidence of insomnia among patients was approximately 7%. Notably, no significant statistical correlation emerged between insomnia and COVID-19 infection severity. Furthermore, insomnia prevalence remained unaffected by demographic factors such as gender, age, or comorbidity. Conclusions: The lasting impact of COVID-19 on mental health, particularly in terms of persistent insomnia, underscores the necessity for targeted interventions. Identifying factors contributing to insomnia among survivors holds paramount importance for developing effective management strategies that bolster overall well-being and quality of life. Recognizing and addressing insomnia as a significant long-term consequence of COVID-19 becomes imperative, as implementing appropriate interventions and support services can mitigate detrimental effects on mental and physical health. Ultimately, this contributes to improved outcomes and an enhanced quality of life for survivors.

Reabilitação funcional e barreiras para atividade física na COVID-longa: um ensaio clínico randomizado / Functional rehabilitation and barriers to physical activity after COVID-19: a randomized clinical trial

O estudo teve como objetivo analisar as barreiras percebidas à prática de atividade física durante um programa de treinamento multicomponente em adultos e idosos pós infecção por COVID-19. Realizou-se um ensaio clínico randomizado com 40 participantes (19 grupo controle e 21 grupo intervenção). Foram coletadas informações sociodemográficas, de saúde e de barreiras para a prática de atividade física, antes, 12 e 24 semanas após o início da intervenção. A medida das barreiras para a prática de atividade física foi obtida por meio de uma escala válida composta por 16 itens. As diferen-ças de barreiras entre os grupos e ao longo de tempo foi analisada a partir das Equações de Estimativa Generalizada, α = 0,05. As barreiras mais citadas pelos dois grupos na linha de base foram "Preguiça, cansaço ou desânimo" (71%), "Dores, lesões ou incapacidade" (38%) e "Falta de motivação" (48%). As análises principais indicaram que ambos os grupos tiveram redução na frequência da barreira "Pre-guiça, cansaço ou desânimo" na 12ª semana (p = 0,003), porém voltando aos valores iniciais na 24ª semana (p = 0,441). Já a barreira "Por causa da epidemia de coronavírus" foi reduzida na 12ª semana (p = 0,704) e ainda mais reduzida na 24ª semana (p = 0,158), comportamento também similar entre os grupos. Como principal conclusão, barreiras para atividade física podem ser reduzidas pela parti-cipação em programas de exercício supervisionado e recomendação para a prática de atividade física

The study aimed to analyze perceived barriers to physical activity during a multicomponent training pro-gram in adults and seniors post-COVID-19 infection. A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 40 participants (19 control group and 21 intervention group). Sociodemographic, health, and barriers to physical activity information were collected before, 12 and 24 weeks after the start of the intervention. The measure of barriers to physical activity was obtained through a valid scale composed of 16 items. Differences in barriers between groups and over time were analyzed using Generalized Estimating Equations, α = 0.05. The most frequently mentioned barriers at baseline by both groups were "Laziness, fatigue, or lack of enthusiasm" (71%), "Pain, injuries, or disability" (38%), and "Lack of motivation" (48%). The main analyses indicated that both groups had a reduction in the frequency of the barrier "Laziness, fatigue, or lack of enthusiasm" at week 12 (p = 0.003), but returned to initial values at week 24 (p = 0.441). The barrier "Because of the coronavirus epidemic" was reduced in week 12 (p = 0.704) and further reduced in week 24 (p = 0.158), with a similar pattern between groups. The key conclusion is that barriers to physical activity can be reduced through participation in supervised exercise programs and recommendations for physical activity

Reflex cardioinhibitory syncope potentially related to SARS-CoV-2 infection: a case report / Síncope cardioinibitória reflexa potencialmente relacionada à infecção por SARS-CoV-2: um relato de caso

Autonomic dysfunction related to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is increasingly described in the literature. We report the case of a 30-year-old male with a background of asthma and migraine who experienced a second episode of SARS-CoV-2 infection characterized by mild respiratory symptoms. Twenty-four days after the symptom onset, he developed acute syncope. A tilt test revealed a neuromediated cardioinhibitory response with asystole (Vasovagal Syncope International Study ­ VASIS type 2B). The temporal association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and syncope seems to indicate a probable causal relationship, which requires corroboration by future studies.

Disfunção autonômica relacionada à infecção por coronavírus-2 da síndrome respiratória aguda grave (SARS-CoV-2) vem sendo cada vez mais descrita na literatura. Relatamos o caso de um homem de 30 anos de idade, com histórico de asma e enxaqueca, que apresentou um segundo episódio de infecção por SARS-CoV-2 caracterizado por sintomas respiratórios leves. Vinte e quatro dias após o início dos sintomas, desenvolveu um quadro agudo de síncope. Um teste de inclinação revelou uma resposta cardioinibitória neuromediada com assistolia (Vasovagal Syncope International Study ­ VASIS tipo 2B). A associação temporal entre infecção por SARS-CoV-2 e síncope parece indicar uma provável relação causal, a qual requer corroboração por estudos futuros.

A Scoping Review of Persistent Symptoms after COVID Infection at Different Follow-Up Periods

The clinical entity termed as long COVID has gained importance in the recent past. As this phenomenon is still evolving, it is important to document the magnitude of the syndrome during different time periods. This scoping review attempts to synthesize evidence generated from longitudinal studies which have follow‑up periods beyond 3 months, up to 12 months. The review also documents the reported prevalence of long COVID for the different regions of the World Health Organization. Longitudinal studies published till March 2022 were systematically searched on PubMed, Google Scholar, and medRxiv. Among the identified 594 studies, 48 were included in this review. Data from selected studies were synthesized. The overall pooled prevalence of long COVID was 49% (40%–58%). The pooled estimates after 3 months, 4–6 months, 7–9 months, and 10–12 months were 44% (32%–57%), 50% (43%–57%), 49% (37%–62%), and 54% (46%–62%), respectively. Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) had the highest pooled prevalence of 63% (34%–92%] and the South East Asian Region (SEAR) had the least pooled estimate of 15% (10%–21%). The study brings out the high prevalence of long COVID even after 12 months of follow‑up. It also shows the regional differences in the reported prevalence of the syndrome. This review highlights the need for well‑planned follow‑up studies, especially in developing nations to understand the magnitude and the pattern of long COVID‑related symptoms as they emerge.

My journey after a mild infection with COVID-19: I want my old brain back / Minha jornada após uma infecção leve por COVID-19: eu quero meu cérebro antigo de volta

ABSTRACT Although neurocognitive dysfunction has been observed after infection by SARS-CoV-2, few studies have detailed these alterations or demonstrated their impact on daily life activities and work. Here, I describe the sequence of events following a mild COVID-19 infection in August 2020 (which now is described as "post-COVID syndrome") and comment on my ensuing limitations associated with cognitive difficulties, headache, fatigue and sleepiness. Furthermore, I discuss the efforts that I have made to recover from my infection since its beginning and the strategies adopted for living with persistent restrictions in terms of cognitive performance.

RESUMO Embora a disfunção neurocognitiva tenha sido observada após a infecção por SARS-Cov2, poucos estudos detalharam essas alterações ou demonstraram seu impacto nas atividades de vida diária e trabalho. Aqui eu descrevo a sequência de eventos após uma infecção leve por COVID-19 em agosto de 2020 (agora considerada Síndrome pós-COVID) e comento as limitações associadas às dificuldades cognitivas, dor de cabeça, fadiga e sonolência. Além disso, eu caracterizo o esforço de recuperação desde o início e as estratégias para conviver com restrições persistentes em termos de desempenho cognitivo.

Síndrome pos-COVID en pacientes con enfermedad por coronavirus / The pos-COVID-19 syndrome in patients with coronavirus disease

Introducción: El síndrome pos-COVID es un fenómeno nuevo y único. Sus síntomas, particularmente la fatiga extrema, pueden tener efectos secundarios en la calidad de vida de una persona. Objetivo: Describir algunas características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los pacientes con síndrome pos-COVID. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo, de 159 pacientes que acudieron a la consulta de convaleciente de pacientes con COVID-19 entre abril y junio de 2021 en el Policlínico Comunitario Ramón López Peña de Santiago de Cuba. Resultados: El mayor número de diagnosticados fue 66 pacientes (41,5 por ciento) y duración de los síntomas de 15 a 30 días después de la fase aguda de la enfermedad (62,2 por ciento). Prevaleció el sexo femenino con 65,4 por ciento y el grupo de edad entre 50 a 59 años (43,4 por ciento). La hipertensión arterial y diabetes mellitus fueron las comorbilidades de mayor incidencia en la casuística para el 41,9 por ciento y 27,2 por ciento respectivamente. La fatiga, cefalea y trastornos psicológicos fueron los síntomas prolongados de mayor significancia para el 58,2 por ciento, 44,5 por ciento y 35,6 por ciento, respectivamente. Conclusiones: Entre los pacientes seguidos en la consulta de convaleciente de COVID-19 es mayor la proporción de presencia de comorbilidades y la fatiga es la queja más frecuente(AU)

Introduction: Postcovid syndrome is a new and unique phenomenon. Its symptoms, particularly extreme fatigue, can have knock-on effects on a person's quality of life. Objective: To describe some clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome. Methods: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study of 159 patients who attended the convalescent consultation for patients with COVID-19 from April to June 2021 at Ramón López Peña Community Polyclinic in Santiago de Cuba. Results: The largest number of diagnosed was 66 patients (41.5 percent) and symptoms lasted from 15 to 30 days after the acute phase of the disease (62.2 percent). The female sex prevailed in 65.4 percent and the age group ranged 50 to 59 years (43.4 percent). Arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the comorbidities with the highest incidence in the casuistry in 41.9 percent and 27.2 percent, respectively. Fatigue, headache and psychological disorders were the most significant prolonged symptoms in 58.2 percent, 44.5 percent and 35.6 percent respectively. Conclusions: Among the patients followed up in the convalescent consultation for COVID-19, the proportion of presence of comorbidities is higher and fatigue is the most frequent complaint(AU)

A cross-sectional study of post-COVID syndrome at a tertiary care center in Turkey

Objective: To investigate long-term symptoms after acute COVID-19, the link between symptoms and respiratory function, radiological changes in the post-COVID period, and risk factors for post-COVID syndrome. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 123 participants who were admitted within the first 3 months were categorized as group 1, and those who applied after 3 months were categorized as group 2. According to thoracic imaging and pulmonary function tests, patients were split into 3 groups as mild, moderate and severe. Results: At least one symptom was present in 91.9% and 61.8% in acute and post-COVID period, respectively. Pulmonary function tests were normal in 60 (70.6%) in the first three months, and 30 (78.9%) in 91-days to 1-year period after acute COVID-19 infection. After 3 months, 22.4% of chest X-rays and 7.9% of computerized tomography revealed progression. Patients who developed acute complications (OR 9.91, 95% Cl 1.93-50.87), had 2 or more symptoms at admission (OR 7.73, 95% CI 2.56-23.33), had 1% to 14% CT involvement (OR 3.05, 95% CI 1.06-8.79), or had 50% or more CT involvement (OR 14.68, 95% CI 1.24-172.55) had a higher risk of developing post-COVID syndrome. Conclusions: COVID-19 symptoms can last for long time. Severity of symptoms, acute complications, and the extent of radiological involvement may all contribute to elevated risk of post-COVID syndrome. As a result, patients with COVID-19 should be checked for long-term clinical difficulties on regular basis.

Síndrome poscovid en pediatría

Introducción: El síndrome poscovid constituye una nueva enfermedad surgida pocos meses después de anunciada por la OMS el inicio de la pandemia por el virus SARS-CoV-2. Se caracteriza por persistir un cuadro clínico más de 3 meses después del inicio de los síntomas. Objetivo: Actualizar los conocimientos relacionados con el síndrome poscovid en la población pediátrica. Métodos: Se realizaron búsquedas en PubMed de artículos publicados hasta el 15 de octubre de 2021 que aborden el síndrome poscovid en pacientes diagnosticados con COVID-19 por estudios de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con la transcriptasa inversa en tiempo real con resultados positivos. Análisis y síntesis de la información: La frecuencia del síndrome se ubica entre 10 y 35 % en pediatría. Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron la fatiga (20 %), la disnea (55 y 60 %), dificultad para la concentración (45-60 %), cefalea (30-80 %) y el dolor torácico (35-20 %) cuya duración desde el alta hospitalaria varía entre 2 y 6 meses. Son factores de riego, el sexo femenino, la gravedad al inicio de la fase aguda, poseer 5 o más síntomas en esa época y el ingreso en terapias. La patogenia es multifactorial en la que la inflamación prolongada tuvo una función importante, así como la tormenta de citocinas ocurrida durante el período de estado. Conclusiones: El síndrome poscovid tiene repercusión sobre la salud, razón por la que debe ser indagada en la población pediátrica diagnosticada con COVID-19 y tratada por un equipo multidisciplinario de ser necesario.

Introduction: The post-covid syndrome is a new disease that emerged a few months after the WHO announced the beginning of the pandemic by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is characterized by a persisting clinical picture for more than 3 months after the onset of symptoms. Objective: To update the knowledge related to the post-covid syndrome in the pediatric population. Methods: It was carried out a search in PubMed for articles published up to 15 October, 2021 that addressed post-COVID syndrome in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 by real-time reverse transcriptase chain reaction studies with positive results. Analysis and synthesis of information: The frequency of the syndrome is between 10 and 35% in pediatrics. The most frequent symptoms were fatigue (20%), dyspnea (55 and 60%), difficulty in concentrating (45-60%), headache (30-80%) and chest pain (35-20%) whose duration from hospital discharge varies between 2 and 6 months. Risk factors are: female sex, severity at the beginning of the acute phase, having 5 or more symptoms at that time, and admission to intenssive care units. The pathogenesis is multifactorial and prolonged inflammation played an important role, as well as cytokine storm occurring during the state period. Conclusions: The post-covid syndrome has an impact on health, which is why it should be investigated in the pediatric population diagnosed with COVID-19 and treated by a multidisciplinary team if necessary.