scholarly journals Post-Acute COVID-19 Neurological Syndrome: A New Medical Challenge

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1947
Author(s):  
Domenico Nuzzo ◽  
Sonya Vasto ◽  
Luca Scalisi ◽  
Salvatore Cottone ◽  
Gaetano Cambula ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Reports ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Severe Pneumonia ◽  
Neurological Complications ◽  
Brain Inflammation ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Highly Pathogenic ◽  
The Impact

In December 2019, in Wuhan (China), a highly pathogenic coronavirus, named SARS-CoV-2, dramatically emerged. This new virus, which causes severe pneumonia, is rapidly spreading around the world, hence it provoked the COVID-19 pandemic. This emergency launched by SARS-CoV-2 also had, and still has, devastating socio-economic aspects. Assessing the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable groups of people is crucial for the adaptation of governments’ responses. Growing scientific evidence suggests that it is essential to keep the attention on people after acute SARS-CoV-2 infection; indeed, some clinical manifestations are frequently present even after recovery. There is consensus on the need to define which symptoms persist after the infection and which disabilities may arise after COVID-19. Recent reviews, case reports, and original contributions suggest that various organs may be affected, and neurological symptoms are present in about one third of patients with COVID-19. Neurological complications after severe COVID-19 infection might include delirium, brain inflammation, stroke, and nerve damage. In the recent pandemic, neurologists and neurobiologists have a chance to study key features of infection neurology. Furthermore, the psychological impact of the pandemic should not be underestimated, although there is currently no definition for this condition.

scholarly journals Neurological symptoms, manifestations, and complications associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biyan Nathanael Harapan ◽  
Hyeon Joo Yoo
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Altered Mental Status ◽  
Neurological Complications ◽  
Neurological Symptoms ◽  
Neurological Manifestations ◽  
Fisher Syndrome ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
The Impact

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel coronavirus, is responsible for the outbreak of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) and was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. It is evident that the COVID-19 pandemic has become a challenging world issue. Although most COVID-19 patients primarily develop respiratory symptoms, an increasing number of neurological symptoms and manifestations associated with COVID-19 have been observed. In this narrative review, we elaborate on proposed neurotropic mechanisms and various neurological symptoms, manifestations, and complications of COVID-19 reported in the present literature. For this purpose, a review of all current published literature (studies, case reports, case series, reviews, editorials, and other articles) was conducted and neurological sequelae of COVID-19 were summarized. Essential and common neurological symptoms including gustatory and olfactory dysfunctions, myalgia, headache, altered mental status, confusion, delirium, and dizziness are presented separately in sections. Moreover, neurological manifestations and complications that are of great concern such as stroke, cerebral (sinus) venous thrombosis, seizures, meningoencephalitis, Guillain–Barré syndrome, Miller Fisher syndrome, acute myelitis, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) are also addressed systematically. Future studies that examine the impact of neurological symptoms and manifestations on the course of the disease are needed to further clarify and assess the link between neurological complications and the clinical outcome of patients with COVID-19. To limit long-term consequences, it is crucial that healthcare professionals can early detect possible neurological symptoms and are well versed in the increasingly common neurological manifestations and complications of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Immunopathogenesis and perspectives for immunotherapy of coronavirus infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 7-22
Author(s):  
A. S. Simbirtsev
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Passive Immunization ◽  
Severe Pneumonia ◽  
Highly Pathogenic ◽  
Recombinant Interferon ◽  
Initial Stage ◽  
Prophylactic Vaccination ◽  
Anticytokine Therapy ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies

Highly pathogenic coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is the cause of COVID-19 in humans sometimes with severe clinical manifestations and death. COVID-19 immunopathogenesis is linked with dysregulated immune response with decreased interferon synthesis at the beginning of infection followed by inflammatory cytokines hyperproduction, resulting in an exuberant lung inflammation and respiratory distress syndrome. Perspective immunotherapy directions for COVID-19 could be: intranasal recombinant interferon application in the initial stage of disease, anticytokine therapy at the stage of severe pneumonia and cytokine storm development, passive immunization with blood plasma of recovered patients or therapeutic monoclonal antibodies, prophylactic vaccination.

scholarly journals Psychological responses and lifestyle changes among pregnant women with respect to the early stages of COVID-19 pandemic

2020 ◽  
pp. 002076402095211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingfei Zhang ◽  
Zheng Feei Ma
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Lifestyle Changes ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Early Stages ◽  
The Impact

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a profound impact on health and well-being of populations. However, there are limited studies that have investigated the psychological aspects of vulnerable groups including pregnant women amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, we aimed to assess the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among Chinese pregnant women from February 2020 until March 2020. Methods: Our study was conducted using a modified validated online questionnaire comprising of sociodemographic, the Impact of Event Scale (IES), attitude and mental health-related questions towards COVID-19. Results: A total of 560 women were included. The overall mean age and IES of women was 25.8 ± 2.7 years and 31.4 ± 13.7. Moreover, 67.1% of them had IES ⩾26. Psychological impact seemed to be more severe in women in second trimester of pregnancy (the highest IES) ( p = .016). There was a significant association between trimesters of pregnancy and some indicators of negative health impacts (including increased stress from work, increased stress from home, feeling apprehensive and helpless during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic) (all p < .05). Conclusions: Our results reported moderate-to-severe stressful impact among Chinese pregnant women. We recommend that appropriate measures should be taken to address the maternal mental health issues.

scholarly journals Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) Lockdown on Mental Health and Well-Being in the United Arab Emirates

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Cheikh Ismail ◽  
Maysm N. Mohamad ◽  
Mo'ath F. Bataineh ◽  
Abir Ajab ◽  
Amina M. Al-Marzouqi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
United Arab Emirates ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
University Graduates ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
The Impact

United Arab Emirates (UAE) has taken unprecedented precautionary measures including complete lockdowns against COVID-19 to control its spread and ensure the well-being of individuals. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 and societal lockdown measures on the mental health of adults in the UAE. A cross-sectional study was conducted using an English and Arabic online questionnaire between May and June 2020. The psychological impact was assessed by the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), and the social and family support impact was evaluated using questions from the Perceived Support Scale (PSS). A total of 4,426 participants (3,325 females and 1,101 males) completed the questionnaire. The mean IES-R score was 28.0 ± 14.6, reflecting a mild stressful impact with 27.3% reporting severe psychological impact. Over 36% reported increased stress from work, home and financial matters. Also, 43–63% of the participants felt horrified, apprehensive or helpless due to COVID-19. Females, younger participants, part-timers, and college or University graduates were more likely to have a high IES-R score (p &lt; 0.05). The majority of participants reported receiving increased support from family members, paying more attention to their mental health, and spending more time to rest and relax. The results of this study demonstrate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health among the UAE residents and highlight the need to adopt culturally appropriate interventions for the general population and vulnerable groups, such as females and younger adults.

scholarly journals Classic Galactosemia Neurological Complications: An Overview

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Social Interactions ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Neurological Complications ◽  
Classic Galactosemia ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Impact

Classic galactosemia is an autosomic recessive disorder that leads to increasegalactose 1 phosphate and galactitol intracellular levels; with clinical manifestations that arise from the ingestion of galactose from the diet but can be reverted when restricted. Yet about 90% of the patients develop neurological complications. Because of that we evaluate the impact of the diet on the generation of such complications, like the strict galactose restriction and the glycosilation impairment, galactosemia and social interactions as factors that influence neurodevelopment, oxidative stress secondary to galactosemia and its influence on neuroinflamation, epigenetics modifications secondary to the diet and the social interactions and other causes that can affect neurodevelopment on galactosemia.

Differences in Reactions to Media Reporting of a Celebrity Suicide Between Emotionally Distressed and Nondistressed Individuals in Taiwan

Crisis ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying-Yeh Chen ◽  
Chi-Wei Tsai ◽  
Shu-Sen Chang ◽  
Yu-Hsuan Lin ◽  
Ying-Chen Chi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Impact ◽  
News Coverage ◽  
Emotional Reactions ◽  
Internet Survey ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Media Reporting ◽  
Celebrity Suicide ◽  
Media Reports ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Background: The differences in emotional reactions toward media reports of celebrity suicides between distressed and non-distressed individuals have rarely been explored. Aim: We aimed to explore differences in reaction patterns to the news coverage of a celebrity’s suicide between distressed and nondistressed individuals in Taiwan. Method: We conducted an Internet survey to assess the impact of the news coverage of a celebrity’s suicide. A series of χ2 tests, Spearman’s rank correlations, and logistic regression analyses were performed to compare the differences in emotional involvement and psychological impact after exposure to suicide news between distressed and nondistressed individuals. Results: A total of 1,258 Internet users responded to the survey (236 men and 1,020 women). Compared with nondistressed individuals, distressed individuals ( n = 537) were more likely to feel suicidal (11% vs. 2%, p < .001) after reading the news. They were less willing to seek help when in need (62% vs. 77%, p < .001). All the variables remained significant after adjustment for sociodemographic variables in regression analyses. Limitations: The Internet-based survey may suffer from selection bias. Conclusion: Extensive media reporting of suicide stories has a profound impact on readers, particularly on vulnerable groups. Responsible reporting of suicide incidents is crucial for suicide prevention.

scholarly journals Psychological correlates of COVID-19 pandemic in the Austrian population

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Traunmüller ◽  
Rene Stefitz ◽  
Kerstin Gaisbachgrabner ◽  
Andreas Schwerdtfeger
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
Psychological Correlates ◽  
Austrian Population ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background COVID-19 poses the greatest challenge for the entire world since the Second World War. Governments are forced to define strict measures to avoid the spreading of the virus, which may further impose psychological burden for the majority of the population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological distress in Austria during the initial stage of the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods From 25 March to 3 April 2020, an anonymous online survey was conducted. Target group included all members of the Austrian population older than 16 years. The survey addressed the following areas (1) and sociodemographic data, (2) physical and mental health; (3) knowledge and concerns about COVID-19; (4) contact with infected people; (5) prevention efforts; (6) need for further information. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used to assess mental health. Analyses were based on 4126 individuals (74% female, age: M = 38.68, SD = 13.36). Results 43.3% rated the psychological impact as moderate (5.6%) or severe (37.7%). 26.5% reported moderate (13.3%) to severe (13.2%) depression; 20.3% moderate (8.9%) to severe (11.4%) anxiety and 21.2% reported to suffer from moderate (10.5%) or severe stress (10.7%). Being female, higher age, lower levels of education, concern about family members, internet as main source of information, student or pupil status, poor self-rated health, and downplaying the seriousness of the problem were significantly associated with higher psychological burden. Protective factors were the possibility to work in home office, frequent (indirect) contact with family or friends, the availability of virus-specific information, confidence in the diagnosis capability, and physical activity during the crisis. Conclusion This study is among the first in Europe on the psychological correlates of the COVID-19 pandemic. 37.7% of the Austrian study population reported a severe psychological impact on the event and 1 in 10 is considered to suffer from severe depression, anxiety or stress. The present findings inform about the identification of protective factors, psychologically vulnerable groups and may guide the development of psychological interventions.

scholarly journals Psychosocial Influence of Ehlers–Danlos Syndrome in Daily Life of Patients: A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
pp. 6425
Author(s):  
Inmaculada C. Palomo-Toucedo ◽  
Fatima Leon-Larios ◽  
María Reina-Bueno ◽  
María del Carmen Vázquez-Bautista ◽  
Pedro V. Munuera-Martínez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Daily Life ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Joint Hypermobility ◽  
Ehlers Danlos Syndrome ◽  
The Social ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Danlos Syndrome

(1) Background: Ehlers–Danlos syndrome is a heterogeneous group of connective tissue disorders causing pain, fatigue, and disabilities; it has several implications for patients who suffer from this disease. The major clinical manifestations of EDS include joint hypermobility, skin hyperextensibility, and generalized conjunctive tissue fragility. This research aims to explore their perceptions and experiences about the phycological and social spheres. (2) Methods: Semistructured interviews were carried out. Participants were encouraged to talk about issues related to their disease by asking open-ended questions in one to one interview. The interview guide included questions to identify the syndrome’s influence on the social and psychological life of patients All interviews were audio recorded, fully transcribed, and analyzed using the phenomenological theoretical framework. The method of analysis was the thematic interpreting of perspectives and approaches. (3) Results: 31 individuals were proposed to participate in this study. Five patients refused to participate, so a total of 26 interviews were performed. Six themes ((1) Pain and its consequences on a daily basis; (2) The need to name the problem: the diagnosis; (3) Restructuring leisure and social relationships; (4) Limitations due to economic conditions; (5) Psychological impact of the disease situation; (6) Professional limitations) and four subthemes ((1) The value of partner support; (2) The weather influence on social plans; (3) Physical exercise and illness; (4) Support groups) emerged from the data. (4) Conclusions: This study revealed the impact of the syndrome on the social and daily life of patients, and not only in a physical level, but also in a psychological and social approach. These findings allow healthcare providers to know more about this disease in order to support and give advice to patients about the changes they will have to make.

scholarly journals CEREBROVASCULAR COMPLICATIONS OF COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Volodymyr Lychko ◽  
Mykola Burtyka
Keyword(s):  
Cerebrovascular Disease ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Sinus Thrombosis ◽  
Case Reports ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Neurological Complications ◽  
Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis ◽  
Systemic Review ◽  
Stroke Patients

The systematic online search of articles utilizing the search terms ”Coronavirus, SARS-COV-2 and Neurological complications”, published between January 2019 and September 2021, was performed. Neurological manifestations are prevalent during infection with the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). There is a clear association between cerebrovascular disease and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). But today, whether this association is causal or incidental is still unknown. This systemic review presents the possible pathophysiological mechanisms linking COVID-19 and cerebrovascular disease, describes the most often neurological complications and their prognosis, discusses several clinical and laboratory characteristics. A systematic literature search was conducted, and relevant information was abstracted. Angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 receptor dysregulation, uncontrollable immune storm with inflammation, coagulopathy, complications due to critical illness and prolonged hospitalization can all contribute as potential etiological and pathogenic mechanisms leading to diverse cerebrovascular clinical manifestations. Acute ischemic stroke, intracerebral haemorrhage, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis have been described in case reports and cohorts of COVID-19 patients, with a prevalence ranging between 0.5 % and 5.0 %. SARS-CoV-2-positive stroke patients have higher mortality rates, worse functional outcomes at discharge and longer duration of hospitalization as compared with SARS-CoV-2-negative stroke patients. Understanding of the specific demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics may be used as ‘red flags’ in recognizing COVID-19-related acute neurological complications.

scholarly journals Psychological correlates of COVID-19 pandemic in the Austrian population

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Traunmüller ◽  
Rene Stefitz ◽  
Kerstin Gaisbachgrabner ◽  
Andreas Schwerdtfeger
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Protective Factors ◽  
Psychological Impact ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Event Scale ◽  
Psychological Burden ◽  
Psychological Correlates ◽  
Austrian Population ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background: COVID-19 poses the greatest challenge for the entire world since the Second World War. Governments are forced to define strict measures to avoid the spreading of the virus, which may further impose psychological burden for the majority of the population. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychological distress in Austria during the initial stage of the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: From 25 March to 3 April 2020, an anonymous online survey was conducted. Target group included all members of the Austrian population older than 15 years. The survey addressed the following areas (1) and sociodemographic data, (2) physical and mental health; (3) knowledge and concerns about COVID-19; (4) contact with infected people; (5) prevention efforts; (6) need for further information. The Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R) and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used to assess mental health. Analyses were based on 4,126 individuals (74% female, age: M = 38.68, SD = 13.36). Results: 43.3% rated the psychological impact as moderate (5.6%) or severe (37.7%). 26.5% reported moderate (13.3%) to severe (13.2%) depression; 20.3% moderate (8.9%) to severe (11.4%) anxiety and 21.2% reported to suffer from moderate (10.5%) or severe stress (10.7%). Being female, higher age, lower levels of education, concern about family members, internet as main source of information, student or pupil status, poor self-rated health, and downplaying the seriousness of the problem were significantly associated with higher psychological burden. Protective factors were the possibility to work in home office, frequent (indirect) contact with family or friends, the availability of virus-specific information, confidence in the diagnosis capability, and physical activity during the crisis.Conclusion: This study is among the first in Europe on the psychological correlates of the COVID-19 pandemic. 37.7% of the Austrian study population reported a severe psychological impact on the event and 1 in 10 is considered to suffer from severe depression, anxiety or stress. The present findings inform about the identification of protective factors, psychologically vulnerable groups and may guide the development of psychological interventions.

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