Successful application of pulsed electromagnetic fields in a patient with post-COVID-19 fatigue: a case report

Summary Background Post-COVID-19 fatigue is a frequent symptom in COVID-19 survivors, which substantially limits patients to achieve full recovery and potentially restrains return to work. The previous literature has not yet reported the use of pulsed electromagnetic fields in this indication. Methods Over the course of 5 weeks, 10 sessions of pulsed electromagnetic field treatment with a high magnetic flux density were applied to a patient suffering from post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome. Fatigue, work ability, quality of life as well as anxiety, depression, stress level, and resilience were evaluated using validated patient-reported outcome measures. Results Fatigue, work ability, quality of life, and psychological well-being improved clearly over the course of the treatment and showed stable results 6 weeks later. Conclusion The use of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy with a device that allows sufficient penetration of the body tissue might be a promising physical modality to manage post-COVID-19 fatigue syndrome, which could reduce clinical and economic health consequences. Clinical sham-controlled studies are needed to evaluate the effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields in this indication.

Delirium in geriatric patients

SummaryDelirium is the most common acute disorder of cognitive function in older patients. Delirium is life threatening, often under-recognized, serious, and costly. The causes are multifactorial, with old age and neurocognitive disorders as the main risk factors. Etiologies are various and multifactorial, and often related to acute medical illness, adverse drug reactions, or medical complications. To date, diagnosis is clinically based, depending on the presence or absence of certain features. In view of the multifactorial etiology, multicomponent approaches seem most promising for facing patients’ needs. Pharmacological intervention, neither for prevention nor for treatment, has been proven effective unanimously. This article reviews the current clinical practice for delirium in geriatric patients, including etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, prognosis, treatment, prevention, and outcomes.

Riechstörungen evidenzbasiert diagnostizieren und behandeln. Der unterschätzte Sinn – neue Erkenntnisse belegen die Bedeutung und Leistungsfähigkeit des menschlichen Geruchssinns.

ZusammenfassungZunehmende Evidenz belegt, dass der menschliche Geruchssinn eine große Bedeutung für die Gesundheit und Lebensqualität einnimmt sowie eine besondere Leistungsfähigkeit aufweist. Durch die häufig auftretende Riechstörung im Rahmen der Infektion mit SARS-CoV‑2 rückt das klinische Interesse in der Behandlung von Patienten mit Verlust des Geruchs- und Geschmackssinnes in den Vordergrund. Der vorliegende Artikel beleuchtet wichtige Aspekte in der Diagnose und Therapie der chemischen Sinne.