Research Reveals That Physical Impairment Persists in Post-COVID Syndrome Patients Up to 20 Months After Infection
A recent study conducted by Charité has shed light on the long-term effects of post-COVID syndrome, particularly in individuals suffering from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The research revealed that individuals with post-COVID syndrome often experience significant physical impairment for up to 20 months after their initial infection.
Post-COVID syndrome, also known as “long COVID,” refers to the condition where individuals continue to experience health problems three months after a SARS-CoV-2 infection. Symptoms can vary widely, but many individuals report issues with breathing, concentration, and stamina. Fatigue is a common complaint among post-COVID syndrome patients, with many experiencing fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest and recovery. In some cases, even minor physical exertion can worsen their condition, leading to a phenomenon known as exertion intolerance. It is worth noting that this condition is more prevalent in women than in men.
The study conducted by Charité tracked patients with pronounced fatigue over a period of 20 months. The research involved a comprehensive medical examination of 106 participants, most of whom were women, at three different intervals. The findings showed that more than a year and a half after the initial infection, individuals with post-COVID syndrome and severe fatigue remained ill. However, only half of these patients, who did not meet the full diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS, experienced gradual improvement in some of their symptoms.
Earlier studies had identified two groups of long COVID sufferers with severe fatigue and exertion intolerance. One group met the diagnostic criteria for ME/CFS, while the other had similar symptoms but to a lesser extent. The recent study showed that the latter group experienced some improvement over time, not only in fatigue but also in general malaise, pain, and concentration problems. Some individuals in this group even managed to return to work. However, patients with ME/CFS saw minimal changes in their symptoms, with only a few exceptions.
A potential indicator for the progression of the disease in ME/CFS patients was identified in the study. Researchers found that the grip strength of these patients at the onset of the disease correlated with the severity of their symptoms up to 20 months later. However, further studies are required to confirm the significance of grip strength as a prognostic factor.
According to Prof. Carmen Scheibenbogen, Acting Director of the Institute of Medical Immunology at Charité, the number of people living with long COVID in Europe is currently estimated at 36 million. The data suggests that the pandemic has doubled the number of individuals with ME/CFS to around six million in Europe alone. This highlights the need for effective therapies and healthcare facilities that provide multidisciplinary care based on scientific findings and clinical experience.
In the absence of definitive treatments for post-COVID syndrome and ME/CFS, pacing oneself and avoiding overexertion are crucial recommendations for patients. Tools such as fitness trackers, heart rate monitors, and activity journals can aid individuals in managing their energy expenditure and preventing post-exertional malaise.
The study conducted by Charité provides valuable insights into the long-term effects of post-COVID syndrome and suggests the need for further research to develop effective treatments for ME/CFS and improve the quality of life for millions of affected individuals.
Reference:
“Long-term symptom severity and clinical biomarkers in post-COVID-19/chronic fatigue syndrome: results from a prospective observational cohort” by Franziska Legler, Lil Meyer-Arndt, Lukas Mödl, Claudia Kedor, Helma Freitag, Elisa Stein, Uta Hoppmann, Rebekka Rust, Kirsten Wittke, Nadja Siebert, Janina Behrens, Andreas Thiel, Frank Konietschke, Friedemann Paul, Carmen Scheibenbogen and Judith Bellmann-Strobl, August 18, 2023, eClinicalMedicine.
DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102146