Title: Study Reveals Long COVID Can Cause Organ Abnormalities, Shifting Understanding of the Disease
Subtitle: Findings emphasize the importance of vaccination and long-term follow-up care
In a groundbreaking study called C-More, researchers have discovered compelling evidence that long COVID is a real condition that can result in major organ abnormalities. Led by Betty Raman, Associate Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Oxford, the study examined the long-term effects of COVID on the health of individuals who were previously hospitalized with the disease.
The study, whose latest findings were published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, analyzed data from a sample of 259 people who had been hospitalized with COVID and compared it to a control group of 52 individuals who did not contract the virus. MRI scans were conducted on the participants, revealing that those with long COVID were significantly more likely to have abnormalities in their lungs, brain, and kidneys compared to those who never had the disease.
Specifically, individuals with long COVID were found to be 14 times more likely to have lung abnormalities, three times more likely to have brain abnormalities, and two times more likely to have kidney abnormalities. The severity of their COVID infection, age, and the presence of other diseases were also found to be factors contributing to the extent of the organ abnormalities.
Furthermore, the study found that individuals with long COVID who had abnormalities in more than two organs were four times more likely to experience severe mental and physical impairment. These findings emphasize the multifaceted nature of COVID and the potential long-term complications that can arise from the disease.
Initially perceived as primarily a respiratory illness, our understanding of COVID has evolved over time. Reports began to emerge indicating that the virus could not only affect the lungs but also other organs such as the heart, kidneys, brain, and blood vessels. Studies demonstrated the presence of viral proteins in various organs, suggesting that the virus may not directly infect cells across multiple organs but instead trigger an immune response that could inadvertently cause damage to organs not directly affected by the virus.
Furthermore, there has been a growing number of individuals reporting persistent symptoms arising from multiple organs even after surviving the initial infection. Commonly referred to as long COVID, this condition is now believed to affect one in ten people and highlights the need for further research and understanding.
In response to these questions and concerns, the C-More study was launched, focusing on patients who had been hospitalized with COVID. The study aimed to shed light on the long-term effects of COVID on multiple organ health. Unlike previous studies, the C-More study looked specifically at individuals who had been hospitalized with COVID, making it unique in its approach.
While preliminary data from the study revealed significant findings, the researchers acknowledge that further analysis is still required. Limitations of the study include the lack of pre-COVID MRI scans, making it challenging to draw definitive conclusions about the link between the virus and organ changes. The control group used in the study was also not an exact match for the patient population.
Nevertheless, this study serves as an essential effort to better understand the long-term consequences of COVID on organ health. The findings highlight the importance of remaining vigilant regarding the potential long-term effects of the disease and the need for widespread vaccination to prevent severe infections.
The research also provides valuable insights for doctors and healthcare services worldwide, aiding them in refining follow-up care for patients recovering from serious COVID infections. By focusing on lung, brain, kidney, and blood vessel health, healthcare professionals can address the potential long-term consequences of the disease and provide appropriate support and treatment.
As the world continues to grapple with the COVID pandemic, studies like C-More contribute to expanding our understanding of the virus and its long-term effects. By utilizing these findings, healthcare providers can better care for patients and mitigate the long-term implications of COVID-19.
Disclaimer: This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.