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Remitting neuropsychiatric symptoms in COVID-19 patients: Viral cause or drug effect?

David A Forero-Peña1,2, Matthew M Hernandez3, Iriana Paola Mozo Herrera4

  • 1Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela.

Journal of Medical Virology
|November 10, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and its treatments may cause new neuropsychiatric symptoms. This study reports on five patients experiencing these symptoms, detailing their clinical course and recovery.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is linked to neuropsychiatric symptoms.
  • The role of COVID-19 treatments in causing neuropsychiatric issues is unclear.
  • Immediate and long-term neuropsychiatric complications of SARS-CoV-2 infection require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report on neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • To investigate the potential role of COVID-19 treatments, specifically chloroquine and dexamethasone, in these presentations.
  • To describe the clinical course and resolution of neuropsychiatric symptoms in affected patients.

Main Methods:

  • Case series reporting on five patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection.
  • Clinical follow-up until symptom resolution.
  • Discussion of potential contributing factors, including chloroquine and dexamethasone.

Main Results:

  • Five patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection presented with neuropsychiatric symptoms.
  • Symptoms were clinically monitored until resolution.
  • The potential influence of chloroquine and dexamethasone on neuropsychiatric presentations was considered.

Conclusions:

  • SARS-CoV-2 infection and its treatments may precipitate neuropsychiatric symptoms.
  • Further research is needed to understand the full spectrum of neuropsychiatric complications associated with COVID-19.
  • Clinical vigilance for neuropsychiatric manifestations in COVID-19 patients is warranted.
Keywords:
COVID-19SARS-CoV-2chloroquinecorticosteroidsneuropsychiatric

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