Post COVID-19 neurological complications; a meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Neurological manifestations of COVID-19 are widely studied.
• However, neurological complications after SARS-CoV-2 recovery are less documented.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a quantitative meta-analysis of published studies on post-infectious neurological complications of COVID-19.
• To synthesize existing data on the incidence and characteristics of these neurological sequelae.

Main Methods:

• Searched Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE on OVID, and Google Scholar for English-language research post-January 1, 2020.
• Included studies reporting neurological complications following SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Performed a quantitative meta-analysis of the collected data.

Main Results:

• Analyzed 60 cases: 66.7% male, 30% female, average age 44.95 years.
• 17 (28.3%) patients had comorbidities; 24 (40%) were hospitalized during acute infection.
• Average interval from COVID-19 to neurological onset was 33.2 days, with Guillain-Barre syndrome being most common (25%).

Conclusions:

• Post-infectious neurological complications can occur even after apparent recovery from COVID-19.
• Highlights the need for comprehensive follow-up for all COVID-19 patients, including those initially asymptomatic.
• Emphasizes the long-term neurological implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection.