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Autonomic Dysfunction during Acute SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Systematic Review.
Irene Scala1, Pier Andrea Rizzo1, Simone Bellavia1
1School of Medicine and Surgery, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito, 1, 00168 Rome, Italy.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|July 9, 2022
Summary
Autonomic dysfunction (AD) is common during acute COVID-19, impacting the autonomic nervous system (ANS). This imbalance often correlates with a worse prognosis, highlighting the need for further research into predictive autonomic parameters.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Physiology
Background:
- Autonomic dysfunction (AD) post-COVID-19 is documented, but its role during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection is less understood.
- The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a crucial role in physiological regulation.
- Understanding acute COVID-19's impact on the ANS is vital for patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and summarize current knowledge on autonomic dysfunction during the acute phase of COVID-19.
- To evaluate the prognostic value of ANS involvement in acute COVID-19.
- To explore the utility of autonomic parameters in predicting SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review conducted following PRISMA guidelines.
- Searched Scopus and PubMed databases for relevant studies.
- Included 22 articles after screening 1585 records and their references.
Main Results:
- Most studies indicated ANS involvement during acute COVID-19.
- Autonomic dysfunction was frequently associated with poorer clinical outcomes.
- Heart rate variability and automated pupillometry were common assessment tools.
Conclusions:
- A complex imbalance of the autonomic nervous system is a significant feature of acute COVID-19.
- ANS involvement appears to be linked to a worse prognosis in COVID-19 patients.
- Further research is required to establish the predictive role of autonomic parameters in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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