Neuropathic pain in patients with post-COVID-19

In this study, we aimed to determine the continuing pain during the post-COVID-19 period the frequency of neuropathic pain in these patients, and the factors affecting the frequency.

A total of 209 participants were included in the study who had COVID-19 disease (PCR-positive) aged 18-75 years. The demographic characteristics and COVID-19 severity data were recorded by questioning the patients. The musculoskeletal pain was also assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and the extended Nordic musculoskeletal system questionnaire (NMQ-E). In addition, the neuropathic components of pain were evaluated using the Leeds Assessment of neuropathic symptoms and Signs (LANSS) pain scale and the Pain-DETECT questionnaire (PDQ).

The mean time elapsed since COVID-19 was 5.76±2.95 months (min, 1; max, 12). Six patients (2.9%) had neuropathic pain according to the LANSS score, and 12 patients (5.7%) according to the PDQ score. The NMQ-E indicated that the most pain was detected in the back (20.1%), low back (15.3%), and knee (11.5%) regions during the post-COVID-19 period. According to both neuropathic pain scales; low back pain (p=0.001/0.001) and knee pain (p=0.001/0.01) were more common in patients with PDQ/LANSS neuropathic pain. Logistic regression analysis showed that there were significant associations between neuropathic pain and acute COVID-19 VAS score.

This study demonstrated that musculoskeletal pain was prominent mostly in the back, low back, and knee during the post-COVID-19 period. The incidence of neuropathic pain was 2.9%-5.7% depending on the evaluation parameters. Neuropathic pain is a finding that should be considered during the post-COVID-19 period.