FATIGUE IN PATIENTS WITH LONG COVID

Area of Science:

• Metabolomics
• Long COVID research
• Post-viral syndromes

Background:

• Long COVID, a condition following SARS-CoV-2 infection, frequently presents with persistent fatigue.
• Understanding the underlying pathophysiology of Long COVID fatigue is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the metabolomic profile in patients experiencing fatigue associated with Long COVID.
• To observe dynamic changes in metabolic parameters during a period of physical activity intervention.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 24 patients diagnosed with "Condition after COVID-19 unspecified" (U09.9).
• Clinical assessments included the Modified Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI) scale, and Barthel Index.
• Metabolomic parameters were determined at baseline and during follow-up (days 1 and 14-18).
• Patients engaged in moderate aerobic activity (walking 45 minutes, 3 times/week).

Main Results:

• Elevated levels of lactate, fumaric acid, symmetrical dimethylarginine (SDMA), and asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA) were observed.
• Adipic acid levels normalized during the study period.
• Significant improvements (p<0.001) were noted in MRC, MFI, 6MWT, and Barthel Index scores following physical activity.
• The metabolic profile at 60 days post-onset indicated complex abnormalities.

Conclusions:

• The metabolic profile of Long COVID patients exhibits a complex set of abnormalities.
• These metabolic alterations suggest potential therapeutic targets for pathogenetic pharmacotherapy.
• Physical activity interventions show promise in improving both clinical symptoms and functional outcomes in Long COVID fatigue.