Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2025
10:21
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Inflammation in the Co-occurrence of Primary Sjogren's Syndrome and Lung Adenocarcinoma
Published on: September 20, 2024
422
Pathophysiological Mechanisms in Long COVID: A Mixed Method Systematic Review
Nawar Diar Bakerly1,2, Nikki Smith3, Julie L Darbyshire4
1Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester M15 6BH, UK.
Summary
Long COVID involves multiple organ systems and symptoms driven by various mechanisms like immune dysregulation and impaired gas exchange. A "treatable trait" approach may personalize interventions for this complex global health issue.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Public Health
- Immunology
Background:
- Long COVID (LC) is a significant global health challenge impacting over 70 million individuals worldwide.
- Diverse symptoms of LC are increasingly linked to distinct pathophysiological mechanisms.
- Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effective clinical management and identifying therapeutic targets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and synthesize evidence on pathophysiological mechanisms underlying Long COVID symptoms.
- To explore the relationships between identified mechanisms and clinical presentations of Long COVID.
- To inform the development of targeted treatment strategies for Long COVID.
Main Methods:
- A two-stage mixed-methods systematic review was conducted.
- Stage one involved a meta-review of existing systematic reviews; Stage two reviewed primary studies.
- Studies were identified across major databases (Medline, Embase, Emcare, CINAHL) and assessed for quality.
Main Results:
- Immune system dysregulation, cerebral hypoperfusion, and impaired lung gas transfer showed strong evidence as LC mechanisms.
- Endothelial damage, hypercoagulation, mast cell activation, and autoimmunity to vascular receptors had moderate to weak evidence.
- Reporting quality in primary studies was generally moderate to poor.
Conclusions:
- Long COVID is a complex, multi-organ condition with diverse presentations driven by multiple pathophysiological mechanisms.
- A 'treatable trait' approach is proposed to stratify patients and guide targeted interventions.
- Future research should focus on intervention responses based on these mechanism-based traits.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
2.8K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation
2.8K
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
2.6K
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
2.6K
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
2.7K
Understanding the variety of primary symptoms and systemic complications that characterize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
2.7K
01:29Pneumonia II: Pathophysiology
261
The pathophysiology of pneumonia involves the following steps:
261
01:20COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
265
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
265
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis II
226
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While its primary impact is on the lungs, leading to pulmonary tuberculosis, it can also affect various other organs, a condition referred to as extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
Here is a detailed explanation of its pathophysiology:
Transmission: The process begins when a person inhales droplet nuclei containing M. tuberculosis. These are typically released into the air when an individual with pulmonary or...
226