Background We aimed to describe the clinical presentation of individuals presenting with prolonged recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), known as long COVID. Methods This was an analysis within a multicenter, prospective cohort study of individuals with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 and persistent symptoms >4 weeks from onset of acute symptoms. We performed a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) on the most common self-reported symptoms and hierarchical clustering on the results of the MCA to identify symptom clusters. Results Two hundred thirty-three individuals were included in the analysis; the median age of the cohort was 43 (interquartile range [IQR], 36–54) years, 74% were women, and 77.3% reported a mild initial illness. MCA and hierarchical clustering revealed 3 clusters. Cluster 1 had predominantly pain symptoms with a higher proportion of joint pain, myalgia, and headache; cluster 2 had a preponderance of cardiovascular symptoms with prominent chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations; and cluster 3 had significantly fewer symptoms than the other clusters (2 [IQR, 2–3] symptoms per individual in cluster 3 vs 6 [IQR, 5–7] and 4 [IQR, 3–5] in clusters 1 and 2, respectively; P < .001). Clusters 1 and 2 had greater functional impairment, demonstrated by significantly longer work absence, higher dyspnea scores, and lower scores in SF-36 domains of general health, physical functioning, and role limitation due to physical functioning and social functioning. Conclusions Clusters of symptoms are evident in long COVID patients that are associated with functional impairments and may point to distinct underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms of disease.

2',3'-Dideoxyinosine (ddI) is a purine analogue that after intracellular metabolic conversion suppresses the replication of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We conducted a Phase I dose-escalation study of ddI in 17 patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and 20 patients with AIDS-related complex. The drug was administered twice daily over a dose range of 0.4 to 66 mg per kilogram of body weight per day for 2 to 44 weeks. The maximal tolerated oral dose of ddI was estimated to be 12 mg per kilogram per day. The major dose-limiting toxic effects were a painful peripheral neuropathy (in eight patients) and pancreatitis (in five). Asymptomatic elevations of the serum aminotransferase levels (in 13 patients) and the serum urate level (in 10) were also noted, but there was no dose-related hematologic toxicity. At the maximal tolerated dose, the peak plasma levels of ddI were 6.3 to 9.6 mumol per liter 0.6 to 1 hour after oral administration; the mean plasma half-life was 1.5 hours. The administration of ddI was associated with statistically significant decreases in serum level of p24 antigen and increases in the numbers of CD4 cells at 2, 6, 10, and 20 weeks. These changes were seen at all dose levels studied. Either a clinical improvement or a weight gain of greater than or equal to 2 kg was observed in 25 of 34 patients at six weeks. We conclude that ddI is a promising therapeutic agent in patients with AIDS or AIDS-related complex. Its efficacy is currently being evaluated in large-scale, controlled clinical trials.

Background Pharmacokinetic and efficacy data on dolutegravir in pregnant women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are still limited but needed to support its use as one of the preferred antiretroviral agents. Methods Within the multicenter Pharmacokinetics of ANtiretroviral agents in HIV-infected pregNAnt women (PANNA) study, pregnant women living with HIV and using dolutegravir once daily (50 mg, with food) underwent 24-hour pharmacokinetic profiling in their third trimester and postpartum. Dolutegravir exposure in the third trimester was considered adequate if geometric mean unbound, pharmacologically active, minimal plasma concentrations (Cmin, unbound) and ≥90% of individual Cmin, unbound levels were >0.85 µg/L, the proposed 90% inhibitory concentration for unbound dolutegravir. Geometric mean ratios (GMRs) with 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for comparison of total and unbound pharmacokinetic parameters in the third trimester and postpartum were calculated, including the metabolic ratio for dolutegravir-glucuronide. Safety and virological data were collected. Results Seventeen women (76% black) were enrolled (25 evaluable pharmacokinetic profiles; 15 in the third trimester, 10 in postpartum). In the third trimester, geometric mean (coefficient of variation, %) Cmin, unbound was 2.87 (87) µg/L and 93% of individual Cmin, unbound levels were >0.85 µg/L. The GMR (90% CI) in the third trimester vs postpartum was 0.86 (.68–1.10) for area under the curve (AUC0-24h), and for Cmax, 0.93 (.77–1.13). GMR (90% CI) for the trough concentrations was 0.71 (.49–1.02), based on total dolutegravir concentrations. Four serious adverse events were reported, unlikely related to dolutegravir. The HIV polymerase chain reaction test was negative in 14/17 infants (result unknown for 3 infants). Conclusions Pharmacokinetic changes for dolutegravir in late pregnancy are not clinically relevant and support the use of dolutegravir 50 mg once daily with food in pregnancy. Clinical Trials Registration NCT00825929.