Long-term sequelae of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) constitute Long COVID. Although Long COVID has been reported globally, its risk factors and effects on quality of life (QOL) remain unclear. We conducted a cross-sectional study using questionnaires and electronic medical records of COVID-19 patients who were diagnosed or hospitalized at five facilities in Japan. Responses were obtained from 285 out of 1,150 patients. More than half of the participants reported Long COVID symptoms of varying severity 1 year after COVID-19. Common sequelae included fatigue, dyspnea, alopecia, concentration problems, memory problems, sleeplessness, and joint pain, which often significantly reduced their QOL. COVID-19 severity was strongly associated with sputum production, chest pain, dyspnea, sore throat, and diarrhea, but not with fatigue, dysgeusia, anosmia, alopecia, and sleeplessness. Fatigue, dysgeusia, anosmia, alopecia, and sleeplessness affected the QOL among participants with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19 during the acute phase. Moreover, these sequelae persisted for prolonged periods.

Background Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) reactivation occurs in immunosuppressed individuals and is known to increase mortality. Although patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are often associated with steroid use and intensive care unit (ICU) treatment and may be at risk for comorbid HCMV reactivation, there are still insufficient studies. This study aimed to examine the incidence and potential risk factors of HCMV infection in patients with severe COVID-19 and evaluate the relationship between HCMV infection and mortality. Methods We used administrative claims data from advanced treatment hospitals in Japan to identify and analyze patients with severe or critical COVID-19. We explored potential risk factors for HCMV infection using multivariable regression models and its contribution to mortality in patients with COVID-19. Results Overall, 33,151 patients who progressed to severe or critical COVID-19 illness were identified. The incidence of HCMV infection was 0.3–1.7%. Steroids, immunosuppressants, ICU admission, and blood transfusion were strongly associated with HCMV reactivation. Furthermore, HCMV reactivation was associated with patient mortality independent of the observed risk factors for death. Conclusions HCMV infection is a notable complication in patients with COVID-19 receiving steroids, immunosuppressants, ICU admission, and blood transfusion, and it can significantly increase mortality risk.

Purpose Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) has been reported to reduce patients’ quality of life and impair cancer treatment by causing anticancer drug withdrawal or interruption. However, there are currently no effective methods for the prevention of CIPN. Renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors may be associated with a reduced risk of developing oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy, and it would be valuable to examine whether they have the same effect on CIPN caused by other anticancer drugs. Our study explored the potential preventive effects of RAAS inhibitors on preventing paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN). Methods An exploratory cohort study was conducted using commercially available administrative claims data on lung cancer patients treated with paclitaxel-based chemotherapy. Cumulative paclitaxel doses, RAAS inhibitor prescriptions, and incidences of PIPN were identified using patient medical records. Fine–Gray analyses with death as a competing risk were performed. A propensity score approach was applied to address the problem of confounding. Results Patients with lung cancer who received paclitaxel-based chemotherapy were classified into the RAAS inhibitor group (n=1,320) and non-RAAS inhibitor group (n=4,566). The doses of RAAS inhibitors in our study were similar to those commonly used to treat hypertension. The PIPN incidence was significantly lower in the RAAS inhibitor group than in the non-RAAS inhibitor group (sub-distribution hazard ratio, 0.871; 95% confidence interval, 0.789–0.961). The result was consistent in various sensitivity analyses and important subgroup analyses. Conclusions RAAS inhibitors at doses commonly used for hypertension were associated with a reduced incidence of PIPN in patients with lung cancer.