Predictors of impaired functioning among long COVID patients

Abstract

BACKGROUND: There is limited information on what acute factors predict more long-term symptoms from COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to conduct an exploratory factor analysis of self-reported symptoms at two time points of Long COVID-19. METHODS: Data from patients with Long COVID-19 were collected at the initial two weeks of contracting SARS CoV-2 and the most recent two weeks, with a mean duration of 21.7 weeks between the two-time points. At time point 2, participants also complete the Coronavirus Impact Scale (CIS), measuring how the COVID-19 pandemic affected various dimensions of their lives (e.g., routine, access to medical care, social/family support, etc.). RESULTS: At time 1, a three-factor model emerged consisting of Cognitive Dysfunction, Autonomic Dysfunction and Gastrointestinal Dysfunction. The analysis of time 2 resulted in a three-factor model consisting of cognitive dysfunction, autonomic dysfunction, and post-exertional malaise. Using factor scores from time 1, the Autonomic Dysfunction and the Gastrointestinal Dysfunction factor scores significantly predicted the CIS summary score at time two. In addition, the same two factor scores at time 1 predicted the occurrence of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome at time 2. CONCLUSION: As Cognitive and Autonomic Dysfunction emerged as factors for both time points, suggesting health care workers might want to pay particular attention to these factors that might be related to later symptoms and difficulties with returning to pre-illness family life and work functioning.

The influence of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) family history on patients with ME/CFS

“…The human gut microbiota is a powerful modulator of host immune responses and metabolism, and there is increasing evidence that chronic low-grade inflammation plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory-related diseases. Jason et al [19] found that both before and at the onset of mononucleosis among college students, gastrointestinal symptoms were predictive of severe cases of ME/CFS six months after infection. Similarly, Jason and Dorri [20] found that gastrointestinal symptoms during the first few weeks of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) were predictors of more serious consequences of COVID-19 about 6 months later.…”