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Neurological outcomes 1 year after COVID‐19 diagnosis: A prospective longitudinal cohort study
Author(s) -
Rass Verena,
Beer Ronny,
Schiefecker Alois Josef,
Lindner Anna,
Kofler Mario,
Ianosi Bogdan Andrei,
Mahlknecht Philipp,
Heim Beatrice,
Peball Marina,
Carbone Federico,
Limmert Victoria,
Kindl Philipp,
Putnina Lauma,
Fava Elena,
Sahanic Sabina,
Sonnweber Thomas,
Löscher Wolfgang N.,
Wanschitz Julia V.,
Zamarian Laura,
Djamshidian Atbin,
Tancevski Ivan,
Weiss Günter,
BellmannWeiler Rosa,
Kiechl Stefan,
Seppi Klaus,
LoefflerRagg Judith,
Pfausler Bettina,
Helbok Raimund
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
european journal of neurology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.881
H-Index - 124
eISSN - 1468-1331
pISSN - 1351-5101
DOI - 10.1111/ene.15307
Subject(s) - medicine , hyposmia , neurological examination , depression (economics) , anxiety , prospective cohort study , cohort , pediatrics , cohort study , physical therapy , psychiatry , disease , covid-19 , infectious disease (medical specialty) , economics , macroeconomics
Background and purpose Neurological sequelae from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) may persist after recovery from acute infection. Here, the aim was to describe the natural history of neurological manifestations over 1 year after COVID‐19. Methods A prospective, multicentre, longitudinal cohort study in COVID‐19 survivors was performed. At a 3‐month and 1‐year follow‐up, patients were assessed for neurological impairments by a neurological examination and a standardized test battery including the assessment of hyposmia (16‐item Sniffin' Sticks test), cognitive deficits (Montreal Cognitive Assessment < 26) and mental health (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Post‐traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist 5). Results Eighty‐one patients were evaluated 1 year after COVID‐19, out of which 76 (94%) patients completed a 3‐month and 1‐year follow‐up. Patients were 54 (47–64) years old and 59% were male. New and persistent neurological disorders were found in 15% (3 months) and 12% (10/81; 1 year). Symptoms at 1‐year follow‐up were reported by 48/81 (59%) patients, including fatigue (38%), concentration difficulties (25%), forgetfulness (25%), sleep disturbances (22%), myalgia (17%), limb weakness (17%), headache (16%), impaired sensation (16%) and hyposmia (15%). Neurological examination revealed findings in 52/81 (64%) patients without improvement over time (3 months, 61%, p = 0.230) including objective hyposmia (Sniffin' Sticks test <13; 51%). Cognitive deficits were apparent in 18%, whereas signs of depression, anxiety and post‐traumatic stress disorders were found in 6%, 29% and 10% respectively 1 year after infection. These mental and cognitive disorders had not improved after the 3‐month follow‐up (all p > 0.05). Conclusion Our data indicate that a significant patient number still suffer from neurological sequelae including neuropsychiatric symptoms 1 year after COVID‐19 calling for interdisciplinary management of these patients.