Retrospective study and analysis of real-world data on post-COVID neurological complications
Bulgarian Medical Journal, 2024, 18(3), 20-27.
R. Vatkova1, V. Getova-Kolarova2, V. Ruseva2, I. Getov2
1 MHAT “Avis-Medica” – Pleven
2 Department “Organization and Economics of Pharmacy”, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University – Sofia
Abstract. After the end of the coronavirus pandemic, numerous patients who had been infected continue to experience severe neurological and psychological symptoms that emerged post-infection. The aim of this study is to investigate the incidence and characteristics of post-Covid neurological syndrome among patients in a regional hospital. The diagnostic and therapeutic measures taken were analyzed. The results show the highest incidence of headaches, cognitive problems, loss of smell and taste, and chronic fatigue. The data analysis reveals that twice as many women were examined in post- COVID-19 neurological practice. Patients were most frequently referred to specialists in audiology, otorhinolaryngology, and psychiatry. The drug therapy included various pharmacological groups, such as antidepressants, anxiolytics, antiepileptics, and beta-blockers. The most common reasons for hospitalization were Guillain-Barré syndrome, cerebral infarction, and deterioration in Parkinson’s disease. The obtained results are consistent with published studies on the topic and emphasize the importance of clarifying the pathophysiological mechanisms of the so-called long Covid for selecting appropriate and timely therapy.
Key words: long COVID, post-infectious neurological syndrome, epidemiology, real-world data
Address for correspondence: Prof. Ilko Getov, е-mail: igetov@pharmfac.mu-sofia.bg