Long Covid Land Toolbox
Chronic autonomic symptom burden in long-COVID: a follow-up cohort study
2025 Feb 5
Abstract
Purpose: Autonomic dysfunction is a common and often debilitating feature of long-COVID (LC), however, studies evaluating frequency and severity of chronic autonomic dysfunction in LC are limited. We utilized an established online cohort of participants with LC to assess duration and severity of autonomic dysfunction, impact on quality of life, risk factors of autonomic diagnoses including postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and efficacy of common treatments.
Conclusions: Evidence of chronic moderate-to-severe autonomic dysfunction was seen in most participants with LC in our cohort and was significantly associated with reduced quality of life and functional disability. POTS was the most common post-COVID autonomic diagnosis.
The LongCovid Research Consortium is a scientific collaboration to rapidly and comprehensively study LongCovid.
LongCovid is no longer a mystery. New research is revealing key drivers of the condition, including evidence strongly suggesting that patients with LongCovid do not fully clear the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Instead, the virus may persist in tissue where it continues to provoke the immune system. This could drive a wide range of downstream consequences such as blood clotting, neuroinflammation, and neuropathy. The persistence of SARS-CoV-2 in tissue is called a viral reservoir.
The LongCovid Research Consortium has established a comprehensive research program on LongCovid disease mechanisms, with a focus on viral reservoir. The program includes scientists and clinicians from institutions including Harvard Medical School, University of California San Francisco, the J. Craig Venter Institute, Johns Hopkins, University of Pennsylvania, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Cardiff University and Yale University.
LONG COVID CANADA LINK LIBRARY
The Long Covid Link Library provides a comprehensive and continuously updated repository of the latest research, clinical findings, and scientific developments related to Long COVID. This dynamic resource aggregates peer-reviewed studies, clinical guidelines, and emerging treatment protocols from leading medical institutions worldwide.
The library covers crucial aspects of Long COVID research, including symptom characterization, risk factors, potential mechanisms, and treatment strategies. Content spans multiple disciplines, from immunology and neurology to cardiology and rehabilitation medicine.
Whether you’re a healthcare provider, researcher, patient, or caregiver, staying current with the rapidly evolving landscape of Long COVID research is essential for understanding this complex condition and its management.
Persistence of spike protein at the skull-meninges-brain axis may contribute to the neurological sequelae of COVID-19
SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with long-lasting neurological symptoms, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Using optical clearing and imaging, we observed the accumulation of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein in the skull-meninges-brain axis of human COVID-19 patients, persisting long after viral clearance.
Further, biomarkers of neurodegeneration were elevated in the cerebrospinal fluid from long COVID patients, and proteomic analysis of human skull, meninges, and brain samples revealed dysregulated inflammatory pathways and neurodegeneration-associated changes.
Similar distribution patterns of the spike protein were observed in SARS-CoV-2-infected mice. Injection of spike protein alone was sufficient to induce neuroinflammation, proteome changes in the skull-meninges-brain axis, anxiety-like behavior, and exacerbated outcomes in mouse models of stroke and traumatic brain injury.
Vaccination reduced but did not eliminate spike protein accumulation after infection in mice. Our findings suggest persistent spike protein at the brain borders may contribute to lasting neurological sequelae of COVID-19.
Key Missions
Legislate – Investigate – Ventilate – Educate
We advocate for 4 key areas: Legislation is vital to create the infrastructure for equality & safety for all those with Long Covid: Investigation into the biomedical roots to find an effective treatment: Ventilation to ensure prevention & an accessible society & Education for medical professionals & the public to challenge the stigma & misconception of Long Covid & ME/CFS.
Welcome to the Long COVID Resource
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a widespread occurrence of Long COVID, a condition that significantly impacts health, daily life, and overall well-being. Long COVID, also referred to as post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC), affects a broad spectrum of people, irrespective of the initial severity of their COVID-19 infection.
The Long COVID Resource is dedicated to providing information and resources on Long COVID. We are committed to ensuring that individuals who are experiencing prolonged symptoms following a COVID-19 infection have access to the information and support they need. We recognize the profound challenges faced by individuals living with ongoing symptoms after recovering from the initial infection.
Beyond a simple list of facts, we strive to empower you with knowledge and tools to navigate this complex condition. Whether you’re recently diagnosed, struggling with persistent symptoms, or seeking support for a loved one, our website offers a safe harbor and a wealth of resources.
Autoimmune/Inflammatory Tissue Disorders Associated With COVID-19 Infection
Key Takeaways
- COVID-19 infection is associated with increased risk of various autoimmune and autoinflammatory disorders, including alopecia areata and Crohn disease.
- Severe COVID-19, Delta variant, and unvaccinated status are linked to higher autoimmune risk.
- Despite increased risk, autoimmune disease incidence post-COVID remains rare, cautioning against unnecessary testing without symptoms.
- Further research is needed to assess risk for individuals with preexisting autoimmune conditions post-COVID-19 infection.
NETosis induction reflects COVID-19 severity and long COVID: insights from a 2-center patient cohort study in Israel
“Increased NETosis induction can be detected in patients with long COVID. NETosis induction appears to be a more sensitive NET measurement than MPO-DNA levels in COVID-19, differentiating between disease severity and patients with long COVID.” Ongoing NETosis induction capability in long COVID may provide insights into pathogenesis and serve as a surrogate marker for persistent pathology. This study emphasizes the need to explore neutrophil-targeted therapies in acute and chronic COVID-19.