Long COVIDにおける中枢神経・精神関連合併症

Central Nervous System and Psychiatric Complications in Long Coronavirus Disease 2019

Point

・Long COVID患者が増加している一方で，その病態・治療方法は未解明であり，さらなる研究が期待される．

・Long COVID患者は多様な症状を訴えるため，包括的・体系的に対応ができる診療環境を整えることが望ましい．

・Long COVIDにおいて中枢神経・精神関連合併症は中心症状であり，神経内科・脳神経外科・精神科など関連専門診療科の連携が重要である．

　Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2（SARS-CoV-2）has prevailed worldwide since early 2020 and has caused the global coronavirus disease 2019（COVID-19）pandemic. A considerable number of patients suffer from various sequela after SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is known as post COVID-19 condition（PCC）. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, we opened a COVID-19 aftercare clinic in February 2021 in Okayama University Hospital, where we specifically consult PCC patients. While examining such patients, three Cs are essential: complexity, continuity, and collaboration. Neurological and psychiatric manifestations are particularly important from the wide range of PCC symptoms. Indeed, a recent meta-analysis demonstrated that PCC patients suffer from brain fog（32%）, memory loss（27%）, attention disorder（22%）, dyssomnia（31%）, anxiety（23%）, and depression（12%）. The pathophysiology and treatment strategies for these conditions are yet to be developed, and further research is required. We have corroborated that endocrinological impairments may underlie the onset and deterioration of PCC. Through our continuous consultation at the COVID-19 aftercare clinic, we intend to conduct research on the pathophysiology of and treatment strategies for PCC.