Pathological Sequelae of Long-Haul COVID

February 2022 in “ Nature Immunology ”

Saurabh Mehandru, Miriam Mérad

post-COVID-19 syndrome long-haul COVID acute telogen effluvium diffuse hair shedding inflammatory state persistent hair loss post-COVID syndrome long COVID hair shedding hair loss

Studysummary This review explores post-COVID-19 syndromes and the underlying mechanisms, including persistent inflammation, autoimmunity, and possible viral reservoirs, but reports no new clinical results.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The review article "Pathological sequelae of long-haul COVID" discusses the persistent effects of COVID-19, known as 'post-COVID-19 syndrome' or 'long-haul COVID'. Symptoms can last more than 12 weeks and involve multiple organ systems, regardless of the severity of the initial illness. Common manifestations include fatigue, poor concentration, sleep abnormalities, chronic headache, 'brain fog', memory defects, mood impairment, pain syndromes, cardiac and respiratory issues. Notably, up to 20% of patients may experience persistent hair loss due to acute telogen effluvium, a condition causing diffuse hair shedding after an inflammatory state. The pathophysiology of post-COVID syndrome is not fully understood, but it may be related to a delayed or defective resolution of inflammation, persistent inflammation, induced autoimmunity, and putative viral reservoirs. The review emphasizes the need for detailed profiling of the immune system of patients and the development of new therapeutic targets.

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