Pathophysiological Mechanisms In Long COVID: A Mixed Method Systematic Review

This systematic review investigates the pathophysiological mechanisms of Long COVID (LC), affecting over 70 million people globally. It synthesizes findings from 19 systematic reviews and 46 primary studies, involving 10,921 participants. The review identifies key mechanisms such as immune dysregulation, cerebral hypoperfusion, and impaired lung function, with moderate to weak evidence for endothelial damage and hypercoagulation. LC symptoms, including fatigue and cognitive impairment, are linked to these mechanisms. The review suggests a 'treatable trait' approach for targeted interventions and emphasizes the need for further research to clarify these mechanisms and develop comprehensive treatment strategies.