Abstract:
COVID-19 can induce neurological sequelae, negatively affecting the quality of life. Unravelling this illness\'s impact on structural brain connectivity, white-matter microstructure (WMM), and cognitive performance may help elucidate its implications. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate differences in these factors between former hospitalised COVID-19 patients (COV) and healthy controls. Group differences in structural brain connectivity were explored using Welch-two sample t-tests and two-sample Mann-Whitney U tests. Multivariate linear models were constructed (one per region) to examine fixel-based group differences. Differences in cognitive performance between groups were investigated using Wilcoxon Rank Sum tests. Possible effects of bundle-specific FD measures on cognitive performance were explored using a two-group path model. No differences in whole-brain structural organisation were found. Bundle-specific metrics showed reduced fiber density (p = 0.012, Hedges\' g = 0.884) and fiber density cross-section (p = 0.007, Hedges\' g = 0.945) in the motor segment of the corpus callosum in COV compared to healthy controls. Cognitive performance on the motor praxis and digit symbol substitution tests was worse in COV than healthy controls (p < 0.001, r = 0.688; p = 0.013, r = 422, respectively). Associations between the cognitive performance and bundle-specific FD measures differed significantly between groups. WMM and cognitive performance differences were observed between COV and healthy controls.
摘要:
COVID-19可诱发神经系统后遗症,对生活质量产生负面影响。解开这种疾病对结构性大脑连通性的影响,白质微观结构(WMM),和认知表现可能有助于阐明其含义。这项横断面研究旨在调查以前住院的COVID-19患者(COV)和健康对照之间这些因素的差异。使用Welch-两样本t检验和两样本Mann-WhitneyU检验探讨了结构性脑连通性的组差异。构建多变量线性模型(每个区域一个)以检查基于fixel的组差异。使用Wilcoxon秩和检验调查了组间认知表现的差异。使用两组路径模型探索了特定于束的FD测量对认知表现的可能影响。没有发现全脑结构组织的差异。束特异性指标显示,与健康对照相比,COV中call体运动段的纤维密度降低(p=0.012,Hedges\'g=0.884)和纤维密度横截面降低(p=0.007,Hedges\'g=0.945)。COV在运动习惯和数字符号替代测试中的认知表现比健康对照组差(分别为p<0.001,r=0.688;p=0.013,r=422)。认知表现与特定于束的FD测量之间的关联在组间存在显着差异。观察到COV和健康对照组之间的WMM和认知表现差异。