Abstract:
Long COVID is a condition that develops in a subset of patients after COVID-19 infection comprising of symptoms of varying severity encompassing multiple organ systems. Currently, long COVID is without consensus on a formal definition, identifiable biomarkers, and validated treatment. Long COVID is expected to be a long-term chronic condition for a subset of patients and is associated with suffering and incapacity. There is an urgent need for clear management guidelines for the primary care provider, who is essential in bridging the gap with more specialized care to improve quality of life and functionality in their patients living with long COVID. The purpose of this mini review is to provide primary care providers with the latest highlights from existing literature regarding the most common long COVID symptoms and current management recommendations. This review also highlights the underutilized interventions of stellate ganglion blocks and low-dose naltrexone, both with well-established safety profiles demonstrated to improve quality of life and functionality for patients suffering with some symptoms of long COVID, and encourages prompt referral to interventional pain management.
摘要:
长型COVID是一种在COVID-19感染后在一部分患者中发展的疾病,包括不同严重程度的症状,包括多个器官系统。目前,长期的COVID对正式定义没有共识,可识别的生物标志物,和验证的治疗。长型COVID预计将是一部分患者的长期慢性疾病,并与痛苦和无能有关。迫切需要为初级保健提供者提供明确的管理指南,对于弥合与更专业的护理的差距,以提高长期COVID患者的生活质量和功能至关重要。这篇小型综述的目的是为初级保健提供者提供现有文献中关于最常见的长期COVID症状和当前管理建议的最新亮点。这篇综述还强调了星状神经节阻滞和低剂量纳曲酮的干预措施未得到充分利用。两者都具有公认的安全性,证明可以改善患有长期COVID症状的患者的生活质量和功能,并鼓励及时转诊介入疼痛管理。