Sarcopenia and Multisensory Integration Deficit in Post-COVID Syndrome Patients
Authors: LoMauro Antonella , Gervasoni Fabrizio , Ricci Vincenzo , Salce Gregorio , Andreoli Arnaldo , Pantoni Leonardo , Özçakar Levent 
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Post-COVID syndrome affects relatively young outpatients with fatigue as the mostly reported symptom. We wondered whether sarcopenia could play a role.

Methods

Seventy-four outpatients (median age: 53.8 yrs, 45 females), reporting fatigue and persistent mild neurological/motor deficits, completed the Clinical, Ultrasound and Robotic Evaluation protocol 4.8 mos after the infection.

Results

The incidence of sarcopenia was 41%. Sarcopenic patients were older (62.7 vs. 46.4 yrs, P < 0.001), they experienced longer infection (33 vs. 24 days, P = 0.006) and higher incidence of hospitalization (86.6 vs. 29.5%, P < 0.001), they did not report more fatigue (44.5 vs. 48, P = 0.424), but they walked slower (1.27 vs. 1.5 m/sec, P = 0.027).

After multivariable adjustment using multiple logistic regression, sarcopenia was dependent on age (odds ratio = 1.09) and on the duration of the disease (odds ratio = 1.04).

When expressed as z score, in 79% of patients, the sway path during elastic balance shifted significantly toward negative values with closed eye, indicating multisensory integration deficit.

Conclusions

Post-COVID syndrome in relatively young outpatients complaining mild motor deficit is associated with high incidence of sarcopenia. In addition, they have multisensory integration deficit that further contributes to symptoms. The Clinical, Ultrasound and Robotic Evaluation protocol is able to objectivize symptoms that common diagnostic tool cannot reveal.

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CME Objectives

Upon completion of this article, the reader should be able to: (1) Determine the best diagnostic algorithm for the diagnosis of sarcopenia; (2) Identify and treat two additional factors that help to explain and understand the symptoms reported by relatively young post-COVID syndrome patients; and (3) Extend their diagnostic capability through the use of technology.

Level

Advanced

Accreditation

The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Level

Advanced

Accreditation

The Association of Academic Physiatrists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Association of Academic Physiatrists designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.