The Role of Rehabilitation in Arterial Function Properties of Convalescent COVID-19 Patients 2023 Gounaridi et al

Abstract

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease, although arterial function involvement has been documented. We assess the impact of a post-acute COVID-19 rehabilitation program on endothelium-dependent vasodilation and arterial wall properties.

We enrolled 60 convalescent patients from COVID-19 and one-month post-acute disease, who were randomized at a 1:1 ratio in a 3-month cardiopulmonary rehabilitation program (study group) or not (control group). Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was evaluated by flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and arterial wall properties were evaluated by carotid–femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV) and augmentation index (AIx) at 1 month and at 4 months post-acute disease. FMD was significantly improved in both the study (6.2 ± 1.8% vs. 8.6 ± 2.4%, p < 0.001) and control groups (5.9 ± 2.2% vs. 6.6 ± 1.8%, p = 0.009), but the improvement was significantly higher in the study group (rehabilitation) (p < 0.001). PWV was improved in the study group (8.2 ± 1.3 m/s vs. 6.6 ± 1.0 m/s, p < 0.001) but not in the control group (8.9 ± 1.8 m/s vs. 8.8 ± 1.9 m/s, p = 0.74). Similarly, AIx was improved in the study group (25.9 ± 9.8% vs. 21.1 ± 9.3%, p < 0.001) but not in the control group (27.6 ± 9.2% vs. 26.2 ± 9.8 m/s, p = 0.15).

Convalescent COVID-19 subjects of the study group (rehabilitation) with increased serum levels of circulating IL-6 had a greater reduction in FMD. Conclusively, a 3-month cardiopulmonary post-acute COVID-19 rehabilitation program improves recovery of endothelium-dependent vasodilation and arteriosclerosis.

Open access, https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/6/2233

 

One mention of PEM, no mention of harms, potential or otherwise.

"“Post-acute COVID-19” or ‘’long COVID-19’’ syndrome is characterized by persistent symptoms and/or long-term complications beyond 3 or 4 weeks from the onset of acute symptoms [1,28,33,34]. These patients share common symptoms such as fatigue, post-exertional malaise, muscle weakness, and cognitive dysfunction, impacting everyday functioning and quality of life [35,36]. The underlying mechanisms contributing to the pathophysiology of post-acute COVID-19 have not been fully elucidated but might include persistent immune and inflammatory activation and target organ damage as well as the expected sequelae of post-critical illness and long hospital stays"