Expert guidance on the management and challenges of long-COVID syndrome: a systematic review

Introduction Long-COVID is a condition characterized by the permanence of symptoms beyond 4 weeks after an initial infection. It affects 1 out of 5 people and is loosely related to the severity of acute infection and pathological mechanisms, which are yet to be understood. Areas covered This article looks at currently available and under-studied therapies for long-COVID syndrome. It particularly gives focus to ongoing trials and reviews the underlying mechanisms. A comprehensive literature search was performed on PubMed and clincaltrial.gov of clinical trials concerning the management of long-COVID syndrome. Expert opinion 'Long-COVID' syndrome is a new emergency characterized by several symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, cognitive and attention disorders, sleep disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, muscle pain, and concentration problems. Despite the many guidelines available to date, there are no established treatments of long-COVID. Pharmacological research is studying known drugs that act on the reduction or modulation of systemic inflammation, or innovative drugs used in similar pathologies. Rehabilitation now seems to be the safest treatment to offer, whereas we will have to wait for the pharmacological research trials in progress as well as plan new trials based on a better understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms.

Automated summary

Long-COVID, characterized by persistent symptoms after 4 weeks of initial infection, affects 1 in 5 individuals and its underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully understood. This article provides an overview of current and ongoing therapies for long-COVID syndrome, with a focus on clinical trials and underlying mechanisms. Despite the lack of established treatments, pharmacological research is exploring drugs that target systemic inflammation and rehabilitation appears to be a safe option. Further research and trials are needed to better understand the pathogenesis and develop effective treatments.