Abstract Details

Title Biomarker Assessment of Neuropsychological Long COVID Symptoms

Topic Infectious Disease

Presentation(s) P8 - Poster Session 8 (8:00 AM-9:00 AM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 10-006

Objective This study aimed to investigate clinical symptoms combined with biological data including images and blood samplings for revealing pathological mechanism of neuropsychological long COVID.

Background Although most patients can recover from COVID-19 acute phase, some will suffer from depression, insomnia, concentration problems, fatigue, and cognitive decline, i.e. “brain fog” or neuropsychological long COVID. However, the mechanism of neuropsychological long COVID is not well investigated. Moreover, biomarkers which can objectively assess these symptoms have not been established.

Design/Methods Between March 2023 and February 2024, patients who met the criteria of “brain fog” screening questionnaire (fatigue, diminished concentration, confusion, insomnia, memory loss, language impairment, visual impairment, vertigo, and appetite loss) with informed consent were enrolled in this study (n=33, female 16, average[SD] age 38.5[14.8]). All participants were examined with blood biomarkers (amyloid β-42/40 [Aβ42/40], pTau, GFAP, Neurofilament light chain [NfL]), MRI, and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Z-score of regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), calculated from SPECT, was used for the indicator of decreased neuronal activity. Relationship between symptoms and biomarkers was evaluated by multiple regression analysis.

Results Fatigue, diminished concentration, and memory loss were major complaints (81.8%, 60.6%, and 48.5%, respectively). Significant correlations were observed between insomnia and Aβ42/40 (r=0.474: p=0.019), language impairment and NfL (r=0.504: p=0.012), and appetite loss and Aβ42/40 (r=0.459: p=0.024). There were significant relations between hypoactive brain regions and symptoms i.e. left occipital lobe and insomnia (p=0.004), right occipital lobe and memory loss (p=0.036), left temporal lobe or both-side limbic system and language impairment (p=0.003, p=0.010 [left] and p=0.049 [right], respectively), and left limbic system or pons and appetite loss (p=0.038 and p=0.044, respectively).

Conclusions Neuropsychological symptoms after COVID-19 infection can be assessed by blood biomarkers and SPECT with evidence of significant neuronal damage. Since specific brain lesions associated to symptoms, our findings may shed light on the underlying pathomechanism.

Authors/Disclosures
Taizen Nakase (Research Institute for Brain & Blood Vessels -Akita) PRESENTER	Taizen Nakase has nothing to disclose.
Shin Takayama (Tohoku University)	No disclosure on file
Yasuko Tatewaki, MD, PhD	Dr. Tatewaki has nothing to disclose.
Rie Ono, MD	Dr. Ono has nothing to disclose.
Yumi Takano, PhD	Dr. Takano has nothing to disclose.
Kenji Honkura, MD, PhD	Dr. Honkura has nothing to disclose.
Shuko Nomura, MD	Dr. Nomura has nothing to disclose.
Hae Woon Baek, MD	Dr. Baek has nothing to disclose.
Yasuyuki Taki, MD, PhD	Prof. Taki has nothing to disclose.

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