Nerve Conduction Studies in Post-COVID 19 Patients among Egyptian Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Corona viruses are large family of viruses that may cause disease in animals or humans. The most common symptoms are fever, cough, sneezing and shortness of breath. Extra-pulmonary manifestations include thromboembolism, renal, hepatic, gastrointestinal, endocrine, cardiac, dermatological and neurological manifestations. The neurological manifestations include headache, dizziness, encephalopathy, Guillen-barre, myalgia, stroke and insomnia. However, it has not been reported that patients with COVID-19 have any neurological manifestations. Aim: The aim of the study is to demonstrate the presence of neurological manifestations through nerve conduction studies among Egyptian post-COVID patients and its correlation with CRP levels. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study of 90 post-COVIDmale patients, thirty patients were had mild symptoms during the disease activity, 30 had moderate symptoms and 30 had severe symptoms.In addition, 30 healthy control subjects that had no history of COVID-19 infection were included. Full History taking, Radiological, laboratory and neurological assessments were performed. Nerve conduction studies involve assessment of nerves of both upper and lower limbs. Results: There was a statistically significant difference as regards presence of symptoms and CRP levels in severe group in comparison to the other two groups. There was positive correlation between CRP levels and motor and sensory nerve latency, amplitude, and conduction velocity. No significant difference as regards F waves. Conclusion: COVID-19 may affect nervous system as well as respiratory system. This study offered new clinical information on COVID-19 which would help to raise awareness of involvement of nervous system. Patients who suffered from severe COVID infection have greater chance of neurological involvement. Also, there was positive correlation between CRP and both delayed latencies and conduction velocities in all nerves in severe post-COVID group.