Sex-related patient-reported brain fog symptoms in non-hospitalised COVID-19 patients

Abstract

Introduction.Previous studies on the prognostic role of sex in post-COVID-associated brain fog have yielded divergent results. Moreover, limited evidence exists regarding the evolution of brain fog symptoms over time, especially in ambulatory patients and separately for women and men. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to assess brain fog symptoms in nonhospitalised patients with COVID-19, according to their sex. Material and methods.We created a neuropsychological questionnaire including eight questions on the presence of brain fog symptoms in the following four time periods: before COVID-19, and 0-4, 4-12, and > 12 weeks post-infection. The validity and reliability of the questionnaire were assessed. In this cross-sectional study, questionnaires were filled out anonymously and retrospectively once only by patients or through a survey link posted online. Included were patients ≥ 18 years, with > 3 months since the SARS-CoV-2 infection onset confirmed by RT-PCR from a nasopharyngeal swab.

Quality of life at work and fatigue after hospitalization due to COVID‐19

“…The study was carried out as part of the CRACoV‐HHS project (CRAcow in CoVid pandemics—Home, Hospital, and Staff), which received approval from the Jagiellonian University Bioethics Committee 10,16 . Furthermore, the survey was conducted in accordance with Declaration of Helsinki.…”

“…The study was carried out as part of the CRACoV-HHS project (CRAcow in CoVid pandemics-Home, Hospital, and Staff), which received approval from the Jagiellonian University Bioethics Committee. 10,16 Furthermore, the survey was conducted in accordance with Declaration of Helsinki. Individuals recruited in the ambulatory for post-COVID patients at the University Hospital in Krakow signed written informed consent before completing paper…”

SARS-CoV-2 and the nervous system

“…Women reported more frequent problems with writing, reading, counting and communicating thoughts. However, there were no sex--related differences in experiencing problems with multitasking, remembering information from the past, determining the current date or field orientation [39]. Similarly, retrospectively assessing post-COVID fatigue in patients requiring prior hospitalisation due to COVID-19, Mazurkiewicz et al found this symptom in the majority of patients, and noted that the presence of fatigue was predicted by female sex [40].…”