COVID Associated NM Disease-Dr. Gruener - COVID Associated NM Disease

Dr. Gruener - COVID Associated NM Disease

Pdf Summary

This document provides an overview of the relationship between neuromuscular conditions and acute COVID-19 infection. It discusses the frequency, symptoms, and outcomes of different neuromuscular conditions associated with COVID-19, including motor neuron disease, critical illness polyneuropathy and myopathy, Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and myasthenia gravis.<br /><br />The document highlights the criteria for establishing the relationship between association and causation and discusses the strength, consistency, temporality, and biologic gradient of the association. It also explores the occurrence, clinical presentation, and outcomes of ICU-acquired weakness, GBS, and rhabdomyolysis in COVID-19 patients.<br /><br />The document includes case series and studies that provide insights into the impact of COVID-19 on patients with neuromuscular conditions. For example, it discusses a case series of COVID-19 in patients with myasthenia gravis, which found that older age, long-term steroid use, and certain comorbidities were associated with a more severe COVID-19 course. It also highlights studies that investigated the occurrence of GBS in COVID-19 patients, with standardized incidence rates higher than the non-COVID population.<br /><br />Additionally, the document provides guidance for the management of neuromuscular conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring the availability of medications and ventilatory support equipment, implementing telehealth for physiotherapy, and considering modifications in immunomodulatory therapy. The document also discusses the use of therapeutic agents with potential neuromuscular side effects, such as azithromycin and remdesivir.<br /><br />Overall, this document provides a comprehensive overview of the neuromuscular conditions associated with acute COVID-19 infection, their frequency, clinical presentation, and outcomes, and offers practical management considerations for healthcare professionals.

Keywords

neuromuscular conditions

acute COVID-19 infection

motor neuron disease

critical illness polyneuropathy

myopathy

Guillain-Barré syndrome

myasthenia gravis

association and causation

ICU-acquired weakness

rhabdomyolysis

MND