- A new analysis in Injury Prevention concluded that “the lingering effects of COVID-19 on neurological function may be a risk factor for behavior leading to road deaths.” The study used a statistical method called “Poisson regression” to estimate how deaths on roads in 2021 may correlate with Covid-related factors. More than 20,000 deaths were associated with changes in Covid-19 cases, the researcher found, but were offset by about 19,000 fewer-than-expected deaths associated with increased gas prices. Read more about this study and many others in the Long Covid Weekly Newsletter.
- A new Long Covid phase 3 drug trial for Baricitinib, an immunomodulatory medication commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, alopecia, and Covid-19 is beginning this year. The NIH-funded study will take five years to complete and include around 500 participants. Clinicaltrials.gov reports that study will take part in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Minnesota, and Tennessee. Find out more about the study and its lead, Dr. Wes Ely, by listening to yesterday’s Long Covid Hour.
- A small case series published in Cereus confirmed what many people with Long Covid experience: alcohol sensitivity that worsens symptoms. The study built on a number of past studies about alcohol sensitivity in ME and other infection-associated chronic conditions. The authors advise clinicians to inquire about alcohol consumption of patients with Long Covid to help identify potential triggers for worsening symptoms and help guide lifestyle management strategies. Interestingly, the study didn’t mention mast cell activation syndrome, a common diagnosis for many people with Long Covid that can be worsened by alcohol, food, and other factors.
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