- A large, electronic health records study published in JAMA Internal Medicine estimated that over 100,000 Americans died each year between 2022 and 2024 from COVID-19. The authors also found that each year, there were up to 64 million COVID-19 cases — substantial numbers that disprove the pandemic being “over” as the Biden Administration stated in 2022. The study found adults 65 years and older were most impacted. Despite COVID-19’s ongoing impact of both death and disability in the U.S., the government continues to downplay the pandemic. The authors concluded that prevention measures for COVID-19 remain important.
- A new study published in Molecular & Cellular Proteomics found further evidence of abnormalities in post-exertional malaise (PEM). The study assessed the plasma of 79 people with myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME) during a two-day cardiopulmonary exercise test (2-day CPET), and compared them with 53 matched, sedentary controls. Researchers found immune, metabolic, and neuromuscular dysregulation in people with ME, including disrupted T and B cells. They also found differences in responses between sexes. “These are objective changes in the bodies of these patients that correspond with what the patients are saying,” one of the authors told Medscape.
- A small phase two clinical trial is testing Ketamine for Long COVID fatigue and cognitive function. Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that is used in anesthesia, as well as trauma and emergency care. In recent years, it has been studied for chronic pain and a wide array of mental health conditions. The trial, which does not have a placebo arm, will enroll 20 participants in Austin, Texas, who will receive four injections of the drug at different dosages. The trial is currently “enrolling by invitation” at UT Health Austin.
