- A new RECOVER study found that Long COVID significantly impacts the development of children with the disease. The study was published in Academic Pediatrics and included nearly 2,000 children, comparing social lives and academic outcomes between those with Long COVID and controls with similar demographics. Researchers found that children with the disease were negatively impacted by cognitive learning difficulties which made their grades worse, and had negative interactions with peers. “Such impairments…may have long-term implications well into adulthood,” the authors wrote. The study also criticized past research which blamed similar impacts in kids on early pandemic precautions, and failed to take in account the high prevalence of Long COVID in children.
- A recent preprint found that a nasal monoclonal antibody improved Long COVID cognitive dysfunction in mice. The study assessed Foralumab, a type of monoclonal antibody that works on T cells which is also being investigated as a therapy for multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune diseases. Researchers showed that, if administered shortly after a SARS-CoV-2 infection, the noninvasive drug controlled neuroinflammation and other processes associated with the brain. “Our findings provide a strong preclinical rationale” to move this therapy toward clinical evaluation for cognitive dysfunction in Long COVID, the authors concluded.
- A phase four clinical trial in Toronto, Ontario, will evaluate stellate ganglion blocks (SGB) for Long COVID. The trial will examine how the drug helps with dysautonomia triggered by COVID-19. Researchers will include 78 participants who will receive the anesthetic neck shot (of bupivacaine and epinephrine) to a specific set of nerves, or a sham block of saline. Participants will be given two blocks over the course of six weeks. SGBs are also under investigation by RECOVER-TLC, though the trial has moved unhurriedly. The Canadian study is not yet recruiting. Contact: Emad Al Azazi, emad.al-azazi@uhn.ca.
