Research priorities for Long Covid: refined through an international multi-stakeholder forum

Abstract

Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to a diverse range of clinical manifestations, ranging from an asymptomatic infection to an acute respiratory distress syndrome, and multiorgan failure with high mortality rates [1]. Overarching summary of knowledge of Long Covid An analysis by a rapid living systematic review on Long Covid clinical characteristics [7] highlights the limited evidence base and heterogeneity in the design of published studies. A clear need for further studies in mild infection cases, including those who did not receive PCR confirmation, children and young people, and studies in different resourced settings using standardised protocols, risk factors and endpoints was identified to inform clinical and public health management, rehabilitation and support. Studies indicate that up to a fourth of patients experience neurological and psychosocial sequelae including depression and anxiety; the mechanisms underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection and its effects on the nervous system need to be explored to identify the interplay between neurological symptoms, including those manifesting as psychological symptoms, the virus and the immune response.