COVID-19-Related Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, may impact other systems apart from the respiratory system, including the nervous system. In this systematic review, we aimed to establish the prevalence and determinants of neuropathic pain amongst COVID-19-infected individuals.

Methodology

A literature search in the PubMed database was performed and 11 papers were eligible for inclusion in this systematic review and meta-analysis.

Results

The pooled prevalence of COVID-19-related neuropathic pain was 6.7% (95% CI: 4.7-9.5%) for hospitalised patients during the acute phase and 34.3% (95% CI: 14.3-62%) for long COVID patients. The identified risk factors for COVID-19-related neuropathic pain development included depression, COVID-19 severity and azithromycin use.

Conclusions

Neuropathic pain is a very common symptom in long COVID, indicating the urgency for further research in this direction.

SUBMITTER: Williams LD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9966617 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature