@article{10.37349/emed.2025.1001310,
abstract = {Aim: COVID-19, a multisystemic syndrome caused by SARS-CoV-2, often results in long-term complications collectively referred to as long COVID. This study explores the persistence of neurological and otolaryngological symptoms in patients two years after acute infection, with a focus on gender differences and variant-specific effects. Methods: A retrospective follow-up was conducted in January 2024 on 112 patients who had been hospitalized for COVID-19. Patients completed a questionnaire assessing the persistence of neuropsychiatric, otolaryngological, and systemic symptoms. Results: Findings reveal that 18.3% of women reported persistent neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as memory deficits, depression, and concentration issues, compared to 5.7% of men. Otolaryngological symptoms, including anosmia and ageusia, largely resolved, with only 2% reporting persistent issues. Symptom persistence was more common in older individuals, women, smokers, and those with severe acute-phase illness. Neuropsychiatric symptoms remain prominent, underscoring the need for targeted long-term care. Conclusions: Vaccination significantly reduces the risk and severity of long COVID, particularly neuropsychiatric symptoms, emphasizing its role in mitigating the long-term burden of SARS-CoV-2. Future research should explore biomolecular markers and imaging techniques to better understand and address these long-term sequelae.},
author = {Abu Ruqa, Wael and Barbato, Christian and Minni, Antonio},
doi = {10.37349/emed.2025.1001310},
journal = {Exploration of Medicine},
elocation-id = {1001310},
title = {Long-term neurological and otolaryngological sequelae of COVID-19: a retrospective study},
url = {https://www.explorationpub.com/Journals/em/Article/1001310},
volume = {6},
year = {2025}
}