Der lange Schatten "Long Covid" - The long shadow of “Long Covid” - ME/CFS - EBV - Microbiome - Xeniobiotica - Pesticides - Heavy metal - Particulate matter - Medication
The Dark Side of Long COVID and ME/CFS – Systemic Late Effects and the Urgent Need for Comprehensive Prevention
The long-term consequences of Long COVID and ME/CFS are still being explored, but numerous scientific studies indicate that these conditions lead to deeply rooted multisystemic impairments. While acute infections primarily affect the immune system and respiratory tract, long-term complications may evolve over months or years, affecting multiple organs and physiological systems.
1. Pulmonale Spätfolgen - pulmonary late effects
Pulmonary Late Effects
- Damage to the endothelial-epithelial barrier in the alveoli
- Reduced pulmonary diffusion capacity
- Persistent hypoxia, dyspnea, respiratory failure and exertional shortness of breath
Keywords: Endothelial-epithelial barrier, alveolar system, lung, oxygen, pulmonary diffusion capacity, hypoxia, dyspnea, respiratory failure, shortness of breath, exertional dyspnea, persistent cough, reduced lung volume, pro-inflammatory processes
2. Organbezogene Spätfolgen - organ-related late effects
Organ-Related Late Effects
- Dysfunction in lungs, liver, kidneys, myocardium and pancreas
- Dysregulation of the ACE-2 system, affecting various organs
Keywords: Multisystemic disease, tissue damage, ACE-2, liver, lungs, kidneys, myocardium, pancreas, central nervous system, comorbidities, pre-existing conditions
3. Hämatologische Spätfolgen - hematologic late effects
Hematologic Late Effects
- Inflammation and thrombotic processes leading to platelet activation and cytokine release
- Elevated CRP, fibrinogen and D-dimer levels, increasing the risk of coagulopathy
Keywords: inflammatory and thrombotic processes, platelet activation, cytokine release, increased CRP, hypoxia, fibrinogen, activation of coagulation, D-dimer, coagulopathy, dysfunction
4. (Neuro)Psychiatrische Spätfolgen - (Neuro)psychiatric long-term effects
(Neuro)Psychiatric Long-Term Effects
- Neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative processes
- Chronic fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, brain fog and mood swings
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and sleep disturbances
Keywords: Neuroinvasive, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, fatigue, muscle pain, cognitive changes, brain fog, anosmia, dysgeusia, ageusia, ACE-2, depression, sleep disorders, mood swings, post-traumatic stress disorder
5. Endokrine Spätfolgen - endocrine late effects
Endocrine Late Effects
- Reduced insulin sensitivity, raising the risk for diabetes mellitus
- Subacute thyroiditis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and vitamin D deficiency
Keywords: Insulin sensitivity, diabetes mellitus, pancreas, subacute thyroiditis, vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency, bone loss, Graves' disease, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, systemic inflammation
6. Kardiovaskuläre Spätfolgen - cardiovascular late effects
Cardiovascular Late Effects
- IL-6 and TNF-alpha-induced myocarditis and arrhythmias
- Heart failure, myocardial fibrosis, and sympathetic overactivity
Keywords: IL-6, TNFa, palpitations, chest pain, myocardial inflammation, shortness of breath, arrhythmias, myocardial fibrosis, cardiac dysfunction, protein complexes, sympathetic nervous system
7. Gastrointestinale Spätfolgen - long-term gastrointestinal effects
Gastrointestinal Long-Term Effects
- Alteration of gut microbiome (gut-lung axis) and biodiversity changes
- Increased zonulin and alpha-1-antitrypsin levels, signaling impaired intestinal barrier function
- Similar microbiome changes have also been observed in ME/CFS and EBV patients
Keywords: Influencing and changing the gut microbiome (gut-lung axis), change in biodiversity, acid reflux, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, gut bacteria, leaky gut, intestinal permeability, Gram-negative bacterium Helicobacter pylori, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors, FUT2
Abnormalities such as a lower number of F. prausnitzii and Bifidobacterium bifidum, CXCL8, IL-10, TNFalpha, CRP, LDH, increased calprotectin, increased zonulin, increased alpha-1-antitrypsin, all in connection with the composition of the intestinal flora, are not only found in long Covid or Covid-19 patients. We CFS/EBV sufferers also have these parameters. Nicht nur bei Long Covid oder Covid-19 Patienten finden sich Auffälligkeiten wie eine geringere Anzahl an F. prausnitzii und Bifidobacterium bifidum, CXCL8, IL-10, TNFalpha, CRP, LDH, erhöhtes Calprotectin, erhöhtes Zonulin, erhöhtes Alpha-1-Antitrypsin, alles in Verbindung mit der Zusammensetzung der Darmflora. Auch wir CFS/EBV-Betroffenen weisen diese Parameter auf.
Further information on the microbiome
8. Renale Spätfolgen - long-term renal effects
Renal Late Effects
- Reduced glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
- Chronic kidney damage and thrombus formation
Keywords: Kidney damage, eGfR (reduced), thrombus formation, chronic damage to the kidneys
9. Neuromuskuläre Spätfolgen - neuromuscular late effects
Neuromuscular Late Effects
- Nerve and muscle weakness, myopathy
Keywords: Nerven- und Muskelschwäche, Myopathie
10. Neurologische Spätfolgen - long-term neurological effects
Neurological Long-Term Effects
- Loss of smell and taste, dizziness, cognitive decline, and anxiety disorders
- Sleep disturbances, mood alterations, and vision impairments
Keywords: Loss of sense of smell and taste, dizziness, lack of concentration, reduced memory, anxiety disorders, sleep disorders or sleeplessness, depressive episodes, emotional changes/mood, visual disturbances/Perception of double images/Visual field disorders, Tinnitus
11. Hepatobiliäre Spätfolgen - Hepatobiliary late effects
Hepatobiliary Late Effects
- Splenomegaly with thrombocytopenia
- Esophageal and gastric varices
Keywords: splenomegaly with thrombocytopenia, esophageal or gastric varices
12. Spätfolgen für Kinder und Jugendliche - Long-term effects on children and young people
Long-Term Effects in Children and Adolescents
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS), muscle and joint pain
Keywords: Chronic fatigue syndrome, stress syndrome, muscle and joint pain, skin disorders, decreased performance, pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS), multisystemic disease, low blood pressure, respiratory problems
The Need for Long-Term Monitoring and Prevention
The number of Long COVID cases worldwide continues to rise exponentially — already exceeding 400 million affected individuals. Ignoring prevention and long-term health monitoring would be a critical misstep in addressing the growing public health crisis.
A broad and extensive wastewater monitoring program should be a top priority, allowing early epidemiological detection and strategic interventions to mitigate future pandemic consequences.
Conclusion – An Urgent Call for a Multidisciplinary Approach
The severe consequences of Long COVID and ME/CFS demand a multisystemic medical approach, bringing together expertise from:
- Pulmonology, cardiology, neurology, immunology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology
- Prioritizing preventive strategies to minimize long-term organ dysfunction and improve patient outcomes
Scientific findings clearly demonstrate strong correlations between ME/CFS and Long COVID, underscoring the necessity of an integrated, interdisciplinary research and treatment strategy.
Die Bedeutung einer langfristigen Überwachung und Prävention
Die Zahl der Long COVID-Betroffenen steigt weltweit rapide an – inzwischen gibt es mehr als 400 Millionen Fälle. Angesichts dieser epidemiologischen Dimension wäre es ein gravierender Fehler, die Bedeutung von Prävention und Langzeitüberwachung zu unterschätzen.
Ein breit angelegtes und systematisches Abwassermonitoring sollte eine Schlüsselstrategie sein, um epidemiologische Entwicklungen frühzeitig zu erkennen und gezielte Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung zukünftiger Pandemiefolgen zu entwickeln.
Ein interdisziplinärer Ansatz ist unerlässlich
Die tiefgreifenden Auswirkungen von Long COVID und ME/CFS erfordern eine multisystemische Betrachtungsweise, die verschiedene medizinische Fachrichtungen vereint:
- Pulmologie, Kardiologie, Neurologie, Immunologie, Endokrinologie und Gastroenterologie
- Gezielte präventive Maßnahmen müssen priorisiert werden, um langfristige Schäden zu minimieren.
Die wissenschaftlichen Erkenntnisse zeigen klar, dass ME/CFS und Long COVID eng miteinander verbunden sind und ein integrierter, interdisziplinärer Ansatz zur Behandlung und Forschung dringend notwendig ist.
severity calculator "FUNCAP" - Schweregrad-Rechner
For the assessment of functional performance in ME. This instrument can not only accurately indicate the severity of ME disease, but also track the progression of the disease. Zur Beurteilung der funktionellen Leistungsfähigkeit bei ME. Mit diesem Instrument kann nicht nur der Schweregrad einer ME-Erkrankung akkurat angegeben werden, sondern auch der Krankheitsverlauf verfolgt werden.
New York, NY (10. Oktober 2024) Mount Sinai eröffnet ein hochmodernes Zentrum für Patienten mit komplexen Erkrankungen wie Borreliose und langem COVID - Das Cohen Center for Recovery From Complex Chronic Illnesses wird auch neue Therapien für diese Krankheiten erforschen. Hierzu besuchen Sie bitte meine eigene Falldarstellung.
Mount Sinai is opening a state-of-the-art center for patients with complex illnesses such as Lyme disease and long COVID. The Cohen Center for Recovery From Complex Chronic Illnesses will also research new treatments for these illnesses. Please visit my own case study for more information.
Netherlands (Thursday, 31 October 2024): Almost 10,000 long-covid patients in the Netherlands declared unfit for work. Attorney and insurance doctor Jim Faas calculated that WIA benefits for long Covid patients cost the state at least 200 million euros per year. And let's not forget, long Covid is not yet curable. The first three long Covid outpatient clinics are opening in Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Maastric. Fast 10.000 Long-Covid-Patienten in den Niederlanden wurden für arbeitsunfähig erklärt. Der Rechtsanwalt und Versicherungsarzt Jim Faas hat errechnet, dass die WIA-Leistungen für Long-Covid-Patienten den Staat mindestens 200 Millionen Euro pro Jahr kosten. Und vergessen wir nicht, dass Long-Covid noch nicht heilbar ist. Die ersten drei Long-Covid-Ambulanzen werden in Rotterdam, Amsterdam und Maastricht eröffnet.
Neue Forschungsergebnisse von der Cleveland Clinic und der University of Southern California zeigen, dass COVID-19-Infektionen das Risiko für Herzinfarkte, Schlaganfälle und Todesfälle erhöhen. In manchen Fällen ist die Wahrscheinlichkeit von schwerwiegenden kardialen Ereignissen betroffen zu sein in den drei Jahren nach der Infektion doppelt so hoch. Studienautor Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD, Vorsitzender für Herz-Kreislauf- und Stoffwechselwissenschaften am Lerner Research Institute der Cleveland Clinic sagt "„Diese Ergebnisse zeigen, dass es sich zwar um eine Infektion der oberen Atemwege handelt, COVID-19 jedoch eine Vielzahl von gesundheitlichen Auswirkungen hat, und unterstreichen, dass wir bei der Formulierung von Plänen und Zielen zur Vorbeugung von Herz-Kreislauf-Erkrankungen frühere COVID-19-Infektionen berücksichtigen sollten“. New research from the Cleveland Clinic and the University of Southern California shows that COVID-19 infection increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death. In some cases, the likelihood of experiencing serious cardiac events is twice as high in the three years following infection. Study author Stanley Hazen, MD, PhD, Chair of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences at the Cleveland Clinic's Lerner Research Institute, says “These findings show that while it is an upper respiratory infection, COVID-19 19 has a wide range of health effects, and underscore that we should consider previous COVID-19 infections when formulating plans and targets for preventing cardiovascular disease.” (Post by Stephanie Soucheray, MA October 9, 2024)
A new more potent Covid variant (XEC strain - a combination of KS.1.1 and KP.3.3) is now spreading quite rapidly across Europe and USA. Eine neue und stärkere Covid-Variante (XEC-Stamm – eine Kombination aus KS.1.1 und KP.3.3) breitet sich derzeit recht schnell in Europa und den USA aus. (Oktober 2024)
Nähere Informationen und eine Karte finden Sie hier / Further information and a map can be found here.
Risk of persistent cognitive impairment
September 23 (Nature Medicine journal): Post-hospitalization COVID-19 cognitive deficits at one year are global and associated with elevated brain injury markers and grey matter volume reduction (Here, people (average age 54 years) who had been admitted to hospital with severe Covid disease were observed.)
Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie unterstreichen, wie wichtig und unverzichtbar es ist, Ernährungsinterventionen auf die spezifischen Bedürfnisse schwerkranker (COVID-19)-Patienten, abzustimmen. The results of this study underline how important and essential it is to tailor nutritional interventions to the specific needs of critically ill (COVID-19) patients.
Metabolic Profiles of Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie unterstreichen, wie wichtig und unverzichtbar es ist, Ernährungsinterventionen auf die spezifischen Bedürfnisse schwerkranker (COVID-19)-Patienten abzustimmen. The results of this study underline how important and essential it is to tailor nutritional interventions to the specific needs of critically ill (COVID-19) patients.
Interdisciplinary, collaborative D-A-CH consensus statement on the diagnosis and treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Interdisziplinäres, kollaboratives D-A-CH Konsensus-Statement zur Diagnostik und Behandlung von Myalgischer Enzephalomyelitis/Chronischem Fatigue-Syndrom (Published: 14 May 2024
Volume 136, pages 103–123, PMID: 38743348 (2024))