Pharmacologic and Nonpharmacologic Treatment of Long COVID: A Meta-narrative Review
摘要
Long COVID is an impactful condition marked by persistent postacute (> 4 weeks) symptoms. In this meta-narrative review, we evaluate the diverse therapeutic approaches for treating long COVID. We searched multiple databases for English-language articles from November 2019 through December 2023. The inclusion criteria spanned various study types focusing on long COVID, and the outcomes included a broad spectrum of factors, such as fatigue, dyspnea, and olfactory dysfunction. We performed data extraction, risk of bias assessment, and descriptive synthesis, adhering to RAMESES II guidelines. Of 51 studies included, most reported nonpharmacologic treatments for long COVID symptoms, with fatigue being the most prevalent symptom. Interventions included therapeutic exercises, nutritional supplements, and oxygen-ozone autohemotherapy for fatigue; patient-tailored rehabilitation and molecular hydrogen therapy for dyspnea; hyperbaric oxygen and epipharyngeal abrasive therapy for cognitive issues; Qingjin Yiqi granules and pomegranate juice with sumac for chest pain; remdesivir and antibody-based therapies for immunodeficiency; and intranasal corticosteroids for olfactory dysfunction. Various treatments for long COVID are outlined, highlighting the potential of individualized nonpharmacologic interventions. Although promising, the current evidence is limited and of low quality, necessitating further research to refine pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatment strategies. Finding the best treatments is crucial for addressing the persistent, multifaceted symptoms of long COVID and for enhancing patients’ quality of life.