Electroneurological changes in peripheral nerves in post-COVID patients

Clinical rationale for the study Various neurological manifestations are observed in about 36.4% of patients infected with SARS-Cov-2 and post covid neuropathy is one of them. There is lack of studies describing neurophysiological abnormalities in peripheral nerves in case of patients who had Sars Cov 2 infection. The aim of this study was to analyze changes in peripheral nervous system in case of COVID 19 survivors. Materials and Methods In presented study 45 COVID 19 survivors who had nerve conduction study (NCS) were involved. Results were compared to control group consisted of healthy patients who had nerve conduction study before COVID 19 pandemic. Results In our study group neurophysiological abnormalities were present in case of both sensory and motor nerves fibers. The most significant reduction of NCS parameters was observed in case of sensory action potential amplitude of sural nerve. Moreover, that correlation was the most significant in case of amplitude and conduction velocity in sensory and motor neuron fibers both in arms and legs. Those abnormalities were observed even 6 months after COVID 19. Conclusions and Clinical Implications Further investigation needs to be done regarding the polyneuropathies associated with human coronaviruses, and we should answer the question whether the virus directly damages peripheral nerves or factors mediating inflammatory response are responsible for the neural damage.