People With Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) Exhibit Similarly Impaired Vascular Function.

Mclaughlin, Marie; Sanal-Hayes, Nilihan E M; Hayes, Lawrence D; Berry, Ethan C; Sculthorpe, Nicholas F

Abstract

This study aimed to compare flow-mediated dilation values between individuals with Long COVID, Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), and healthy age-matched controls to assess the potential implications for clinical management and long-term health outcomes. A case-case-control approach was employed, and flow-mediated dilation measurements were obtained from 51 participants (17 Long COVID patients, 17 ME/CFS patients, and 17 healthy age-matched controls). Flow-mediated dilation values were analysed using one-way ANOVA for between-group comparisons. Results revealed significantly impaired endothelial function in both Long COVID and ME/CFS groups compared to healthy age-matched controls as determined by maximum % brachial artery diameter post-occlusion compared to pre-occlusion resting diameter (6.99 ± 4.33% and 6.60 ± 3.48% vs. 11.30 ± 4.44%, respectively, both p < 0.05). Notably, there was no difference in flow-mediated dilation between Long COVID and ME/CFS groups (p = 0.949), despite significantly longer illness duration in the ME/CFS group (ME/CFS: 16 ± 11.15 years vs. Long COVID: 1.36 ± 0.51 years, p < 0.0001). The study demonstrates that both Long COVID and ME/CFS patients exhibit similarly impaired endothelial function, indicating potential vascular involvement in the pathogenesis of these post-viral illnesses. The significant reduction in flow-mediated dilation values suggests an increased cardiovascular risk in these populations, warranting careful monitoring and the development of targeted interventions to improve endothelial function and mitigate long-term health implications. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.]

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Sep 28, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Oct 11, 2023
• Deposit Date: Oct 30, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 30, 2023
• Journal: The American Journal of Medicine
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Pages: S0002-9343(23)00609-5
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2023.09.013
• Keywords: Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Flow Mediated Dilation, Long-COVID