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Journal article
Long COVID clinical evaluation, research and impact on society: a global expert consensus
Annals of clinical microbiology and antimicrobials, Vol.24(1), 27
2025
PMID: 40254579
Abstract
Background
Long COVID is a complex, heterogeneous syndrome affecting over four hundred million people globally. There are few recommendations, and no formal training exists for medical professionals to assist with clinical evaluation and management of patients with Long COVID. More research into the pathology, cellular, and molecular mechanisms of Long COVID, and treatments is needed. The goal of this work is to disseminate essential information about Long COVID and recommendations about definition, diagnosis, treatment, research and social issues to physicians, researchers, and policy makers to address this escalating global health crisis.
Methods
A 3-round modified Delphi consensus methodology was distributed internationally to 179 healthcare professionals, researchers, and persons with lived experience of Long COVID in 28 countries. Statements were combined into specific areas: definition, diagnosis, treatment, research, and society.
Results
The survey resulted in 187 comprehensive statements reaching consensus with the strongest areas being diagnosis and clinical assessment, and general research. We establish conditions for diagnosis of different subgroups within the Long COVID umbrella. Clear consensus was reached that the impacts of COVID-19 infection on children should be a research priority, and additionally on the need to determine the effects of Long COVID on societies and economies. The consensus on COVID and Long COVID is that it affects the nervous system and other organs and is not likely to be observed with initial symptoms. We note, biomarkers are critically needed to address these issues.
Conclusions
This work forms initial guidance to address the spectrum of Long COVID as a disease and reinforces the need for translational research and large-scale treatment trials for treatment protocols.
Details
- Title
- Long COVID clinical evaluation, research and impact on society: a global expert consensus
- Authors/Creators
- Andrew G Ewing - University of GothenburgDavid Joffe - Health NetSvetlana Blitshteyn - Health NetAnna E S Brooks - Health NetJulien Wist - Murdoch University, Centre for Computational and Systems MedicineYaneer Bar-Yam - Health NetStephane Bilodeau - Health NetJennifer Curtin - Health NetRae Duncan - Health NetMark Faghy - University of DerbyLeo Galland - Health NetEtheresia Pretorius - Health NetSpela Salamon - Health NetDanilo Buonsenso - Agostino Gemelli University PolyclinicClaire Hastie - Founding Member, Long Covid Support, London, UKBinita Kane - Health NetM Asad Khan - Directorate of Respiratory Medicine, Manchester University Hospitals, North West Lung Centre, Manchester, M23 9LT, UKAmos Lal - Mayo Clinic in ArizonaDennis Lau - Royal Adelaide HospitalSammie McFarland - CEO & Founder Long Covid Kids, London, UKRaina MacIntyre - Biosecurity Program, Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, AustraliaDaniel Munblit - Imperial College LondonJeremy Nicholson - Murdoch University, Health Futures InstituteHanna M Ollila - Institute for Molecular Medicine FinlandDavid Putrino - Health NetAlberto Rosario - Infection Prevention Team, World Health Network, Cambridge, MA, USATimothy Tan - Blacktown & Mount Druitt HospitalLong COVID consensus expert panel (Table S1)
- Publication Details
- Annals of clinical microbiology and antimicrobials, Vol.24(1), 27
- Publisher
- BioMed Central Ltd unless otherwise stated. Part of Springer Nature.
- Number of pages
- 19
- Identifiers
- 991005765126507891
- Copyright
- © The Author(s) 2025.
- Murdoch Affiliation
- Australian National Phenome Centre
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article
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