Mast cell activation symptoms are prevalent in Long-COVID

• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.09.043
• Publication Date: 2021-09-23T15:51:11Z
• Authors: Leonard B. Weinstock; Jill B. Brook; Arthur S. Walters; Ashleigh Goris; Lawrence B. Afrin; Gerhard J. Molder...
• Keywords: Pathophysiology

Hyper-inflammation caused by COVID-19 may be mediated mast cell activation (MCA) which has also been hypothesized to cause Long-COVID (LC) symptoms. We determined prevalence/severity of MCA symptoms in LC.Adults LC-focused Facebook support groups were recruited for online assessment before and after COVID-19. Questions included presence severity known LC validated assessments fatigue quality life. General population controls syndrome (MCAS) patients comparison if they ≥18 years age never had overt symptoms.There 136 subjects (89.7% females, 46.9 ±12.9 years), (65.4% 49.2 ±15.5), 80 MCAS (85.0% 47.7 ±16.4). Pre-COVID-19 virtually identical symptom analysis. Post-COVID-19 prior treatment analysis.MCA increased mimicked the reported who have MCAS. Increased aberrant cells induced SARS-CoV-2 infection various mechanisms underlie part pathophysiology LC, possibly suggesting routes effective therapy.