OBJECTIVE

To study the features of asthenic syndrome and the possibilities of its therapy in patients in the post-covid period.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 129 patients with an average age of 49.8±8.9 years who had undergone COVID-19 using a continuous sample method. Patients for the study were selected at the clinical bases of outpatient clinics in Samara (Russia) in July-August 2020. All patients signed an informed consent form prior to enrollment. Patients were randomized into two groups: in the main group (n=64), ethylmethylhydroxypyridine succinate (Neurox) was prescribed 1 tablet (125 mg) 3 times a day for 4 weeks; in the comparison group (n=65), medical drugs (MD) did not contain substances from the pharmacological group related to antihypoxants/antioxidants/nootropics. Three visits (V) were conducted: the first (V₁) — the period of inclusion, the second (V₂) — after 14 days, the third (V₃) — on the 28th day from the start of therapy. The dynamics of the general state (weakness, fatigue, concentration, dizziness, headache, sleep disorders) were evaluated on a visual-analog scale (VAS), the assessment of the subjective feeling of severity of asthenia (fatigue, physical and mental fatigue, decreased motivation and activity) — on Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20), cognitive functions — on Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), vegetative tone — according to the Kerdo index.

RESULTS

At the end of the study (V₃), statistically significant changes in indicators (VAS, MFI-20) were obtained only in the main group patients; no statistically significant differences were obtained for the Kerdo index. Analysis of the MMSE data revealed a decrease in cognitive functions in both groups, which may be associated with pseudocognitive deficits due to asthenia.

CONCLUSIONS

We have obtained evidence of a high incidence of asthenic syndrome after COVID-19. Against the background of taking Neurox, there was a decrease in the severity and expression of asthenia symptoms.