[SMLE] Prevalence and trajectories of post-COVID-19 neuromuscular conditions: A systematic-review and meta-analysis

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J Neurol Sci. 2025 Dec 25;481:125710. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2025.125710. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) are a significant component of the post-acute sequelae of COVID-19. However, their long-term prevalence and trajectories remain poorly defined. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the long-term prevalence in COVID-19 survivors of fourteen specific NMDs and related symptoms: cranial nerve diseases, Guillain-Barré syndrome, small fiber neuropathy, (poly)radiculopathies, (poly)neuropathies, plexopathies, motor neuron disease, myasthenia gravis, Lambert-Eaton syndrome, neuropathic pain, sarcopenia, myalgia, myalgia associated with other symptoms, and of other muscle diseases.

METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library (January 2020 through November 2024) for studies with at least 3 months of follow-up. Pooled prevalence estimates were calculated at multiple time points (acute phase to 24 months) using random effects models.

RESULTS: Among 180 unique studies representing 15,865,322 cases (54 % female, mean age 50.0 years), the pooled prevalence for individuals with at least one NMD or related symptoms decreased from 36 % in the acute phase to 8 % at 24 months. Myalgia prevalence steadily declined from 35 % to 8 % by two years. A trend towards lower prevalences across the time points was observed also for Guillain-Barré syndrome, and other muscle diseases, while other conditions showed a more erratic pattern. The prevalence of neuropathic pain remained high and persisted almost unchanged through the follow-up period (from 31 % in the acute phase to 25 % at 12 months).

CONCLUSIONS: NMDs and related symptoms are common following COVID-19, but their general prevalence decreases with time. However, trajectories varied depending on the type of NMD or symptom.

PMID:41494305 | DOI:10.1016/j.jns.2025.125710


Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4149430 ... 22+67771e2