In this episode of the Long COVID Clinical Podcast, hosted by Drs. Anita Chopra, Andrew Schamess, and Tiffany Walker, physician-scientist Dr. Linda Geng discusses the complexities of diagnosing and treating long COVID, the overlap with other infection-associated chronic conditions, and ongoing research efforts. Her clinical and research expertise sheds light on the heterogeneity of long COVID and potential therapeutic avenues, including the clinical approach to diagnosing long COVID and the current lack of biomarkers, phenotypic clusters and heterogeneity of long COVID patients, research directions such as repurposing drugs, pathobiology, and large-scale studies, strategies for rehabilitation and management of post-exertional malaise, and the importance of collective research efforts and future directions in long COVID care.

Edited and Produced by Christopher Chiu and Carissa Lee

This episode of the Long COVID Clinical Podcast, hosted by Drs. Anita Chopra, Andrew Schamess, and Aaron Friedberg, features Dr. Nikhil Kamat in a discussion of hematological complications in long COVID. Dr. Kamat, a clinical assistant professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, shares his expertise on microclots and immune dysregulation, revealing why current diagnostics often miss microvascular damage. The discussion delves into the formation of microclots, their manifestation in organs, and the limitations of traditional tests like D-dimer. Dr. Kamat highlights the role of inflammation in endothelial damage and discusses who is most at risk for blood-related complications post-COVID. The episode also covers emerging treatment considerations, including the controversial idea of prolonged anticoagulation, and emphasizes the importance of balancing treatment risks. This insightful conversation offers critical knowledge for clinicians, researchers, and anyone interested in the long-term impacts of COVID, providing a pathway to more targeted therapies and better patient outcomes.

Edited and Produced by Christopher Chiu and Carissa Lee

In this episode of the Long COVID Clinical Podcast, hosts Andrew Schamess and Anita Chopra discuss recent research on Long COVID at Ohio State University. They are joined by Dr. Amal Amer, a Professor of Microbial Infection and Immunity, and Dr. Heba Amer, who works in Dr. Amal's lab. Dr. Amal shares her personal experience with Long COVID and details her research on the inflammasome and caspase-4/11, proteins linked to severe inflammation and cognitive issues in Long COVID. The discussion highlights the relationship between these proteins and the inflammatory response, potential coagulopathy, and how this research could lead to new treatments. Dr. Heba Amer describes using an advanced behavioral testing system for mice to study cognitive dysfunctions related to Long COVID. The findings offer promising avenues for drug discovery and a deeper understanding of Long COVID's pathology. Additionally, future research plans and the importance of correlating mouse model data with human samples are discussed. The episode concludes with optimism about ongoing and future research efforts.

Edited and Produced by Christopher Chiu

This episode of the Long COVID Clinical Podcast, hosted by Drs. Anita Chopra, Tiffany Walker, Andrew Schamess, and Aaron Friedberg, features Dr. Andrew Ayers, a specialist in allergy and immunology. The discussion focuses on the immunological processes involved in long COVID, including immune dysregulation, immune deficiency, and the role of mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Dr. Ayers explains the complexities of the immune system's response to long COVID, potential treatments like high-dose antihistamines and other therapies, and the impact of COVID and vaccinations on immune reactions. He also delves into patient phenotypes, drug allergies, and the gut microbiome's influence on immune responses. The episode concludes with a comprehensive review of MCAS management strategies and emphasizes the challenges faced by clinicians treating long COVID.

Edited and Produced by Christopher Chiu

In this episode of the Long COVID Clinical Podcast, we engage with Dr. Iman Majd, an expert in integrative medicine, to discuss the complexities of long COVID. They explore various symptoms, including fatigue and brain fog, and delve into integrative approaches that combine conventional and alternative treatments. Dr. Majd emphasizes the importance of personalized care, the role of supplements and herbal remedies, and the significance of an anti-inflammatory diet. The conversation highlights the need for patience and collaboration between patients and healthcare providers in the journey towards recovery from long COVID.

Edited and Produced by Christopher Chiu

In this episode of the Long COVID Clinical Podcast, Dr. Hector Bonilla discusses the similarities and differences between Long COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME-CFS). He shares insights from his clinical and research journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management strategies for these post-viral conditions. The conversation highlights the need for better research, patient advocacy, and the exploration of potential treatments such as low-dose naltrexone and Abilify. Dr. Bonilla stresses the significance of listening to patients and acknowledging their symptoms as real, while also addressing the gaps in current understanding and the urgency for more clinical trials.

Edited and Produced by Christopher Chiu

In this episode of the Long COVID Clinical Podcast, the focus is on subjective cognitive impairment, commonly known as brain fog, in long COVID patients. The guests, Susan Bowman-Burpee and Katlyn Schultz, discuss the typical presentation of brain fog and the initial steps in managing patients with this symptom. They emphasize the importance of taking a comprehensive history, conducting a physical exam, and targeting interventions based on the clinical profile. They also highlight the role of rehabilitation psychology in helping patients adapt and cope with cognitive symptoms. The episode concludes with a discussion on the prognosis for long COVID patients with cognitive symptoms and the strategies that can contribute to greater success and satisfaction in treatment and recovery.

Dr. Jana Friedly discusses post-exertional malaise in long COVID patients and the muscle abnormalities observed. She emphasizes the importance of pacing, prioritizing, positioning, and planning (the four Ps) in managing post-exertional malaise. Dr. Friedly also mentions the potential role of SSRIs in treating long COVID symptoms, the challenges of disability claims, and the need for healthcare providers to listen and believe patients' experiences.