Sudomotor dysfunction in patients recovered from COVID-19

Neurophysiol Clin. 2021 Mar;51(2):193-196. doi: 10.1016/j.neucli.2021.01.003. Epub 2021 Jan 26.

Abstract

Dysautonomia has been reported in COVID-19. Sweat function testing has been proposed to assess autonomic neuropathy. Fifty Indian patients consulting for neurological symptoms participated in this observational study. The NHS questionnaire for neurological symptoms was completed and electrochemical skin conductance was measured using Sudoscan. The 26% of patients with sweat dysfunction i) were older (p = 0.001), ii) were more frequently treated at home (p = 0.008), iii) were more likely to have received antiviral treatment (p = 0.0006), and iv) more frequently reported at least one motor, sensory or autonomic symptom (p = 0.04). This preliminary study suggests that patients with COVID-19 should be screened for dysautonomia.

Keywords: COVID-19; Dysautonomia; Electrochemical skin conductance; Small fiber neuropathy.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aging
  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Autonomic Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • COVID-19 / complications*
  • Female
  • Galvanic Skin Response
  • Humans
  • India
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Sweating*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents