Peripheral nervous system disorders in COVID-19

Peripheral nervous system disorders in COVID-19 

P.R. Kamchatnov¹, M.A. Evzelman², A.V. Chugunov¹

¹Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow 2Orel State University named after I.S. Turgenev, Orel

The high incidence of a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the variety of organs and body systems involved in the pathological process in this disease, and commonly severe course with disabling consequences have caused deep interest in this problem. A common lesion of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) was found in patients with COVID-19, which allowed to suggest the neurotropic nature of the SARS-CoV-2. The article presents information about PNS lesions in COVID-19 and discusses possible mechanisms of their development. Among others, it is suggested that immune disorders play a key role in the initiation and subsequent progression of changes in the PNS. Article provides information on the possible role of B vitamins metabolic disorders in the pathogenesis of PNS lesions in COVID-19 (including through the impact on various parts of the immune system) and on the association of vitamin B deficiency with a more severe disease course. The possibilities of these disorders’ correlation are discussed.

Keywords: COVID-19, neuropathy, Guillain-Barre syndrome, anosmia, dysgeusia, thiamine, pyridoxine, cyanocobalamin, treatment.

For citation: Kamchatnov P.R., Evzelman M.A., Chugunov A.V. Peripheral nervous system disorders in COVID-19. RMJ. 2021;5:30–34.