Pharmacological correction of cognitive status of patients with post-COVID syndrome

Abstract

Objective . To study influence of Mexidol® and Mexidol® FORTE 250 on cognitive status of patients with post-COVID syndrome. Material and methods . We examined 112 patients aged 24–60 years (55 men and 57 women) who were divided into tho groups. The main group consisted of 76 patients with confirmed SARS-CoV‑2 NEW coronavirus infection having symptoms that served as the basis for the diagnosis of post-COVID syndrome. The control group consisted of 36 people who were not ill with coronavirus infection. Patients underwent neurological and general somatic examination. To study cognitive functions, we used the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Frontal Assessment Batter (FAB). Memory was evaluated according to results of ‘the Memory’ subtest of the MMSE, the 10-word test and tests of visual memory. The level of attention was studied using the Schulte tables and the word fluency test; visual-spatial functions were evaluated using the clock-drawing test. To correct the identified disorders, Mexidol® was used according to the scheme: 500 mg once daily intravenously for 14 days, followed by Mexidol® FORTE 250 750 mg per day orally (250 mg three times a day) for 2 months. Results . Patients with post-COVID syndrome were characterized by cognitive heterogeneity: mild and moderate cognitive impairments prevailed in the structure of cognitive disorders. The course of treatment with Mexidol® led to decrease in the severity of cognitive symptoms of post-COVID syndrome. The high efficacy and safety of long-term sequential therapy with Mexidol® (injections followed by tablets of Mexidol® FORTE 250) have been shown.