Long Covid and Apheresis – Where are we Standing?, 2022, Steenblock et al

A continual increase in cases of Long Covid constitutes a medical and socioeconomic challenge to health systems around the globe. While the true extent of this problem cannot yet be fully evaluated, recent data suggests that up to 20% of people with confirmed with SARS-CoV-2 suffer from clinically relevant symptoms of Long Covid several weeks to months after the acute phase. The clinical presentation is highly variable with the main symptoms being chronic fatigue, dyspnea and cognitive symptoms. Extracorporeal apheresis has been suggested to alleviate symptoms of Long Covid. Thus, numerous patients are currently treated with apheresis. However, at present there is no data from randomized controlled trials available to confirm the efficacy. Therefore, physicians rely on the experience of practitioners and centers performing this treatment. Here, we summarize clinical experience on extracorporeal apheresis in patients with Long Covid from centers across Germany.

Paywall, https://www.thieme-connect.de/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/a-1945-9694

 

Discusses the potential patho-mechanisms for long COVID and the different types of apheresis.

We've discussed the HELP apheresis type, which was said anecdotally to be helping a year ago, but hasn't demonstrated long term efficacy in published form (or even particularly much in social media form). Some patients do continue to describe significant improvement, if not cure.

The authors conclude:

Finally, this is key. What is it actually doing?