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OBJECTIVES Few data regarding follow-up of patients after COVID-19 discharge are available. We aim to describe the long-term outcomes of survivors of hospitalization for COVID-19 followed up first at an outpatient facility and subsequently by telephone. METHODS Observational prospective study conducted at a tertiary general hospital. Clinical and radiological progression was assessed and data recorded on a standardized reporting form. Patients were divided into three groups according to PaO2/FiO2 at hospitalization: PaO2/FiO2 > 300, PaO2/FiO2 300-200 and PaO2/FiO2 < 200. A logistic multivariate regression model was performed to identify factors associated with persistence of symptoms. RESULTS Facility follow-up: 302 patients were enrolled. Median follow-up was 45 days after discharge; 78% (228/294) of patients had COVID-19-related symptoms (53% asthenia, 56% respiratory symptoms) and 40% (122/302) had residual pulmonary radiographic lesions. PaO2/FiO2 300 was associated with resolution of chest radiographic lesions; OR = 0.56 (0.42 to 0.74), (p, Graphical abstract Image 1

Decades of research have consistently demonstrated the efficacy of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), but its clinical use remains somewhat restricted because of its cognitive side effects. The aim of this systematic review is to comprehensively summarize current evidence assessing potential biomarkers of ECT-related cognitive side effects. Based on our systematic search of human studies indexed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge, a total of 29 studies evaluating patients with MDD undergoing ECT were reviewed. Molecular biomarkers studies did not consistently identify concentration changes in plasma S-100 protein, neuron-specific enolase (NSE), or Aβ peptides significantly associated with cognitive performance after ECT. Importantly, these findings suggest that ECT-related cognitive side effects cannot be explained by mechanisms of neural cell damage. Notwithstanding, S-100b protein and Aβ40 peptide concentrations, as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) polymorphisms, have been suggested as potential predictive biomarkers of cognitive dysfunction after ECT. In addition, recent advances in brain imaging have allowed us to identify ECT-induced volumetric and functional changes in several brain structures closely related to memory performance such as the hippocampus. We provide a preliminary framework to further evaluate neurobiological cognitive vulnerability profiles of patients with MDD treated with ECT.