[Focal Neuropathies in SARS-CoV-2 Patients: Insights from a Single Center Experience].

UNLABELLED: Neurological complications are relatively common in patients with SARS-CoV-2. The aim of this study is to characterize focal neuropathies in these patients at our institution during the COVID-19 pandemic.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective descriptive study of the clinical and electrophysiological data from patients admitted to the ICU between April 2020 and September 2021 with a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 who developed focal weakness. Prone positioning was not a mandatory inclusion criterion. Descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients were included in the study. The mean age was 51 years (range 23-71), and 81% were male. Prone positioning was performed in 86% of cases. A total of 65 focal neuropathies were identified, with the most frequent locations being the brachial plexus (26%), median nerve (18%), sciatic nerve (15%), and cubital nerve (10%). The most common causes were ICU-related (35%) and prone positioning (29%).

CONCLUSION

Peripheral neuropathies in patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 most frequently affected the brachial plexus and the median and sciatic nerves. Multiple mechanisms may be involved, even in the same patient. Their recognition is important for management and functional prognosis.