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Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has posed significant global health challenges, particularly for vulnerable populations. Objectives: This retrospective report from the Iranian Network for Research in Viral Diseases (INRVD) investigates the common clinical symptoms of COVID-19 in individuals with Parkinson's disease (PD). Research suggests neurological complications can occur during SARS-CoV-2 infection, but there are limited studies on neurological symptoms in PD patients with COVID-19. Given the probable heightened vulnerability of PD patients, evaluating clinical symptoms, especially neurological manifestations, is crucial. Methods: Data from 54 patients were collected from the INRVD from March 2020 to May 2021. Nasal, oropharyngeal, and nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from patients presenting with respiratory symptoms, following Iranian CDC guidelines. Following sample collection, RT-PCR assays were performed for COVID-19 confirmation. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. Results: Among the 54 PD patients included in the study, 27 tested positive for COVID-19. Of the 54 subjects analyzed, 38.9% were female and 61.1% were male. Comparison of COVID-19 symptoms revealed a higher rate of sore throat (74%) and shortness of breath (81%) in the COVID-19 positive group as common clinical symptoms of the disease. Interestingly, higher rates of dizziness (67%) and headache (74%) were observed in PD patients with COVID-19. Conclusions: This study enhances our understanding of the diverse clinical manifestations of COVID-19 and its impact on individuals with underlying health conditions such as PD. The increased prevalence of neurological symptoms among PD patients underscores the need for further investigation to clarify whether these symptoms directly result from COVID-19 infection or if they may also be influenced by PD itself or its treatment. It is important to consider that while neurological symptoms in Parkinson's patients can be attributed to the underlying disorder or linked to medication and medical interventions, respiratory symptoms are typically associated with COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which is a virus in the coronaviridae , has caused a global pandemic with various symptoms and complications. Among the groups affected by this virus are individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disorder that affects the primary central nervous system (CNS). Understanding coronavirus disease 2019's (COVID-19) impact on MS patients is crucial for optimizing patient management and developing targeted therapies due to the challenges it presents. Objectives: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the respiratory and neurology symptoms of COVID-19 in patients with MS in comparison to the non-infected group. Furthermore, this study examined how age and gender might affect the symptoms of contracting COVID-19 and the mortality rate in patients with MS. Methods: The data were collected from six hospitals within the Iranian Network for Research in Viral Diseases (INRVD) between March 2020 and July 2021. A total of 63 individuals diagnosed with MS were examined, with 30 testing positive for both COVID-19 and MS; however, 33 individuals were positive only for MS. These individuals had presented at the hospital experiencing respiratory symptoms, including rhinorrhea, difficulty breathing, and cough. Various clinical aspects were evaluated, including age, gender, and the presence of COVID-19 symptoms. Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitney t-test, Fisher's exact test, and odds ratio calculations using SPSS-27 and R 4.2.3. Results: The study encompassed 63 MS patients, with 29 (46%) and 34 (54%) males and females, respectively. Of these patients, 30 individuals were positive for COVID-19. Most subjects were from Tehran province, Iran. Patients in the case group were significantly younger than those in the control group. Notably, dizziness, breath shortness, and vomiting were significantly more prevalent in MS patients following COVID-19. Conclusions: This study highlights the distinct clinical presentation of COVID-19 in individuals with MS. Dizziness, breath shortness, vomiting, and increased mortality were significantly associated with MS patients with COVID-19. The aforementioned findings underscore the importance of tailored management strategies for this unique patient population following the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 2019 led to the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with a wide range of clinical symptoms. Neurological complications have been a significant concern, with diverse symptoms and potential neuroinvasive mechanisms. The pandemic has also impacted individuals with mental health conditions, such as migraines, bipolar disorder (BD), and schizophrenia, highlighting the complex interconnections between physical and mental health during these challenging times. Objectives: This retrospective report from the Iranian Network for Research in Viral Diseases (INRVD) study aimed to investigate the multifaceted interactions between COVID-19, neurological complications, and mental health disorders (e.g., migraines, BD, and schizophrenia) to better understand their collective impact on individuals' health and well-being. Methods: This study involved 63 individuals who tested positive for COVID-19, including 32 females (50.8%) and 31 males (49.2%). The participants were categorized into different groups based on their underlying conditions: 7 individuals with schizophrenia, 8 with BD, 6 with migraines, 12 with Alzheimer's disease, and 30 with COVID-19 without any underlying neurologic disorder. This investigation was carried out in 12 hospitals supervised by the INRVD between March 2020 and May 2021. The study used frequencies and percentages to describe the data and employed chi-square tests, including the contingency coefficient, to explore associations between COVID-19 symptoms and disease groups. Results: The analysis of clinical manifestations revealed distinctive patterns. Cough was the most prevalent symptom across the entire sample, affecting over 79% of participants. Fever followed as the second most common symptom, with approximately 62% of individuals reporting it. Fatigue ranked third, impacting 57% of the subjects. In contrast, vomiting was the least frequently reported symptom, with an incidence of only 14.3%. In terms of specific conditions, a notable discrepancy was observed in the prevalence of headaches. Although present in 71.4% of individuals with schizophrenia, this symptom was reported by only 50% of those with BD, followed by 66.7% with migraines and 83.3% with Alzheimer's. The patients without neurologic disorders exhibited a lower incidence of neurological manifestations, with only 23.3% reporting headaches. Conclusions: This study provides insights into the clinical manifestations of COVID-19 in individuals with distinct underlying conditions. The prevalence and presentation of symptoms varied significantly across the different groups, and neurological symptoms exhibited a higher prevalence in this patient group than those without any underlying neurologic disorders. This study aimed for a more comprehensive understanding of the probable intricate interplay between COVID-19, underlying health conditions, and clinical manifestations. Understanding these differences is crucial for tailoring effective clinical interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]