INVESTIGATION OF AUTONOMIC FUNCTIONS IN ADULTS AFTER COVID-19 (SARS-COV-2) INFECTION USING SYMPATHETIC SKIN RESPONSE AND R-R INTERVAL VARIATION

Abstract

The SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has inicted unparalleled morbidity and mortality on a global
scale. Over time, as our understanding of the disease has grown, we have come to recognize the
existence of long-term effects that transcend the initial acute phase. Sympathetic skin response (SSR) and R-R interval
variability (RRIV) have been employed as methods to evaluate the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
Consequently, we have undertaken this study with the objective of investigating ANS function in patients who have recovered
from COVID-19. Methods We enrolled a total of 51 individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 and 49 healthy individuals for
this study. The assessment of autonomic function involved the evaluation of RRIV and SSR. Results In the case group
comprising 51 individuals, 23 (45.1%) were male, and 28 (54.9%) were female. The age range of these patients varied from 21 to
86 years. Within the control group, consisting of 49 individuals, 24 (49%) were male, and 25 (51%) were female. Our ndings
revealed a notable correlation between COVID-19 infection and abnormal SSR parameters. However, when we examined RRIV,
we did not nd a statistically signicant difference in RRIV parameters between the patient and control groups. Conclusions
Our study suggests that abnormal SSR parameters could serve as a valuable indicator of ANS involvement in patients with
COVID-19 infection. We did not nd a signicant difference in RRIV parameters between the case and control groups.