Persistent musculoskeletal symptoms in Acute Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: an integrative review

Introduction: Studies have demonstrated the progressive involvement of musculoskeletal symptoms in post-COVID-19 sequelae, especially with regard to fatigue and muscle weakness. Objective: To identify musculoskeletal symptoms in the literature as sequelae after SARS-Cov-2 infection, as well as to investigate the relationship between these variables. Methodology:This is an integrative review of the literature produced in the last four years, indexed in the PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Scielo databases. The review was based on PRISMA guidelines. Results: Of the 528 records found, 11 were included. The articles concluded that COVID-19 survivors may experience musculoskeletal symptoms after recovery, causing losses over time. The most frequently cited symptoms were: fatigue, myalgia, muscle weakness, frailty, general musculoskeletal pain, low back pain, arthralgia, muscle loss and decreased strength. The persistence of symptoms after infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome virus - coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) may be related to a dysregulated immune response, resulting in the excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Conclusion: Publications are still incipient, especially in the Brazilian context, requiring more studies to relate and explain why SARS-CoV2 leaves long-term consequences on the musculoskeletal system. A holistic view from the multidisciplinary team is necessary when caring for patients with long COVID.