Preliminary results of the ENERGY study (Ean NEuro-covid ReGistrY) in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Background: ENERGY registry developed by the European Academy of Neurology studies neurological manifestations in patients with COVID-19 infections. Diomid Gherman Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery joined these efforts in December 2020. The aim of the study was to present the Moldovan cohort of patients with COVID-19 infection and neurological manifestations registered in the ENERGY. Material and methods: The registry recorded demographic data, comorbidities, complications, neurological symptoms in confirmed COVID-19 patients. The patients were evaluated at 6 and 12 months by phone. Results: The Moldovan cohort of patients with COVID-19 and neurological manifestations by May 2021 consists of 168 patients (50.6% men and 49.4% women). Most patients (86.9%) had comorbidities, such as arterial hypertension – 83.3%, diabetes mellitus – 23.2 %, cardiovascular – 27.4 %, obesity – 21.4 %. History of neurological diseases with impact on patient’s health was dementia 3.0%, Parkinson’s disease – 1.2%, stroke – 19.0%, multiple sclerosis – 1.2%, neuromuscular disorder – 1.2%, neuropathy – 1.8%. Complications requiring medical intervention were dyspnea – 44.6%, pneumonia – 61.9%, cardiovascular – 7.1%, renal insufficiency – 1.2%, coagulation disorder – 4.2% and mechanical ventilation – 16.1%. New neurological findings in patients with COVID-19 infection were headache (24.4%), vertigo (14.3%), cognitive impairment (35.7%), stupor/coma (22.1%), stroke (62.5%), ataxia (11.4%), spinal cord disorder (7.2%), peripheral neuropathy (5.4%). Mortality rate in the cohort was 22.61%. Conclusions: The Moldovan cohort of patients with neurological manifestations during COVID-19 infections registered in the ENERGY registry presented most frequently at the emergency department with stroke, cognitive impairment and headache. They have many comorbidities, history of neurological diseases, complications during hospital stay and high mortality rate.