Rehabilitation of COVID-19 Patients with Cognitive, Autonomic and Insomnia Disorders Using Medicinal Leech Therapy

Abstract

New coronaNew coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is a historical and urgent issue worldwide. The long-term consequences of the disease are neurological disorders, which need further investigation in terms of treatment and prevention. Apart from the traditional medical approach, management of cognitive, autonomic and sleep complications may be rehabilitated using medicinal leeches. The purpose of this study is to compare the neurological condition of COVID-19 patients before and after hirudotherapy. This cross-sectional study was conducted from January to December 2021 at the medical centre of the Khoja Akhmet Yassawi International Kazakh-Turkish University. The research population consisted of 83 patients with mild and severe forms of COVID-19 (more than 6 months), who underwent medicinal leech therapy (MLT). MLT was applied to the patients on the 6th and 11th days and their assessment of cognitive, autonomic and sleep disorders were carried out. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS Statistics (version 20.0, IBM, USA). The results of studies indicate a progressive neurological deterioration in COVID-19 patients. Neuropsychological observations in patients taking a full course of MLT showed an objective improvement in their cognitive, autonomic and sleep disorders. In particular, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) Scale, Schulte Tables, Spielberger-Khanin Anxiety Scale (SKAS), Beck depression inventory (BDI), Study scheme to identify signs of autonomic disorders, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Index of Severity of Sleep Disorders (ISSD) values improved after the MLT procedures.