Benefits of L-Arginine Oral Supplementation in Long Covid Symptoms: Results of a Monocentric Longitudinal Study

Abstract

Background: Covid syndrome is a complex disease that in some cases can determine symptoms for a long period. This kind of presentation is note today like long Covid syndrome. The causes of long Covid syndrome are unclear, and its treatment is unknown. Methods and Results: Between January 2021 and May 2021, 10 patients (5 Males, 5 Females, mean age 47.2 ± 2.3 years), affected by persistent symptoms of acute COVID-19, were enrolled in a short-term observational follow-up. All patients included were healthy subjects with no risk factors, who after SARS-COV-2 infection, treated at home without hospitalization, reported fatigue in the total absence of fever or other acute symptoms. The molecular swab has been negative for more than 30 days. A graduated maximum exertion test with respiratory gas analysis and a constant workload endurance test corresponding to 85% of the VO2 peak at baseline and after 1 month were performed. All had a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF)> 60% and a structural normal heart. Treatment with L-Arginine 20 mL of an 8.3% oral solution (1.66 gr) twice a day was initiated in all patients.