[Updated S1 guideline on long/post-COVID: relevant aspects for pain medicine].

Abstract

Background: The S1 guideline on long/post-COVID of the AWMF [German Association of the Medical Scientific Societies] registration number 020-027) was updated in August 2022.

Methods: Under the coordination of the German Society of Pneumology, the guideline was updated by 21 scientific associations, two professional associations and clinical centers each and one institute and statutory accident insurance each. Each scientific association was responsible for its own chapter. The German Pain Society prepared the chapter "Pain". The coordinators of each chapter performed a selective literature search and also received approval for the chapter within their scientific association. During an internal period of comments, all representatives of the participating institutions could comment on all chapters. The AWMF task force commented on the draft of the guideline, which was then finally approved by the boards of all participating institutions.

Results: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increases the risk of persistent headache and musculoskeletal pain. Long/Post-COVID pain is frequently associated with fatigue and cognitive problems. A specialist assessment might be considered if symptoms with limitations of daily activities persist 3 months after the infection. The diagnostic workup of long/post-COVID-associated pain should be performed according to the standards of pain medicine. Management should follow the pain guidelines of the AWMF.

Conclusions: The updated S1 guideline on long/post-COVID is a clinical manual which offers orientation for diagnostics and treatment despite limited data.