Metformin for fatigue and cognitive dysfunction associated with postCOVID-19 condition and other suspected mitochondrial dysfunction: a case series
Abstract
Abstract Background PostCOVID-19 condition (long COVID) is commonly associated with persistent fatigue and cognitive dysfunction. This and other similar syndromes seem to involve immunologic, metabolic and neurologic causes. Evidence-based therapies remain limited. Case presentation: We report three women with severe fatigue and cognitive dysfunction (two following COVID-19 and one temporally associated with aromatase inhibitor therapy) in whom metformin was associated with rapid, clinically meaningful improvement. In each case, symptoms recurred on metformin discontinuation and improved again after re-initiation. Conclusions These observations support further evaluation of metformin for fatigue and cognitive dysfunction in selected patients with post-viral syndromes or suspected mitochondrial impairment.
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Evidence Hub reads this as a case series, done in people. Its evidence level is 5 of 5 (Very low · case / narrative / animal / in vitro / in silico). Case reports, narrative reviews, and animal, cell or computer-model studies give the weakest evidence for human health.
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