Multimorbidity post COVID-19 acute infection: evidence that COVID-19 vaccination protects you

The QJM has been at the forefront of publishing the real-world effects of COVID-19 infection both in the acute settings and in the recovery phase.^1–4 We wellcome the important work by Dr Lai and colleagues from the University of Hong Kong who in a substantive case control study of patients (n = 127 744) infected with COVID-19 virus with one co-morbidity before and after the introduction of vaccination in Hong Kong. Analysing the recovery phase in these patients they found a significant protective effect of vaccination with regards to developing persistent additional co-morbidities.

Multi-morbidity, commonly referred to as the co-occurrence of two or more chronic conditions, is a leading driver of healthcare burden and costs in ageing populations. It is consistently associated with poorer quality of life and a greater risk of mortality, typically in middle-aged or older people. The prevention and management of multi-morbidity is thus widely regarded as a public health priority. We wellcome this article to our readers highlighting further real-world benefits of COVID-19 vaccination.

The heart–bone axis: bone regeneration and the effects of stress

Efficient bone regeneration caused by disease or significant trauma is a major challenge in current medicine. Initial observational studies suggested that psychological stress-induced autonomic nerve dysfunction was significantly associated with the development of osteoporosis, suggesting that there may be a close relationship between the autonomic nervous system and bone metabolism. Significant further work has defined the role of stress and its effects on the autonomic system inhibiting efficient bone regeneration. We wellcome the definitive review on this important topic by Dr Ma and colleagues from the Fourth Military Medical University in which they provide an authorative overview of recent work enhancing our understanding of the underlying mechanisms for this effect. In particular, they discuss the distribution characteristics of autonomic nerves within bone, introduces the regulatory effects and mechanisms of autonomic nerves on mesenchymal and haematopoietic stem cell lineages, and expounds the crucial role of autonomic neural regulation on bone regeneration.

Invitation to submit photographs for the QJM cover

We extend an invitation to our readers to submit photographs for consideration for the cover of the QJM. Photographs can be in black and white or colour and of high definition (>300 dpi, File size <5 MB). In general, we avoid photographs where individuals are in the photo can be identified. Please provide a brief caption and include a credit for the photographer or artist. Please email your images to [email protected].

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