Determinants of persistence of symptoms and impact on physical and mental wellbeing in Long COVID: A prospective cohort study - 08/04/22
Highlights |
• | Advanced age, ICU admission and multiple symptoms at onset are predictors of Long COVID among patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. |
• | Female gender and persistence of symptoms at day 28 and month 9 were risk factors for psychological distress. |
• | Prolonged symptoms have negative impact on both physical and mental wellbeing. |
• | Studies on Long COVID determinants and consequences are encouraged to identify target populations for recovery interventions. |
Summary |
Background |
Residual symptoms can be detected for several months after COVID-19. To better understand the predictors and impact of symptom persistence we analyzed a prospective cohort of COVID-19 patients.
Methods |
Patients were followed for 9 months after COVID-19 onset. Duration and predictors of persistence of symptoms, physical health and psychological distress were assessed.
Results |
465 patients (54% males, 51% hospitalized) were included; 37% presented with at least 4 symptoms and 42% complained of symptom lasting more than 28 days. At month 9, 20% of patients were still symptomatic, showing mainly fatigue (11%) and breathlessness (8%). Hospitalization and ICU stay vs. non-hospitalized status increased the median duration of fatigue of 8 weeks. Age > 50 years (OR 2.50), ICU stay (OR 2.35), and presentation with 4 or more symptoms (OR 2.04) were independent predictors of persistence of symptoms at month 9. A total of 18% of patients did not return to optimal pre-COVID physical health, while 19% showed psychological distress at month 9. Hospital admission (OR 2.28) and persistence of symptoms at day 28 (OR 2.21) and month 9 (OR 5.16) were independent predictors of suboptimal physical health, while female gender (OR 5.27) and persistence of symptoms at day 28 (OR 2.42) and month 9 (OR 2.48) were risk factors for psychological distress.
Conclusions |
Patients with advanced age, ICU stay and multiple symptoms at onset were more likely to suffer from long-term symptoms, which had a negative impact on both physical and mental wellbeing. This study contributes to identify the target populations and Long COVID consequences for planning long-term recovery interventions.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : COVID-19, Long COVID, Predictors, Symptom persistence, Psychological distress, Physical health
Plan
Vol 84 - N° 4
P. 566-572 - avril 2022 Retour au numéroBienvenue sur EM-consulte, la référence des professionnels de santé.