Clinical differences in symptomology, characteristics, and risk factors in patients with post-acute sequelae of COVID-19: an experience from a tertiary-care academic center

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and has caused significant mortality and morbidity since it was first recognized in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Patients may suffer from a constellation of symptoms termed post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) . Here we present findings of a retrospective cohort study describing the prevalence and predicting factors of patient-reported post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Categorical variables were summarized as frequency (percentage) and compared between vaccine status groups using Fisher's exact test. Continuous variables were reported as median (range) and compared between the groups using Kruskal-Wallis test. All tests were two-sided with p value <0.05 considered statistically significant. Survey data from 132 patients with a median age of 45 years, 68% female, 83% Caucasian/Non-Hispanic. The most frequently reported PASC symptoms include fatigue (84.8%), dyspnea (54.5%), cognitive dysfunction (53%), myalgias (37.1%), lightheadedness or vertigo (36.4%), chest pain (34.8%), palpitations (34.8%), headaches (34.1%), arthralgias (31.8%), and unrefreshing sleep (31.1%). There is mounting evidence that supports higher prevalence of PASC in women, White/Caucasian, and middle-aged individuals. This knowledge can provide guidance to clinical practices to anticipate and support healthcare and self-care needs for patients at higher risk to developing PASC.

Automated summary

COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has resulted in significant mortality and morbidity since its emergence in Wuhan, China in December 2019. A retrospective cohort study investigated the prevalence and predicting factors of post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). Survey data revealed that the most commonly reported PASC symptoms included fatigue, dyspnea, cognitive dysfunction, myalgias, lightheadedness or vertigo, chest pain, palpitations, headaches, arthralgias, and unrefreshing sleep. There is increasing evidence of higher prevalence of PASC in women, White/Caucasian individuals, and middle-aged people, which can guide clinical practices in anticipating and supporting the needs of high-risk patients.