Prevalence of post-COVID-19 symptoms in hospitalized and non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Single studies support the presence of several post-COVID-19 symptoms; however, no meta-analysis differentiating hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients has been published to date. This meta-analysis analyses the prevalence of post-COVID-19 symptoms in hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients recovered from COVID-19. Methods: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases, as well as medRxiv and bioRxiv preprint servers were searched up to March 15, 2021. Peer-reviewed studies or preprints reporting data on postCOVID-19 symptoms collected by personal, telephonic or electronic interview were included. Methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We used a random-effects models for metaanalytical pooled prevalence of each post-COVID-19 symptom, and I-2 statistics for heterogeneity. Data synthesis was categorized at 30, 60, and >= 90 days after. Results: From 15,577 studies identified, 29 peer-reviewed studies and 4 preprints met inclusion criteria. The sample included 15,244 hospitalized and 9011 non-hospitalized patients. The methodological quality of most studies was fair. The results showed that 63.2, 71.9 and 45.9% of the sample exhibited >= one post-COVID-19 symptom at 30, 60, or >= 90days after onset/hospitalization. Fatigue and dyspnea were the most prevalent symptoms with a pooled prevalence ranging from 35 to 60% depending on the follow-up. Other post-COVID-19 symptoms included cough (20-25%), anosmia (10-20%), ageusia (15-20%) or joint pain (15-20%). Time trend analysis revealed a decreased prevalence 30days after with an increase after 60days. Conclusion: This meta-analysis shows that post-COVID-19 symptoms are present in more than 60% of patients infected by SARS-CoV-2. Fatigue and dyspnea were the most prevalent post-COVID-19 symptoms, particularly 60 and >= 90 days after.

Automated summary

This meta-analysis revealed that more than 60% of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection experienced post-COVID-19 symptoms. Fatigue and dyspnea were the most prevalent post-COVID-19 symptoms, especially at 60 and >= 90 days after onset.