Post-COVID-19 syndrome and quality of life impairment in severe COVID-19 Mexican patients

IntroductionPost-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) usually occurs 3 months after the onset of COVID-19 with a symptom duration of at least 2 months without an alternative diagnosis. ObjectiveThis study aimed to describe the prevalence, characteristics, and impact on the quality of life (QoL) of post-COVID-19 syndrome in patients with a history of hospitalization for COVID-19. Materials and methodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study. Patients who required hospitalization due to COVID-19 between March 2020 and October 2021 were invited to answer a PCS questionnaire and the EQ-5D instrument. A total of 246 patients were included: 187 (76%) met the definition of PCS and 54% were men, with a median age of 50 years (IQR 41-63). ResultsFrom 187 patients with PCS, the median time to symptom onset after hospital discharge was 1 day (IQR 1-20), and the median symptom duration was 150 days (IQR 90-225). A total of 27 different symptoms were reported; the most frequent were difficulty concentrating (81%), dyspnea (75%), arthralgia (71%), fatigue (68%), and hair loss (60%). Some symptoms, such as difficulty concentrating, arthralgia/myalgia, and hair loss, were more prevalent in women with PCS. Patients with PCS had a higher frequency of tobacco smoking (37 vs. 4%, p = 0.02) and increased severity of lung involvement in the initial chest tomography (75 vs. 58%, p = 0.01) than those without PCS. Patients with PCS were less likely to receive antivirals (15.5 vs. 27%, p = 0.04). No difference between ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and length of hospital stay was found. Patients with PCS had a lower visual analog scale result for EQ-5D vs. those without (80 [IQR 70-90] vs. 89.5 [IQR 75-90], p = 0.05). All five QoL dimensions were affected in PCS patients, showing increased pain/discomfort (67 vs. 39%, p = < 0.001), difficulties in performing usual activities (39.2 vs. 20.3%, p = 0.03), and anxiety/depression (57.5 vs. 37%, p = 0.02). ConclusionPCS occurred in 76% of hospitalized patients with prolonged duration and QoL impairment. Neurological symptoms such as difficulty concentrating were the most frequent symptoms. Timely diagnostic and therapeutic interventions are required.

Automated summary

This study aimed to describe the prevalence, characteristics, and impact on the quality of life of post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) in hospitalized patients. Out of 246 patients, 187 (76%) met the definition of PCS. PCS had a prolonged duration and impaired quality of life. Neurological symptoms such as difficulty concentrating were the most frequent symptoms.