Physical and psychological symptom burden from long Covid and correlation with clinico-radiological and biochemical profile of hospitalized patients with acute COVID-19 due to Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: It is crucial to identify the burden of post COVID long-term morbidity denoted as long-COVID. Our study aims to determine prevalence of Long-COVID and to identify indicators which can predict chances of developing this condition. The aim was to study the persisting symptoms and predictors for long-COVID in COVID-19 patients.

Materials and Methods: All patients hospitalized with acute COVID-19 infection from 1st April 2021 to 30th June 2021 with a positive RT-PCR were followed up through telephonic interview after 6 months of discharge. All clinical, laboratory, radiological data of patients during their hospital admission was retrieved from medical records. Current physical and psychological symptom burden (PHQ2 score) was recorded using a structured questionnaire and analysed.

Results: Total of 101 patients were included. Mean age was 47yrs. M: F=2:1. Mean number of hospital stays was 7 days (1-34). Most patients needed admission on 5^th day of illness (1-14). Mean CRP, D Dimer and Ferritin values were 77 mg/dl, 335 ng/ml, 414 microgram/ml respectively. Mean CT severity score was 12. The most common comorbidity was Type 2 Diabetes mellitus followed by hypertension. Of all patients, 16 % had symptoms of long COVID during 6 months post COVID infection. Most common symptoms were fatigue (60%), exercise intolerance (55%), cough (18%), breathlessness (18%), disturbed sleep quality (10%) and depression in 9.7% of patients as assessed by PHQ2 Score (1-6). None of the predictive factors were found to have statistically significant correlation with development of Long- COVID.

Conclusion: Of all patients hospitalised with COVID-19, 16 % had long COVID symptoms at 6 months assessment. Majority had fatigue and exercise intolerance but one tenth also had depression. Multispecialty COVID follow up clinics are necessary for further assessment and rehabilitation of these patients.