Objectives: Few data are available regarding follow up of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after their discharge. We aim to describe the long-term outcomes of survivors of hospitalization for COVID-19 followed up first at an outpatient facility and subsequently by telephone. Methods: Observational prospective study conducted at a tertiary general hospital. Clinical and radiological progression was assessed and data were recorded on a standardized reporting form. Patients were divided into three groups according to PaO 2 /FiO 2 at hospitalization: PaO 2 /FiO 2 >300, PaO 2 /FiO 2 300e200 and PaO 2 /FiO 2 <200. A logistic multivariate regression model was performed to identify factors associated with persistence of symptoms. Results: For facility follow up, 302 individuals were enrolled. Median follow up was 45 days after discharge; 78% (228/294) of patients had COVID-19-related symptoms (53% asthenia, 56% respiratory symptoms) and 40% (122/302) had residual pulmonary radiographic lesions. PaO 2 /FiO 2 <200 was an independent predictor of persistent dyspnoea (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.38e2.52, p < 0.0001). PaO 2 /FiO 2 >300 was associated with resolution of chest radiographic lesions (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.42e0.74, p < 0.0001). Fifty per cent of patients required specific medical follow up after the first consultation and were transferred to another physician. A total of 294 patients were contacted for telephone follow up after a median followup time of 7 months. Fifty per cent of patients (147/294) still presented symptoms and 49% (145/294) had psychological disorders. Asthenia was identified in 27% (78/294) and dyspnoea in 10% (28/294) of patients independently of PaO 2 /FiO 2 . Conclusions: Patients with COVID-19 require long-term follow up because of the persistence of symptoms; patients with low PaO 2 /FiO 2 during the acute illness require special attention.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.