Burden of Long COVID-19 in a Cohort of Recovered COVID-19 Patients in Delhi, India.

BACKGROUND

The long COVID phase is characterized by signs and symptoms persisting for at least three months after recovery from acute COVID-19 illness. There is limited data on comprehensive long-term clinical follow-up of COVID-19 patients.

AIMS

This study aims to explore the burden and symptomatology of long COVID syndrome and its association with various health parameters.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

This prospective observational study was conducted in Delhi from May 2022 to March 2023.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

A total of 553 adult patients who had recovered from COVID-19 were enrolled in the study. A sociodemographic and clinical profile was obtained using validated questionnaires, along with an evaluation of biochemical parameters to assess the associated factors.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Chi-square test, unpaired t-test, and bivariate regression analysis were applied using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 28; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY). A p value of <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

A total of 252 patients (45.6%) had long COVID syndrome, which was significantly associated with the presence of any pre-existing comorbidity (OR=1.46 (1.02-2.09); p=0.039), previous history of hypertension (OR=1.82 (1.07-3.09); p=0.027), and vaccination against COVID-19 (OR=1.392 (1.171-1.656); p=0.003). The most common symptoms reported were persistent fatigue (33.3%) and persistent dry cough (28.5%). Patients with long COVID syndrome are also reported to have poorer sleep quality. Biochemical findings showed abnormal T lymphocytes (9.3%) and raised HbA1c (11.9%).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple risk factors and symptoms associated with long COVID syndrome were identified in this study. Research efforts and knowledge regarding the pattern of illness will aid in long-term monitoring and development of interventional strategies and guidelines for the care of recovered COVID-19 patients.