Impact of Long SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Infection on the Health Care Burden: Comparative Case-Control Study Between Omicron and Pre-Omicron Waves.

BACKGROUND

Following the initial acute phase of COVID-19, health care resource use has escalated among individuals with SARS-CoV-2 infection.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare new diagnoses of long COVID and the demand for health services in the general population after the Omicron wave with those observed during the pre-Omicron waves, using similar assessment protocols for both periods and to analyze the influence of vaccination.

METHODS

This matched retrospective case-control study included patients of both sexes diagnosed with acute SARS-CoV-2 infection using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction or antigen tests in the hospital microbiology laboratory during the pandemic period regardless of whether the patients were hospitalized. We included patients of all ages from 2 health care departments that cover 604,000 subjects. The population was stratified into 2 groups, youths (<18 years) and adults (≥18 years). Patients were followed-up for 6 months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. Previous vaccination, new diagnoses, and the use of health care resources were recorded. Patients were compared with controls selected using a prospective score matched for age, sex, and the Charlson index.

RESULTS

A total of 41,577 patients with a history of prior COVID-19 infection were included, alongside an equivalent number of controls. This cohort encompassed 33,249 (80%) adults aged ≥18 years and 8328 (20%) youths aged <18 years. Our analysis identified 40 new diagnoses during the observation period. The incidence rate per 100 patients over a 6-month period was 27.2 for vaccinated and 25.1 for unvaccinated adults (P=.09), while among youths, the corresponding rates were 25.7 for vaccinated and 36.7 for unvaccinated individuals (P<.001). Overall, the incidence of new diagnoses was notably higher in patients compared to matched controls. Additionally, vaccinated patients exhibited a reduced incidence of new diagnoses, particularly among women (P<.001) and younger patients (P<.001) irrespective of the number of vaccine doses administered and the duration since the last dose. Furthermore, an increase in the use of health care resources was observed in both adult and youth groups, albeit with lower figures noted in vaccinated individuals. In the comparative analysis between the pre-Omicron and Omicron waves, the incidence of new diagnoses was higher in the former; however, distinct patterns of diagnosis were evident. Specifically, depressed mood (P=.03), anosmia (P=.003), hair loss (P<.001), dyspnea (<0.001), chest pain (P=.04), dysmenorrhea (P<.001), myalgia (P=.011), weakness (P<.001), and tachycardia (P=.015) were more common in the pre-Omicron period. Similarly, health care resource use, encompassing primary care, specialist, and emergency services, was more pronounced in the pre-Omicron wave.

CONCLUSIONS

The rise in new diagnoses following SARS-CoV-2 infection warrants attention due to its potential implications for health systems, which may necessitate the allocation of supplementary resources. The absence of vaccination protection presents a challenge to the health care system.