Post discharge outcomes of patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Abstract

Since WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic, globally more than 212-million people were infected and approximately 4.4 millions died (25 August 2021). As the pandemic evolved, it became clear that there are many more things to research and discover about the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Besides the fact that SARS-CoV-2 primarily affects the respiratory system, more and more articles indicate a systemic involvement which could be responsible for long term consequences. The aim of this review was to evaluate the long- term signs and symptoms of COVID-19 infection. We looked for information regarding the prevalence and persistence of symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection and the persistence of organ dysfunction beyond the acute phase. We also searched data regarding the impact of the infection on the quality of life, physical, mental and psychosocial function. Recent studies have shown that some symptoms can persist a long time after the acute episode of COVID-19. Furthermore, organ sequalae can be present after the acute episode. The most common symptoms of “long COVID” are: fatigue and shortness of breath, lack of taste/smell, cough, myalgia and arthralgia, headache. Also, cardiac abnormalities, cognitive impairment, insomnia, anxiety and concentration issues can be present.