Late Sequelae of COVID-19 Infection in Patients Without Comorbidities

Abstract

Introduction: Since the appearance of SARS-CoV-2, more than 40 million patients worldwide have recovered from the infection. Co-morbidities have been linked with severity of disease and outcomes in patients infected with COVID-19. As the pandemic progresses, patients deemed “Long Haulers” are being recognized as more individuals recover. Currently, there is limited data on the late sequalae of the disease especially in the population of patients with no comorbidities. Objective: Evaluate the long-term sequalae of COVID-19 infection in healthy individuals. Methods: We identified 101 patients who presented to the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) COVID-19 recovery clinic between July, 16, 2020 to October,8, 2020, and excluded all subjects with underlying comorbidities. Demographics and data regarding hospitalization history, persistent symptoms, patient health questionnaire score (PHQ-9), Generalized anxiety disorder score (GAD-7) and six-minute walk distance were collected. Results (Table 1): A total of 25 patients (24.7%) with no comorbidities were identified during the study period. Patients were predominantly female (80%), and older than 40 years (90%). More than half of subjects identified as white (52%), and 10 patients (40%) were hospitalized for COVID related symptoms. The mean duration from positive test to clinic visit was 66 days. Persistent fatigue, dyspnea on exertion and cough were reported by 96%, 84% and 68% of patients, respectively. Depression (PHQ-9 ≥ 5) and anxiety (GAD-7 ≥ 5) were present in 15 patients (60%), while 84% reported persistent gastrointestinal symptoms including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and 76% reported persistent headache. The mean six-minute walk distance was 1084 feet. Conclusion: While comorbidities may be an indicator of COVID-19 disease severity, those without comorbidities are not spared from the prolonged recovery from illness.