Impacto de la COVID-19 en la salud del paciente poscrítico

Introduction

Many patients perceive persistent symptoms and impairment in their quality of life after COVID-19. The critical patient is vulnerable to presenting physical and emotional alterations. The objective of this study is to assess the functional evolution and quality of life of the critical patient due to COVID-19.

Methods

A prospective longitudinal multicenter study was carried out in critically ill hospitalized patients due to COVID-19 with a 6 month follow-up. Sociodemographic variables, comorbidity, the persistence of symptoms, SPPB scale, pulmonary and respiratory impact, CT scan, Barthel index, neuropsychological variables, physical activity (IPAQ scale), quality of life (Euroqol), and satisfaction were collected.

Results

115 patients were included. 75% are male and 86% are obese or overweight. The average time of hospitalization was 38.1 ± 18.4 days, with 80.9% requiring mechanical ventilation. 25% need help from another person for self-care at discharge. 29.2% had a normal CT lung screening at 134.1 + 70.9 days. At 6 months, functional recovery is favorable, although 36.5% perceive muscle weakness and 22% present fragility. 36.5% of patients report a lack of concentration. The most affected dimension in quality of life is that referred to pain (53%), followed by anxiety or depression. Most perform low physical activity. Satisfaction with clinical follow-up is high.

Conclusions

In post-critical patients due to COVID-19, physical, functional, and quality of life alterations prevail at 6 months after hospital discharge.