Long COVID in relation to severity of acute COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: Many patients suffer from persistent and prolonged effects after acute COVID-19. The aim of our study is to describe the prevalence of Long COVID in survivors after discharge and to determine the relation between the severity of acute COVID-19 infection and Long COVID.

Methods: Retrospective study of hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in pneumology department II of Abderahman Mami hospital. We compared 2 groups: a moderate COVID-19 group (G1) and a severe COVID-19 group (G2). We compared persistent symptoms, Chest CT and pulmonary function tests assessments at 3 months after discharge in the two groups.

Results: A total of 150 patients were initially admitted. Median age was 64 years. Patients in G2 were older and had more comorbidities than those in the moderate group. The main comorbidities were hypertension (38.6%) and diabetes (33.3%). Common symptoms of acute COVID 19 revealed were: breathlessness (86%), cough (68%) and fatigue (63%). Ninety patients were followed up for a mean of 3 months. The Prevalence of Long COVID was 54.4% (n=49). G2 had a higher Prevalence compared to G1: 35.7%G1 (n=15) vs 70.8%G2 (n=34), p=0.001. The most frequent persistent symptoms revealed were: breathlessness (27.2% G1 vs 67.5% 2, p=0.001) fatigue (21.2% G1 s 42.5%, p=0.05) and cough (12.1% G1 vs 18.4% G2, p=0.205). Pulmonary diffusion impairment was the most common pulmonary dysfunction (45% G1 vs 69.2% G2 p=0.19). Abnormal CT findings are predominately found in patients of G2. Lung fibrotic-like changes were observed in 25% of the patients in G2 vs 14.2% in G1 within 3 months.

Conclusion: A spectrum of sequelae has been reported among COVID-19 survivors. Patients with high-risk of post-acute COVID-19 should be identified.