Beyond the Lung: Exploring Musculoskeletal and Rheumatological Complications in Post-COVID-19 Survivors

Abstract

Background: Post-COVID-19 infection patients often present to rheumatology clinics with a variety of musculoskeletal complaints; some objective findings in particular merit special attention. Objective: The goal of this study was to assess post-COPIVID-19 survivors who have recently developed musculoskeletal problems and to ascertain whether there is a relationship between the current presentation and the course of the prior infection. Methods: In this cross-sectional research, 102 post-COVID-19 patients with musculoskeletal complaints were recruited from the Outpatient Rheumatology Clinic. A detailed medical history of the current complaint as well as prior to COVID-19 infection was analysed. Joints, mucocutanous, proximal and distal muscles, and peripheral nerves were evaluated and neurophysiological studies were also conducted. Results: 64 males and 38 females with mean age of 41.6 ± 12.7 years and duration of COVID-19 infection was 13.6 ± 7.3 days. Duration of the current musculoskeletal complaints was 3.6 ± 1.8 weeks. Arthralgia and myalgias were reported by 58.8 % and 36.3% respectively, while arthritis was observed in 17.6%. Paresthesia, and motor waekness were reported by 19.6% and 22.5% respectively. 39.2% of the involved group exhibited objective findings and 31.4 % of patients had neurophysiological abnormalities. Conclusions: Arthralgia, myalgias, arthritis and mononeuritis are the most prevelant manifestations in post-COVID-19 survivors with new onset musculoskeletal complaints. Increasing age, smoking history, increased duration and severity of prior infection are predisposing factors for neuritis.