Effects of Rehabilitation on Long-COVID-19 Patient’s Autonomy, Symptoms and Nutritional Observance

Abstract

Background: Despite significant improvements in COVID-19 therapy, many patients still present with persistent symptoms and quality-of-life alterations. The aim of this study was to simultaneously investigate the long-term evolution of autonomy, malnutrition and long-lasting symptoms in people infected with COVID-19 and hospitalized in the ICU. Method: Patients’ clinical characteristics; extent of their loss of autonomy based on “Autonomie Gérontologie Groupes Iso-Ressources” (AG-GIR) classification; nutritional status while following the French and Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) recommendations; and symptom evolutions before infection, during hospitalization and rehabilitation, and up to 6 months after returning home were determined in thirty-seven patients. Results: Prior to a COVID-19 infection, all patients were autonomous, but upon admission to the rehabilitation center (CRM), 39% of them became highly dependent. After discharge from the center and 6 months after returning home, only 6 and 3%, respectively, still required considerable assistance. Of these thirty-seven patients, 11% were moderately malnourished and 81% presented with severe malnutrition, with a significant correlation being observed between malnutrition and autonomy (p < 0.05). Except for fatigue, which persisted in 70% of the patients 6 months after discharge from rehabilitation, all other symptoms decreased significantly. Conclusions: This study shows a striking decrease in autonomy associated with malnutrition after hospitalization for a COVID-19 infection and a clear beneficial effect from personalized rehabilitation. However, although almost all patients regained autonomy 6 months after returning home, they often still suffer from fatigue. Patient compliance with their nutritional recommendations deserves further improvement, preferably through personalized and persistent follow-up with the patient.

Gut Microbiota and Mitochondria: Health and Pathophysiological Aspects of Long COVID

“…The most important symptom that was persistently present in 70% of the subjects and half a year after discharge was chronic fatigue; 20% of the subjects did not regain full autonomy, while all other symptoms greatly diminished. The value of the study is that it highlights the correlation between autonomy and poor nutritional status after a severe form of COVID-19, the need for personalized and sustained recovery programs, and nutritional recommendations for patients to regain autonomy who, despite all these measures, may still suffer from chronic fatigue, even 6 months after discharge [111].…”