Study of Post COVID-19 Sequelae at a Tertiary Rural Health Care Center

Abstract

Background: Following partial recovery from acute COVID-19 disease, patients have been reported to suffer from long-term sequelae (beyond 12 weeks from the onset of symptoms), Symptoms vary from mild to life-threatening conditions. This phenomenon is now called post-COVID-19 or long COVID-19. Materials and Methods: Of the total 81 patients with a history of COVID-19, 72 patients were considered for the study. Their clinical data, risk factors, laboratory investigations, radiological findings, management, and outcomes were recorded and statistically interpreted and analyzed. Results: Majority of the patients belonged to the elderly age group. Respiratory symptoms persisted in 53 patients followed by musculoskeletal symptoms seen in approximately 40 patients (55.5%). Renal, neurological manifestations, gastrointestinal, cardiac manifestations, and thromboembolic phenomenon were also seen. Conclusions: In our study, it was concluded that majority of patients presenting with post-COVID-19 sequelae came with persistent respiratory symptoms followed by musculoskeletal and neuropsychiatric manifestations. The repercussions of COVID-19 illness are reverberating and should be managed extensively, as with the rising numbers the burden on health care will also rise. Hence, a need for more research in this field for better diagnosis and management of post COVID-19 syndrome.