Characteristics of a Case Series of Long Covid-19 In General Medicine from March 15, 2020 to October 31, 2022, In Toledo, Spain

Abstract

Background Previous epidemiological studies of Long covid-19 have been difficult to interpret given the variety and heterogeneity of methods used, differences in the selection of patient populations and response rates, different follow-up periods and inconsistent terms used to describe symptoms. Objective To study in general medicine clinical-epidemiological characteristics of patients with Long covid-19 (presence of prolonged symptoms for at least 12 weeks, lasting at least 2 months, after acute covid-19 infection, and that are not explained by an alternative diagnosis). Methodology An observational, longitudinal and prospective case series study of patients with Long covid-19, based on a prospective cohort of covid-19 patients in a family medicine office in Toledo (Spain) was carried out from from March 15, 2020 to October 31, 2022. Results During the study period, 27 cases of Long covid-19 were included. The mean age was 48 years, 26% were >= 65 years and 4% <= 18 years; 48% were women; 11% ethnic minority; 30% presented moderate-severe severity of primary infection (pneumonias) and hospitalization in acute phase; 56% had chronic diseases, being more frequent the Nervous and Senses group (20%), Endocrine (17), and Digestive system (14%); 52% presented acute infection during 2021; Only 4% were not vaccinated with any dose. Regarding Long covid-19 symptoms, 27% were respiratory [4 chronic cough, 7 dyspnea, 1 chest pain], 20% ENT [5 rhinitis, 2 chronic sore throat, 1 epistaxis, 1 anosmia/ageusia], and 18% Neurological [5 headaches, 1 dizziness, 2 paresthesias in lower limbs] Conclusion In the context of general medicine in Toledo (Spain), patients with Long covid-19 were predominantly middle-aged, had been admitted to hospital for moderate-severe severity of primary infection, were vaccinated, and had preferably respiratory symptoms. It is estimated that 50% of the cohort had been infected with alpha or delta variants.