Prevalence and Symptomatology of Post COVID Syndrome in Patients Who Required Hospitalization During Acute Illness

Abstract

Background The long-term effects of SARS-CoV-2 are just now coming to light. These remaining symptoms are sometimes referred to as “Post-COVID syndrome.” The types and incidence of prolonged symptoms from the acute viral illness are unknown. Yet understanding the prevalence and which symptoms persist would help normalize post COVID syndrome and help providers recognize these issues in their COVID survivors. Methods We conducted a single-center retrospective analysis with patients discharged from New York University (NYU) Langone Hospital with primary diagnosis of COVID-19. Each patient was then called and given a phone survey 45-60 days post discharge. In the survey they were consented and asked about residual symptoms. Study data were collected and managed using REDCap electronic data capture tools hosted at NYU hospital. Patient surveys were then merged with their medical record from their COVID hospitalization. All statistical analysis was processed in SPSS. The study was approved through our institutional IRB. Results Overall, 101 patients were surveyed post discharge. The median age was 59, with the most common co-morbidities being DM (N = 20) and HTN (N = 45). Most patients (N= 57) reported residual lethargy and malaise as compared to prior. Thirty-eight patients continued to have limited exercise tolerance. Thirty- eight patients experienced shortness of breath more than prior to getting COVID, while 24 patients continued to have shortness of breath while walking within their house. Some experienced chest pain with breathing (N=5), dry cough (N=14) and productive cough (N=5) that was not present prior to COVID infection. Conclusion We found that COVID patients continued to have symptoms 2 months post discharge. More than half of patients reached reported continued lethargy post discharge. Other symptoms were quite common, with 1/4-1/3 having continued shortness of breath and decreased exercise tolerance. The full pathophysiology between continued symptoms and post COVID syndrome is not yet known;however, clinicians need to understand the prevalence to treat patients accordingly. Physicians should help to normalize these symptoms to patients. Treatment should include supportive care such as rehab and physical therapy with consideration of referral to post COVID centers.