Elsevier

Journal of Infection

Volume 83, Issue 5, November 2021, Pages 581-588
Journal of Infection

Long-term impact of COVID-19 associated acute respiratory distress syndrome

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jinf.2021.08.018Get rights and content

Highlights

  • Most COVID-19 associated ARDS survivors have persistent symptoms beyond 8 months.

  • At 8 months, COVID survivors with ARDS often have decreased exercise capacity.

  • Almost all COVID survivors with ARDS develop at least one mental disorder.

  • Female sex, non-Caucasian race, and Charlson>2 were risk factors for a worse MCS score on the SF-36.

  • Female sex and COPD were independent risk factors for a worse PCS score on the SF-36.

Abstract

Objectives

To determine the health status, exercise capacity, and health related quality of life (HRQoL) of COVID-19 associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) survivors, 8 months after diagnosis.

Methods

All eligible patients were interviewed and underwent a physical examination, chest X-ray, and 6 min walk test (6MWT). Scales to evaluate post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and HRQoL were applied.

Results

Of 1295 patients, 365 suffered ARDS and 166 survived to hospital discharge. Five died after discharge and 48 were lost to follow-up. Of the 113 remaining patients, 81% had persistent symptoms. More than 50% of patients completed less than 80% of the theoretical distance on the 6MWT, 50% had an abnormal X-ray and 93% of patients developed psychiatric disorders. Mean SF-36 scores were worse than in the general population. After multivariate regression analysis, female sex, non-Caucasian race, and Charlson index>2 were independent risk factors for a worse mental health component summary score on the SF-36, and age was associated with a better prognosis. Female sex and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were independently associated with a worse physical component summary score.

Conclusion

COVID-19 associated ARDS survivors have long-term consequences in health status, exercise capacity, and HRQoL. Strategies addressed to prevent these sequelae are needed.

Keywords

Long-term outcomes
Sequelae
COVID-19
SARS-CoV2
ARDS

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1

These authors contributed equally to this work.

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