MGM Journal of Medical Sciences (Jan 2023)

A descriptive study of post-COVID sequelae in mild to severe cases in western India

  • Sunila Sanjeev Ernam,
  • Daniel Matthews,
  • Runika Gade,
  • Keertana Prabhakar

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4103/mgmj.mgmj_135_23
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 4
pp. 753 – 757

Abstract

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Background: COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a multisystem illness that has affected millions worldwide in the form of a pandemic. Numerous studies have shown that individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 experienced extended periods of health issues, varying from fatigue to cardiovascular and respiratory complications, lasting from 12 weeks to 1 year. The prevalence of these issues ranged between 42% and 55% in different countries, correlating with the severity of the initial infection. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection consequences and identify the factors linked to these long-term effects. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital over 3 months, from Jun 14, 2021 to Sept 30, 2021. This study focused on three groups of patients—those with SARS-CoV-2 infection treated in outpatient departments (OPD) and hospitalized individuals—observed for follow-up at 3, 6, and 9 months postinfection. With verbal consent obtained after informed discussion, information regarding demographic details, pre-existing medical conditions, habits, and vaccination status was gathered via telephonic interviews using a semistructured questionnaire. The collected data underwent analysis utilizing MS Excel and Open EPI info software. Results: In the follow-up studies at 3, 6, and 9 months, there were 1902 patients (with a response rate of 54.06%), 876 patients (with a response rate of 64.75%), and 1464 patients (with a response rate of 58.04%), respectively. The prevalence of post-COVID sequelae across these periods was recorded at 8.20%, 5.59%, and 8.81%. The mortality rate was notably 7.46% within the 3-month follow-up cohort. Diabetes emerged as a prevalent sequela across all three follow-up cohorts, peaking at 2.86% in the 9-month cohort. Conclusion: It is necessary to conduct 1-year post-COVID-19 infection patient follow-ups.

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