Study on long COVID in patients treated at teaching hospital of Kalubowila, Sri Lanka

Type of artical: Original Research Article

Background & objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the healthcare system, encompassing both the disease itself and its related sequelae. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of COVID-19 in individuals who have recovered from the disease, as confirmed by RT-PCR testing. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary COVID center. A total of 200 patients who had tested positive for COVID-19 by RT-PCR during the second wave of the pandemic were included. These patients received treatment and were subsequently followed up via telephone one year after their discharge. Results: The average duration of hospitalization was found to be 6.12 ± 3.25 days. After a period of one year following discharge, the prevailing long-term symptom of post-COVID-19 syndrome was found to be breathlessness, affecting 58% of individuals. Fatigue was the second most commonly reported symptom, affecting 50% of individuals. Conversely, weakness was reported by a minimum of 1% of individuals, while 25% of individuals reported being completely free of any lingering COVID-19 symptoms. Conclusions: Long COVID is a complex condition that affects several systems in the body, including myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome, dysautonomia, various organ systems, as well as vascular and coagulation issues. COVID-19 exhibits long-term effects on patients, hence necessitating ongoing monitoring post-discharge to assess for enduring consequences.