Analysis and Clinical Determinants of Post-Covid-19 Syndrome in the Lombardy Region: Evidence From a Longitudinal Cohort Study

The longitudinal cohort study conducted at Luigi Sacco University Hospital in Milan, Italy, analyzed post-COVID-19 syndrome in 575 patients from the first wave and 793 patients from the second wave of the pandemic. The study identified three main post-COVID-19 symptoms: neurological, sensorial, and physical. It found significant associations between these symptoms and patients' comorbidities, as well as the medications used during the acute phase of COVID-19. ACE inhibitors and inhaled steroids increased the incidence of neurological symptoms, while age, COVID-19 severity, number of comorbidities, and certain diseases increased the risk of physical symptoms. Being male was the only protective factor identified in both waves. The incidence of post-COVID symptoms dropped dramatically between the two waves, likely due to different therapeutic approaches. The study concluded that these findings could guide future medical choices.