Post-COVID-19 Syndrome Among Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: A Cohort Study Assessing Patients 6 and 12 Months After Hospital Discharge

January 2024 in “ Cadernos de Saúde Pública ”

Roseany Patrícia Silva Rocha, Amanda Cristina de Souza Andrade, Francine Nesello Melanda, Ana Paula Muraro

TLDR Many hospitalized COVID-19 patients still have symptoms like fatigue and hair loss up to a year later, especially older, lower-income individuals with other health issues.

This cohort study examined post-COVID-19 syndrome in 259 hospitalized patients in Mato Grosso, Brazil, assessing them 6 and 12 months after discharge. At 6 months, 87.4% of 190 patients reported symptoms, with fatigue (55.3%), memory problems (36.8%), and hair loss (26.8%) being most common. At 12 months, 67.5% of 160 patients still reported symptoms, with fatigue (40.6%) and hair loss (11.2%) persisting. The syndrome was more prevalent in older, lower-income patients with comorbidities like hypertension and diabetes, and those with severe initial infections. Hair loss was notably more common in females. The study underscores the importance of monitoring long-term effects post-COVID-19 and suggests comprehensive primary care assessments to improve quality of life for affected patients.