Post-discharge persistent symptoms and health-related quality of life after hospitalization for COVID-19

The study evaluated 120 patients previously hospitalized for COVID-19 and found that after an average of 110.9 days post-admission, a significant number experienced persistent symptoms such as fatigue (55%), dyspnoea (42%), memory loss (34%), and sleep disorders (30.8%), with 20% reporting hair loss, mainly among women. There were no significant differences in symptoms between those treated in the hospital ward and those in the ICU, nor in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) as measured by the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire. Despite the limitations of a small sample size, single-center design, and a high rate of unreachable patients, the study concluded that many patients suffer long-term effects but maintain a relatively satisfactory HRQOL, with most returning to work, indicating the necessity for long-term follow-up and rehabilitation for COVID-19 survivors.