Authors

A A Asadi-Pooya, Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Neurology, Jefferson Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USAFollow
Ali Akbari, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Amir Emami, Burn and Wound Healing Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Mehrzad Lotfi, Medical Imaging Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Mahtab Rostamihosseinkhani, Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Hamid Nemati, Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Zohreh Barzegar, Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Maryam Kabiri, Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Zahra Zeraatpisheh, Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Mohsen Farjoud-Kouhanjani, Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Anahita Jafari, Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Fateme Sasannia, Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Shayan Ashrafi, Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Masoume Nazeri, Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Sara Nasiri, Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Mina Shahisavandi, Epilepsy Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

11-1-2021

Comments

This article is the author's final published version in Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, Volume 46, Issue 6, November 2021, Pages 428 - 436.

The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.30476/ijms.2021.92080.2326.

Copyright © 2021, Shriaz University of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved

Abstract

Background: Recently, people have recognized the post-acute phase symptoms of the COVID-19. We investigated the long-term symptoms associated with COVID-19, (Long COVID Syndrome), and the risk factors associated with it. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study. All the consecutive adult patients referred to the healthcare facilities anywhere in Fars province from 19 February 2020 until 20 November 2020 were included. All the patients had a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. In a phone call to the patients, at least three months after their discharge from the hospital, we obtained their current information. The IBM SPSS Statistics (version 25.0) was used. Pearson Chi square, Fisher’s exact test, t test, and binary logistic regression analysis model were employed. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered to be significant. Results: In total, 4,681 patients were studied, 2915 of whom (62.3%) reported symptoms. The most common symptoms of long COVID syndrome were fatigue, exercise intolerance, walking intolerance, muscle pain, and shortness of breath. Women were more likely to experience long-term COVID syndrome than men (Odds Ratio: 1,268; 95% Confidence Interval: 1,122-1,432; P=0.0001), which was significant. Presentation with respiratory problems at the onset of illness was also significantly associated with long COVID syndrome (Odds Ratio: 1.425; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.177-1.724; P=0.0001). A shorter length of hospital stay was inversely associated with long COVID syndrome (Odds Ratio: 0.953; 95% Confidence Interval: 0.941-0.965; P=0.0001). Conclusion: Long COVID syndrome is a frequent and disabling condition and has significant associations with sex (female), respiratory symptoms at the onset, and the severity of the illness.

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.

Language

English

Included in

Neurology Commons

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