ABSTRACT
Background: The morbidity associated with recovery from COVID-19 is huge with apparent persisting respiratory limitation. Aims and objectives: We investigate the persisting respiratory symptomatic and functional recovery of patients initially hospitalised with COVID-19 in a systematic review and meta-analysis using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Method(s): Comprehensive database searches in accordance with the PRISMA statement were carried out up till 31/05/2021 where data exists for patients >8 weeks after hospital discharge, according to PROSPERO (1). Data were narratively synthesized, and meta-analyses were performed using the random-effects inverse variance method. Result(s): Of 49 studies, across 14 countries with 2-12 months follow up, fatigue was the most commonly reported persisting symptom at 2-4 months (36.6%, 95 % CI 27.6 to 46.6, n=14), and at >4 months (32.5%, 95% CI 22.6 to 44.2, n=15). Modified MRC dyspnoea score >=1 was reported in 48% (95% CI 30 to 37, n=5) at 2-4 months and 32% (95% CI 22 to 43, n=7) at >4 months. Persisting sick leave, change in their scope of work and increased healthcare usage was also reported. Conclusion(s): Persisting respiratory symptoms are experienced by survivors of COVID-19 hospital admission with associated impact on work and healthcare usage.