ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: COVID-19 frequently presents with acute gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms, but it is unclear how common these symptoms are after recovery. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and characteristics of GI symptoms after COVID-19. METHODS: The medical records of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 between March 1 and June 30, 2020, were reviewed for the presence of GI symptoms at primary care follow-up 1 to 6 months later. The prevalence of new GI symptoms was estimated, and risk factors were assessed. Additionally, an anonymous survey was used to determine the prevalence of new GI symptoms among online support groups for COVID-19 survivors. KEY RESULTS: Among 147 patients without pre-existing GI conditions, the most common GI symptoms at the time of hospitalization for COVID-19 were diarrhea (23%), nausea/vomiting (21%), and abdominal pain (6.1%), and at a median follow-up time of 106 days, the most common GI symptoms were abdominal pain (7.5%), constipation (6.8%), diarrhea (4.1%), and vomiting (4.1%), with 16% reporting at least one GI symptom at follow-up (95% confidence interval 11 to 23%). Among 285 respondents to an online survey for self-identified COVID-19 survivors without pre-existing GI symptoms, 113 (40%) reported new GI symptoms after COVID-19 (95% CI 33.9 to 45.6%). CONCLUSION AND INFERENCES: At a median of 106 days after discharge following hospitalization for COVID-19, 16% of unselected patients reported new GI symptoms at follow-up. 40% of patients from COVID survivor groups reported new GI symptoms. The ongoing GI effects of COVID-19 after recovery require further study.
Subject(s)
COVID-19/complications , Gastrointestinal Diseases/epidemiology , Gastrointestinal Diseases/etiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Aged, 80 and over , Female , Hospitalization , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Patient Discharge , Prevalence , Primary Health Care , Risk Factors , Surveys and Questionnaires , Survivors , Young AdultABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic seemingly is peaking now in New York City and has triggered significant changes to the standard management of gastrointestinal diseases. Priorities such as minimizing viral transmission, preserving personal protective equipment, and freeing hospital beds have driven unconventional approaches to managing gastroenterology (GI) patients. Conversion of endoscopy units to COVID units and redeployment of GI fellows and faculty has profoundly changed the profile of most GI services. Meanwhile, consult and procedural volumes have been reduced drastically. In this review, we share our collective experiences regarding how we have changed our practice of medicine in response to the COVID surge. Although we review our management of specific consults and conditions, the overarching theme focuses primarily on noninvasive measures and maximizing medical therapies. Endoscopic procedures have been reserved for those timely interventions that are most likely to be therapeutic. The role of multidisciplinary discussion, although always important, now has become critical. The support of our faculty and trainees remains essential. Local leadership can encourage well-being by frequent team check-ins and by fostering trainee development through remote learning. Advancing a clear vision and a transparent process for how to organize and triage care in the recovery phase will allow for a smooth transition to our new normal.