ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate post-COVID-19 fatigue, change in functional capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) eight months after discharge from hospital due to COVID-19. METHODS: A total of 83 patients (35 women) admitted to the Copenhagen University Hospital - North Zealand Hospital, Denmark, for COVID-19 during the period from March to June 2020 were evaluated eight months after discharge using validated questionnaires quantifying fatigue, HRQoL and post-COVID-19 functional status. Follow-up data were correlated with measures of pre-COVID-19 status (anthropometrics, comorbidities) and measures of severity of the acute infection. RESULTS: A total of 22 (65%) women and 12 (26%) men reported excessive fatigue. In all, 20 women (67%) and 17 men (37%) reported decreased physical function. Female sex was associated with fatigue. Loss of physical function was associated with pre-COVID-19 presence of heart disease and absence of lung disease. Severity of the acute COVID-19 infection was not associated with fatigue or change in functional status. Fatigue and functional status were correlated with both generic HRQoL and lung disease-specific HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: Female sex was associated with a higher risk of fatigue eight months after hospitalisation with COVID-19 infection. Regarding loss of functional capacity after COVID-19, we found an apparently protective effect of pre-COVID-19 lung disease. Our findings underscore the urgent need for further research and the importance of evaluating those recovering from COVID-19 for symptoms of excessive fatigue and change in functional capacity irrespective of the severity of the initial infection. FUNDING: none. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an ongoing pandemic associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Limited data are available describing the clinical presentation and outcomes of hospitalised COVID-19 patients in Europe. METHODS:This was a single-centre retrospective chart review of all patients with COVID-19 admitted to the North Zealand Hospital in Denmark between 1 March and 4 May 2020. Main outcomes include major therapeutic interventions during hospitalisation, such as invasive mechanical ventilation, as well as death. RESULTS: A total of 115 patients were included, including four infants. The median age of adults was 68 years and 40% were female. At admission, 55 (50%) patients had a fever, 29 (26%) had a respiratory rate exceeding 24 breaths/minute, and 78 (70%) received supplemental oxygen. The prevalence of co-infection was 13%. Twenty patients (18%) (median age: 64 years;15% female) were treated in the intensive care unit. Twelve (10.4%) received invasive mechanical ventilation and three (2.6%) renal replacement therapy. Nine patients (8%) developed pulmonary embolism. Sixteen patients (14%) died. Among patients requiring mechanical ventilation (n=12), seven (6.1%) were discharged alive, four (3.4%) died and one (0.9%) was still hospitalised. CONCLUSION: In this cohort of hospitalised COVID-19 patients, mortality was lower than in other Danish and European case series.