Rheumatic symptoms following COVID-19: a chronic post COVID-19 condition

ABSTRACT

Background Detailed characteristics of rheumatic symptoms of COVID-19 were still unknown. We aim to investigate the proportions, characteristics, and risk factors of this condition. Methods In this prospective, longitudinal cohort study, discharged patients with COVID-19 were face-to-face interviewed at 12 months after symptom onset. Rheumatic symptoms following COVID-19 included newly occurring joint pain, and (/or) joint swelling after COVID-19. The risk factors of developing rheumatic symptoms were identified by multivariable logistic regressions. Results In total, 1296 of 2469 discharged patients with COVID-19 were enrolled in this study. Among them, 160 (12.3% [95% CI 10.6, 14.3]) suffered from rheumatic symptoms following COVID-19 at 12-month follow-up. The most frequently involved joints were the knee joints (38%), followed by hand (25%) and shoulder (19%). Rheumatic symptoms were independent of the severity of illness and corticosteroid treatment during acute phase, while elderly (OR 1.22, 95%CI 1.06, 1.40) and women (OR 1.58, 95%CI 1.12, 2.23) were identified as the risk factors for this condition. Conclusions Our investigation showed a considerable proportion of rheumatic symptoms following COVID-19 in discharged patients, which highlights the need for continuing attention. Notably, rheumatic symptoms following COVID-19 were independent of the severity of illness and corticosteroid treatment during acute phase.