Long term follow-up of patients admitted to ICU for acute respiratory failure from SARS-CoV-2 infection

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The clinical features and acute complications of patients with severe COVID-19 have long been described. However, little information is available about the quality of life and long-term persistent symptoms after discharge from ICU [1]. The purpose of this study is to describe the symptoms, the neurological, functional and psychological status 6 months after discharge from ICU. Methods: We performed an observational prospective monocentric study. We considered patients admitted to ICU for acute respiratory failure from SARS-CoV-2 infection from March 2020 to March 2021 and discharged alive. Patients underwent a telephone interview 6 months after discharge. We asked for residual symptoms. Neurological, psychological and functional status was assessed using validated questionnaires. Results: Of the 111 eligible patients, 6 (5.4%) died after discharge and 35 (31,5%) were lost to follow-up. Demographic characteristics of the population are presented in Table 1. At 6 months after discharge, 9 (12.8%) patients reported no symptoms. Dyspnoea was present in 45 (64.3%) patients, asthenia in 39 (55.7%). 32 patients (45.7%) reported memory deficit, 28 (40%) peripheral neuropathy, 17 (24.3%) artrhalgias and 6 (8.6%) dysphagia. Palpitations were present in 16 (22.8%) patients and 10 (14.3%) patients experienced insomnia or agitation. The PC-PTSD-5 was positive in 21 (30%) patients. Based on PCFS Scale, 13 (18.6%) patients reported no functional limitations, 14 (20%) negligible functional limitations, 24 (34.3%) slight functional limitations, 5 (7.1%) moderate functional limitations and 14 (20%) severe functional limitations. The GOS-E score was 6 [5-8] and it was inversely correlated with the number of hypoxia episodes (Spearman rho = - 0.25, CI 95% - 0.47 to - 0.01, p = 0.03). Conclusions: At 6 months after ICU discharge, only a few patients reported no symptoms or functional limitations. Dyspnoea, asthenia and neurological symptoms were the most frequently described. (Table Presented).