Prevalence and determinants of persistent symptoms after infection with SARS-CoV-2: Protocol for an observational cohort study (LongCOVID-study) (preprint)

ABSTRACT

Background: A substantial proportion of individuals infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) report persisting symptoms weeks and months following acute infection. Estimates on prevalence vary due to differences in study designs, populations, heterogeneity of symptoms and the way symptoms are measured. Common symptoms include fatigue, cognitive impairment and dyspnea. However, knowledge regarding the nature and risk factors for developing persisting symptoms is still limited. Hence in this study we aim to determine the prevalence, severity, risk factors and impact on quality of life of persisting symptoms in the first year following acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: The LongCOVID-study is both a prospective and retrospective cohort study with a one year follow up. Participants aged 5 years and above with self-reported positive or negative tests for SARS-CoV-2 will be included in the study. The primary outcome is the prevalence and severity of persistent symptoms in participants that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 compared to controls. Symptom severity will be assessed for fatigue using the Checklist Individual Strength (CIS subscale fatigue severity), pain (Rand-36/SF-36 subscale bodily pain), dyspnea (Medical Research Council (mMRC)) and cognitive impairment using the Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (CFQ). Secondary outcomes include loss of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and risk factors for persisting symptoms following infection with SARS-CoV-2. Discussion: A better understanding regarding the nature of persisting symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection will enable better diagnosis, management and will consequently minimize negative consequences on quality of life. Keywords SARS-CoV-2, post COVID-19 condition, LongCovid, prevalence, HRQoL, risk factors