Nagpur: Patient, which is declared recovered with the negative status of RPCR, sometimes has symptoms for a longer period of time.
Such patients have been labeled ‘Long Covid’ by the World Health Organization (WHO).
First of the type of study of ‘Long Covid’ by the Department of Medical Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Nagpur, during the first wave Covid has produced several interesting observations.
This study found more than 75% of patients who needed an ICU during Covid treatment continued to experience fatigue up to 90 days after the ‘official’ recovery; 70% experienced shortness of breath (Dyspnea), 62% continued to suffer from muscle pain (Mialgia) and more than 55% suffered loss of taste and odor for months of post-covid.
For this study, which evaluated post-covid manifestations, 200 patients, was dismissed from the ICU at GMCH between July 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020, followed up for 3 months of post-debit.
Associate Professor Dr.
Dipti Chand the third year of the resident of Resident Dr.
Preeti Namjoshi and Lecturer Dr.
Ashish Nimsarkar who conducted this research.
“When the physical follow-up of patients in OPD is difficult because of travel restrictions, we decided to follow up on the phone.
Only a few patients who are specifically asked to come to the hospital for repeated scanning,” said Dr.
Chand.
Participants include patients between 15 and 80 years with co-morbidity such as diabetes, hypertension and bronchial asthma.
This study found that fatigue (increased fatigue in routine activities), shortness of breath and changed odor sensations remained 2 months in more than 70% of patients.
The changed sensation of the flavor is persistent at 55% of patients.
Other general symptoms that survive are joint pain (36.5%) and muscle cramps, especially in the feet (62%).
Sore throat, coughing and appetite were seen at 22.5% and 28.5% of their respective patients.
Strong co-relations are seen between ‘long covid’ and co-morbid diseases (hypertension and diabetes) increase the duration of symptomatic persistence.
The duration of staying in the hospital is proportionally with a long ‘covid long’.
Nearly 40% of patients have received high flow oxygen (> 15 liters, NIV AN HFNO) at the time of entry and 4% of them depend on home-based oxygen therapy for routine functional activity recovery.
A follow-up study of the same subject carried out in Italy and China also has similar findings.
Studies conducted by Apollo Hospitals have revealed that post-covid complications manifestations in a number of patients are four times higher in the second wave compared to the first wave.
GMCH Studies also provide important messages for policy makers.
“The burden of treating covid victims is likely.
Therefore, it is important for policy makers to develop a comprehensive strategy in providing resources and capacity in the health care system,” Study said.
Long Covid Wave 200 | It takes from Covid ICU in GMCH in wave 1 followed up for 3 months 75.5% | Reporting fatigue for months after 70% recovery | Dispnea 55.5% | Anosmia 62% | Mialgia 2.5% | Fully free of any symptoms 32.5% | 1 or 2 symptoms 55% | Symptoms 3 to 6 | 7 or more even after recovery * Symptoms such as joint pain, muscle pain, skin rash, sleep disorders are not experienced during but post covid in patients