Two-Years after Hospital Discharge, How is COVID-19 Patients’ Health Perceived?

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe COVID-19 hospitalized patients’ health 24 months after discharge. Patients and methods: Patients from a French prospective cohort who were hospitalized for COVID-19 were clinically assessed at 12 (M12) and 24 months (M24) post-discharge. Multiple scores were used: the modified Medical Research Council score (mMRC), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and the Short Form 12 (SF12). We compared scores at M12 versus M24 and SF12 scores at M24 versus population norms. Results: Ninety patients completed both M12 and M24 follow-ups. About 30% presented dyspnea at M24 versus 47% at M12. No difference was found between mMRC, FSS and SF12 scores between M12 and M24. The total number of symptoms experienced at M24 was significantly lower than at M12. Conclusions: Even after 24 months after SARS-CoV2 infection onset, patients still experience physical symptoms (i.e. dyspnea, fatigue), and an altered quality of life compared to the general population.