Long-term outcomes of COVID-19 survivors and an exploratory analysis of factors associated with sequela-free survival of patients treated at Leishenshan Hospital in Wuhan, China

Purpose

While coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a global pandemic, millions of patients with COVID-19 have recovered and returned to their families and work, although the key factors of sequela-free survival remain unknown. Here we determine key factors associated with sequela-free survival of patients with COVID-19.

Methods

Sequela-free survival is defined as having none of the long-term sequelae measured with the Activity of Daily Living (ADL) Scale, modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnoea Scale, New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS), Carcinologic Handicap Index (CHI) and Modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status (TICS-M). Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the key factors of sequela-free survival.

Results

The follow-up period for the 464 patients was 10 August to 30 September 2020. Of these, 424 patients completed the assessment of all scales. 30.2% (128 of 424) were categorised as sequela-free at follow-up. The most common sequelae were psychosocial problems (254 [57.7%]), respiratory function abnormality (149 [32.6%]) and cardiac function abnormality (98 [21.5%]). Risk factors associated with COVID-19 sequelae were anaemia on admission, longer duration from the onset of symptoms to admission and increasing of age, whereas anaemia treatment was a protective factor against sequelae. A haemoglobin level of < 113 g/L for female patients or < 92 g/L for male patients at admission discriminated a likely higher risk of any COVID-19 sequelae.

Conclusions

Only one third COVID-19 survivors were sequela-free. Anaemia on admission, longer duration from the onset of symptoms to admission and increasing of age were the risk factors of any long-term sequela. Anaemia treatment was associated with beneficial outcomes in COVID-19 survivors.