Long-term outcomes of COVID-19 convalescents: An 18.5-month longitudinal study in Wuhan
Yi Guo, Hao Wang, Mingzhong Xiao, Xin Guan, Yanshou Lei, Tingyue Diao, Pinpin Long, Rui Zeng, Xuefeng Lai, Hao Cai, Yutong You, Yuying Wen, Wenhui Li, Xi Wang, Yufei Wang, Qinlin Chen, Yuchan Yang, Yutong Qiu, Jishuai Chen, Huidan Zeng, Wei Ni, Youyun Zhao, Kani Ouyang, Jingzhi Wang, Qi Wang, Li Liu, Lulu Song, Youjie Wang, Huan Guo, Xiaodong Li, Tangchun Wu, Yuan Yu
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the full scope of long-term outcomes and the ongoing pathophysiological alterations among COVID-19 survivors. METHODS: We established a longitudinal cohort of 208 COVID-19 convalescents and followed them at 3.3 (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.3, 4.4, visit 1), 9.2 (IQR: 9.0, 9.6, visit 2), and 18.5 (IQR: 18.2, 19.1, visit 3) months after infection, respectively. Serial changes in multiple physical and psychological outcomes were comprehensively characterized. We, in addition, explored the potential risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 antibody response and sequelae symptoms. RESULTS: We observed continuous improvement of sequelae symptoms, lung function, chest computed tomography (CT), 6-minute walk test, and the Borg dyspnea scale, whereas sequelae symptoms (at least one) and abnormal chest CT patterns still existed in 45.2% and about 30% of participants at 18.5 months, respectively. Anxiety and depression disorders were alleviated for the convalescents, although depression status was sustained for a longer duration. CONCLUSIONS: Most COVID-19 convalescents had an overall improved physical and psychological health status, whereas sequelae symptoms, residual lesions on lung function, exercise impairment, and mental health disorders were still observed in a small proportion of participants at 18.5 months after infection. Implementing appropriate preventive and management strategies for the ever-growing COVID-19 population is warranted.