![Covid-19: long-term effects in one in three patients](https://img.passeportsante.net/1000x526/2021-03-23/i100656-covid-19-effets-a-long-terme.jpeg)
In a study published this Monday, March 22, 2021, researchers are interested in the long-term effects in patients with Covid. After analyzing several studies carried out around the world, the researchers observed that one in three patients see their health permanently affected after being hospitalized for Covid-19.
One in three patients sees their health permanently affected after hospitalization for Covid-19
After hospitalization for Covid-19, at least one in three patients sees their health permanently affected. This is shown by a study published this Monday, March 22, 2021 in the journal Nature Medicine. Indeed, researchers have compiled a synthesis of various research works recently published on the subject. In addition to respiratory problems, it appears that exhaustion, shortness of breath, anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are among the most common symptoms seen in patients with Covid-long.
Various persistent symptoms observed around the world
To reach their conclusion, the researchers analyzed nine studies conducted in Europe, the United States and China. We learn that according to an Italian study, out of 143 patients with Covid-19, 90% of them presented at least one symptom (and more than half observed several symptoms) two months after leaving the hospital. hospital. The most frequently observed symptoms are severe fatigue (53.1%), shortness of breath (43.4%), pain in the joints (27.3%) or in the chest (21.7%). Other studies carried out in France, the United Kingdom and China have also shown 25% to 30% of patients report sleep disturbances several weeks after recovering from the acute phase of Covid.
Psychiatric problems
On the mental health side, an Italian study reports that out of 402 patients, 56% were diagnosed with at least one psychiatric problem (post-traumatic stress disorder for about 30% of them, depression, anxiety …) after their hospitalization. According to the lead author of the article, Kartik Sehgal, medical oncologist and professor at Harvard School of Medicine (Boston), “ it is very important not to forget the mental health effects of the long Covid when dealing with the physical symptoms, because it can easily be missed “.
A long-term burden on physical, cognitive and mental health
For the researchers, all the data demonstrate an underestimated public health emergency. ” With the millions of people infected with Sars-CoV-2 around the world, the long-term burden on physical, cognitive and mental health remains before us. We are probably only detecting the tip of the iceberg ”, Explained the article’s lead author, Kartik Sehgal. This is why researchers are calling on the authorities to think about ways to better manage persistent symptoms.