Who is at higher risk to develop Post-COVID-19 Syndrome?

COVID-19 is a multisystemic disease that varies from asymptomatic, mild, severe to fatal disease. The presence of variation suggests distinct clinical phenotypes that may be associated with progression to severity and to Post-COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS). Despite that the majority of COVID-19 patients convalesce at home (outpatients), most of the research regarding clinical phenotypes of COVID-19 involves hospitalized individuals. Our aim was to uncover and characterise clinical phenotypes of mild COVID-19 in non-hospitalised individuals and the risk to develop PCS up to 2 years post-infection. For this purpose, we have prospectively followed participants enrolled in the COVID HOME study, an ongoing prospective cohort of outpatient SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals and their household members in northern Netherlands. We performed systematic monitoring of clinical, and hematologic, biochemical and immunological parameters throughout their 21-day acute disease and then followed individuals at 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months post-infection to determine the presence of long-term sequelae or PCS. Home-convalescing individuals with mild acute COVID-19 can be classified into three phenotypes, differing in disease severity and in the likelihood to develop Long-COVID. Their different characteristics can be used by practitioners and health personnel to better manage these patients and to early identify those with a higher risk of developing PCS for timely treatment.

Speaker

ISA Visiting Fellow - Adriana Tami

University of Groningen, The Nethelrands

Visit Prof. Tami's web page

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