Pneumology - Original Articles
24 June 2025
Early Access
The impact of post-COVID syndrome across a multitude of health domains: a comparative analysis in previously hospitalized versus non-hospitalized COVID-19 survivors
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All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
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This study aimed to evaluate the impact of post-COVID syndrome across a multitude of health domains among COVID-19 survivors via comparative analysis in previously hospitalized vs. non-hospitalized patients. A total of 158 adult COVID survivors who had symptoms that continued during post-COVID recovery were included in this prospective observational study. Data on handgrip strength, the 1-minute sit-to-stand test (1-MSTST), radiological scoring (CXR), Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea, Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), International Physical Activity Questionnaire, Post-COVID-19 Functional Status, Hospital Anxiety-Depression Scale, and Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) health-related quality of life (SF-36 HRQoL) were recorded. Post-COVID 1st-month data revealed dyspnea (MRC scale ≥2 in 57.0% of patients) and fatigue (FAS scores ≥22 in 55.7%), a decrease in handgrip strength (60.0%) and physical activity (60.0%), poor HRQoL (SF-36 general health score ≤50 in 61.4%), and radiological disease progression (CXR score ≥3 in 56.8%) in at least half of patients, along with depression (34.8%) or anxiety (43.7%). Post-COVID 6th-month values for fat-free mass index (p=0.008, respectively), 1-MSTST recovery time (p=0.012), and 3rd-month CXR scores (p=0.024) were significantly higher, and 3rd-month SF-36 social functioning domain scores (p=0.026) were significantly lower in previously hospitalized vs. non-admitted patients. In conclusion, our findings indicate a diverse range of impairments in several health domains in COVID-19 survivors, while radiological disease progression and functional limitations were more remarkable in those with previous hospitalization. A comprehensive assessment of health status and persisting rehabilitation needs is necessary in COVID-19 survivors, regardless of disease severity.
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How to Cite
“The Impact of Post-COVID Syndrome across a Multitude of Health Domains: A Comparative Analysis in Previously Hospitalized Versus Non-Hospitalized COVID-19 Survivors”. 2025. Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease, June. https://doi.org/10.4081/monaldi.2025.3416.
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