The Long-Term Effects of Covid-19

Abstract

COVID-19 pandemic has caused great concern for the high mortality worldwide. Moreover, approximately 75% of individuals who recover from COVID-19 do not regain their normal health. They have had various complaints, especially shortness of breath with exertion. The aim of the study is to evaluate the long-term effects of COVID-19 in patients recovering from COVID-19 and to review the relevant literature.

This study included 51 recovered patients with COVID-19. There were 25 male and 26 female patients ranging in age from 22 to 85 years, with a mean age of 57.98±12.38 years. The main complaints were fatigue, swelling in the legs, cough and forgetfulness, especially shortness of breath on exertion. In the radiological examination, ground glass appearance was detected in five cases, pneumothorax and diffuse subcutaneous emphysema in one case, reticular appearance in 10 cases, and linear appearance in 23 cases. Venous Doppler ultrasonographic examination revealed venous insufficiency in 23 cases and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) in three cases.

The virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) can damage the pulmonary vasculature as well as the lung parenchyma.Serious complications such as bronchiectasis and fibrosis may develop after COVID-19. Individuals recovering from Covid-19 may have a tendency to diseases such as venous insufficiency and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) as a result of weakening of calf muscles and reduced effectiveness of the calf muscle pump. Thus, individuals recovering from COVID-19 should be examined intermittently. In addition, radiological lesions that persist after COVID-19 should be fully reported to avoid unnecessary invasive procedures such as bronchoscopy or thoracotomy in the future.