The Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 on Disability after Post-Acute Rehabilitation: A Pilot Study

• Published in: Journal of clinical medicine 2024-08, Vol.13 (16), p.4694
• Main Authors: Potcovaru, Claudia-Gabriela, Salmen, Teodor, Potcovaru, Ana Mădălina, Săndulescu, Ioana-Miruna, Chiriac, Ovidiu, Balasa, Ana-Cristinel, Diaconu, Laura Sorina, Poenaru, Daniela, Pantea Stoian, Anca, Cinteza, Delia, Berteanu, Mihai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: COVID-19; Disability; Pathology; Patients; Post traumatic stress disorder; Questionnaires; Rehabilitation; Respiratory failure; Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; Steroids
• ISSN: 2077-0383; 2077-0383
• DOI: 10.3390/jcm13164694

The long-term effect of the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is not fully known. Severe cases of COVID-19 have resulted in disability that can be assessed in a biopsychosocial manner with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health with the World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) questionnaire. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects on disability of COVID-19 three years after post-acute rehabilitation using WHODAS 2.0. : This single-center cohort study included patients with severe COVID-19 who underwent immediate post-discharge post-acute rehabilitation intervention. Three years later, patients were assessed via telephone using the WHODAS 2.0 questionnaire. Of the 69 patients identified in the hospital database, 27 responded. A total of 16 patients refused to respond due to emotional distress. The mean age was 63.4 ± 8.6 years, 81.5% were independent in the community, 55.3% had been previously admitted to the ICU, and the median rehabilitation hospitalization duration was 18 (11.5,24) days. Comorbidities included type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) (55.5%), grade 2 high blood pressure (62.9%), pressure ulcers (37%), peripheral neurologic deficits (62.9%), and central neurological deficits (14.8%). ICU admission was significantly correlated with advanced rehabilitation needs (measured by the level of the rehabilitation ( < 0.01) and longer hospitalizations (measured by total days in the hospital ( < 0.001). The overall disability score was 35.09%, significantly influenced by DM and central neurological deficits. Central neurological deficits and DM are associated with higher disability scores. Tailored rehabilitation programs, ongoing medical assessment, integrated care models, and patient education are essential for improving long-term outcomes after COVID-19 disease.