What risk factors appear associated with getting long-COVID?

The World Health Organization defines post-COVID-19 condition (also known as post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, persistent post-COVID-19 syndrome, long COVID-19) as having symptoms usually three months from the onset of COVID-19 and lasting for at least two months. Although a variety of symptoms have been described, typical symptoms include dyspnea, fatigue, autonomic dysfunction, headache and persistent loss of smell and/or taste. Identifying potential risk factors for the development of post-COVID-19 condition is important as it could enhance early recognition and allow for more timely clinical support. To investigate this issue, researchers conducted a meta-analysis to determine which demographic characteristics and comorbidities are associated with an increased risk of developing post-COVID-19 condition. The meta-analysis included a total of 860,783 adults from published studies that investigated the risk factors and/or predictors of post-COVID-19 condition in adults. Results showed the following: Female sex (OR, 1.56; 95%CI, 1.41–1.73), age ≥ 40 years (OR, 1.21; 95%CI, 1.11–1.33), high body mass index (≥ 30) (OR, 1.15; 95%CI, 1.08–1.23), and smoking (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.07–1.13) were associated with an increased risk of developing post-COVID-19 condition. Comorbidities, including anxiety and/or depression, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, immunosuppression and ischemic heart disease, were associated with high risk of post-COVID-19 condition (OR, 2.48; 95%CI, 1.97–3.13). Chronic kidney disease was not a significant risk factor. Previous hospitalization or ICU admission was associated with high risk of post-COVID-19 condition (OR, 2.37; 95%CI, 2.18–2.56). Patients who had been vaccinated against COVID-19 with two doses had a significantly lower risk of developing post-COVID-19 condition compared with patients who were not vaccinated (OR, 0.57; 95%CI, 0.43–0.76). This meta-analysis confirms that certain demographic characteristics (female sex, older age, higher BMI and smoking), some comorbidities and severe COVID-19 requiring hospitalization or ICU care during the acute phase of COVID-19 are associated with an increased risk of developing post-COVID-19 condition. However, COVID-19 vaccination with two doses has a protective role against developing post-COVID-19 condition. The authors believe their findings will help provide physicians with a better understanding of which patients may develop post-COVID-19 condition. The study results also provide additional evidence for the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination. Reference 1. Tsampasian V, Elghazaly H, Chattopadhyay R, et al. Risk factors associated with post−COVID-19 condition. A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med 2023. Published online March 23, 2023. (accessed March 23, 2023).

What risk factors appear associated with getting long-COVID?

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