Post-COVID Complications: A Multifactorial Challenge

Post-COVID complications can impact various organs and manifest in symptoms like dyspnea, fatigue, and mental health issues. According to ICMR and Minister Prataprao Jadhav in Rajya Sabha, data from 31 hospitals show a notable reduction in these symptoms over time. Vaccination reduces the incidence of post-COVID complications.

Post-COVID complications are affecting multiple organs including pulmonary, cardiovascular, haematological, neuropsychiatric, dermatological, renal, gastrointestinal, or endocrinal systems, according to the ICMR. Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav made this disclosure in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday.

Citing data from the National Clinical Registry for COVID-19, collected from 31 hospitals across India, Jadhav revealed that dyspnea, fatigue, and mental health issues are the predominant symptoms at follow-ups. Dyspnea, fatigue, and mental health issues were initially reported among 18.6%, 10.5%, and 9.3% of participants, respectively. These figures dropped to 11.9%, 6.6%, and 9% after one year.

A meta-analysis of 194 studies worldwide showed fatigue as the most common symptom among hospitalised, non-hospitalised, and mixed populations. Factors contributing to these complications include immune system dysregulation, autoimmunity, and persistent CNS infection. Vaccination against COVID-19 has been linked to reduced incidence and severity of post-COVID complications.

(With inputs from agencies.)