Twin Studies Reveal Lingering Neurological and Respiratory Disorders Up to Three Years After Covid-19
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Synopsis
Two studies reveal that neurological and respiratory disorders continue to affect Covid-19 patients for up to three years post-infection. Hospitalized individuals face higher mortality rates and persistent health issues, underscoring the long-term impact of the virus.
Key Takeaways
- Covid-19 leads to long-term health complications.
- Higher mortality rates observed among hospitalized patients.
- Neurological and respiratory issues persist for up to 30 months.
- Vaccination improves outcomes for long Covid patients.
- Research highlights the extensive impact of Covid-19.
New Delhi, Feb 28 (NationPress) Although the Covid-19 pandemic has concluded, its repercussions continue to afflict a significant number of individuals who contracted the virus. Two independent studies have demonstrated that various neurological and respiratory disorders, along with other health issues, persist in those who were hospitalized due to the illness.
In the initial study, a group of researchers from France analyzed data from nearly 64,000 French residents tracked for up to 30 months. Their results, published in the journal Infectious Diseases, indicated that patients hospitalized for Covid experienced a substantially elevated rate of mortality from all causes—5,218 per 100,000 individuals.
Over the 30-month observation period, these individuals were more prone to hospitalization for various reasons, displaying heightened vulnerability to neurological, psychiatric, cardiovascular, and respiratory issues.
While there was no significant difference in hospitalization risk between men and women, women were admitted more frequently due to psychiatric conditions. Individuals over the age of 70 were also notably at higher risk of hospitalization due to organ-specific issues.
Importantly, the risk of neurological and respiratory disorders, chronic kidney failure, and diabetes remained elevated for up to 30 months.
“Even 30 months following hospitalization, Covid-19 patients continued to face an increased risk of mortality or severe health complications, highlighting the long-term, extensive ramifications of the disease on individuals' lives,” stated Dr. Charles Burdet, an Infectious Diseases specialist at Universite Paris Cite.
“These findings serve as a sobering reminder of the extensive impact of Covid, which extends well beyond the initial infection,” added the lead author, Dr. Sarah Tubiana, an expert in infectious diseases at the Clinical Investigation Center at Bichat Hospital in Paris.
The second study, conducted by US researchers from Rush, Yale, and Washington universities, monitored 3,663 participants for three years.
Their findings, published in The Lancet Regional Health, revealed that long Covid patients experienced diminished physical and mental health outcomes up to three years post-infection.
While most individuals with long Covid did not recover, vaccination was linked to improved outcomes, according to the researchers.
