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Author Spotlight: Advancements in Multiplex Detection of Respiratory Viruses
Published on: November 10, 2023
Clinical features and outcomes of discharged coronavirus disease 2019 patients: a prospective cohort study
1From the Division of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery of Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, China.
Insights
Most discharged COVID-19 patients recover well, with few requiring readmission for recurrence. Follow-up care, including self-quarantine and re-examination, is crucial, especially for those with recurring symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited data exists on the post-discharge clinical outcomes of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.
- Understanding the recovery trajectory and potential risks after hospital discharge is critical for managing the global pandemic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical outcomes of COVID-19 patients after discharge.
- To analyze the distribution of quarantine locations for recovered patients.
- To assess the infection status of close contacts of discharged COVID-19 patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study was conducted with 131 discharged COVID-19 patients in Wuhan, China.
- Data on demographics, baseline characteristics, and post-hospitalization outcomes were collected through weekly follow-ups for four weeks.
- Clinical outcomes, quarantine locations, and close contact history were retrospectively and prospectively analyzed.
Main Results:
- Most discharged patients showed symptom improvement within four weeks, though 8.4% experienced recurrent fever.
- A small percentage (1.53%) showed deterioration on chest CT, and 6.10% tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 upon retesting.
- While no infections were observed among close contacts, 2.29% of patients required readmission due to fever or positive retests.
Conclusions:
- The majority of COVID-19 patients demonstrate recovery post-discharge.
- Readmission is uncommon and typically linked to suspected recurrence.
- Self-quarantine and regular follow-up are recommended, particularly for patients with recurring symptoms, to prevent potential transmission.
Background:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a global pandemic but the follow-up data of discharged patients was barely described.
Aim:
To investigate clinical outcomes, distribution of quarantine locations and the infection status of the contacts of COVID-19 patients after discharge.
Design:
A prospective cohort study.
Methods:
Demographics, baseline characteristics of 131 COVID-19 patients discharged from 3 February 2020 to 21 February 2020 in Wuhan, China were collected and analyzed by reviewing the medical records retrospectively. Post-hospitalization data related to clinical outcomes, quarantine locations and close contact history were obtained by following up the patients every week up to 4 weeks.
Results:
Fifty-three (40.05%) patients on discharge had cough (29.01%), fatigue (7.63%), expectoration (6.11%), chest tightness (6.11%), dyspnea (3.82%), chest pain (3.05%) and palpitation (1.53%). These symptoms constantly declined in 4 weeks post-discharge. Transient fever recurred in 11 (8.4%) patients. Among the discharged patients, 78 (59.5%) underwent chest CT and 2 (1.53%) showed deterioration. A total of 94 (71.8%) patients received SARS-CoV-2 retest and 8 (6.10%) reported positive. Seven (2.29%) patients were readmitted because of fever or positive SARS-CoV-2 retest. After discharge, 121 (92.37%) and 4 (3.05%) patients were self-quarantined at home or community spots, respectively, after a close contact with 167 persons in total who were free of COVID-19 at the endpoint of study.
Conclusion:
The majority of COVID-19 patients after discharge were in the course of recovery. Readmission was required in rare cases due to suspected recurrence of COVID-19. Although no contacted infection observed, appropriate self-quarantine and regular re-examination are necessary, particularly for those who have recurred symptoms.
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