Covid-19 sequelae in working age patients: A systematic review

Area of Science:

• Medical Research
• Public Health
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Post-Covid-19 syndrome presents long-term, multiorgan sequelae impacting patients' lives.
• Systematization of post-Covid-19 syndrome evidence is lacking, particularly concerning working populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review current evidence on post-Covid-19 syndrome in workers.
• To identify common symptoms, sequelae, and risk factors associated with post-Covid-19 syndrome.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of medical literature (MEDLINE/PubMed) and clinical trial registries.
• Inclusion of 13 relevant studies from an initial 31 publications, focusing on working-age subjects.
• Analysis of reported symptoms, organic sequelae, and risk factors.

Main Results:

• Post-Covid-19 syndrome affects a wide range of patients (16%-87%).
• Commonly reported issues include pneumological and neuropsychological symptoms, with pulmonary fibrosis being a frequent organic sequel.
• Higher symptom count during acute infection, disease severity, and elevated d-dimer levels correlate with increased risk.

Conclusions:

• Post-Covid-19 syndrome significantly impacts the health and working capacity of survivors.
• Multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs and follow-up are recommended for affected working-age patients.