Persistent COVID-19 syndrome. A narrative review

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Persistent COVID-19 syndrome, also known as long COVID, is a growing concern following the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
• Symptoms can emerge weeks or months after initial infection, even in mild or asymptomatic cases.
• The condition presents with heterogeneous, multisystemic manifestations requiring comprehensive medical attention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical manifestations of persistent COVID-19 syndrome.
• To outline management and follow-up strategies for patients experiencing long COVID.
• To consolidate current medical literature on this evolving condition.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of persistent COVID-19 syndrome.
• Analysis of clinical presentations and symptomology.
• Synthesis of multidisciplinary management approaches.

Main Results:

• Persistent COVID-19 syndrome exhibits diverse symptoms affecting multiple organ systems.
• Onset is not correlated with initial infection severity, impacting a wide range of patients.
• Middle-aged women are disproportionately affected, with significant impacts on quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Multidisciplinary management is essential for addressing the complex nature of persistent COVID-19 syndrome.
• Effective follow-up strategies are crucial for improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
• Further research is needed to fully understand and treat long COVID sequelae.