Prolonged impacts of COVID-19-associated cystitis: A study on long-term consequences

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus is an international health concern with substantial morbidity and mortality. COVID-associated cystitis (CAC), presents as new onset or exacerbated urinary symptoms, resembling overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms.

To examines the long-term outcomes of patients with CAC in the context of Long COVID.

A cohort of 350 patients admitted to Detroit Hospitals with COVID-19 between May and December 2020, displaying CAC symptoms following discharge, was prospectively followed. Initial urologic evaluations occurred at 10-14 wk and were repeated at 21-28 mo post-discharge. Symptoms were managed conservatively, employing behavioral modifications and standard OAB medications. Participants completed surveys assessing urinary symptoms and quality of life (QoL) at both time points. The primary outcome was the Urology Care Foundation Overactive Bladder Assessment Tool.

87% of the final cohort (n = 310) reported symptom improvement at 21-28 mo post-discharge. Patients with new onset CAC symptoms showed a median decrease of 9-10 points in OAB and QoL scores, while those with existing symptoms experienced a decrease of 6 points. Overall, 95.4% of patients with new onset symptoms reported symptom improvement at follow-up, contrasting with 60.7% among those with existing symptoms.

This study presents the first long-term follow-up of adult patients with CAC, revealing a promising prognosis with conservative management measures in the context of Long COVID. These findings provide reassurance to patients regarding symptom resolution and underscore the need for further research into this evolving aspect of COVID-19's impact on urological health.