Lingering effects of COVID-19 in the care of perioperative patients

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, can result in prolonged organ dysfunction.
• Post-COVID-19 syndrome, with symptoms lasting over 12 weeks, presents ongoing challenges.
• Lingering effects of SARS-CoV-2 impact neurologic, pulmonary, cardiovascular, renal, hematologic, and musculoskeletal systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a systems-based approach to subacute and chronic COVID-19 effects relevant to anesthesiology.
• To guide anesthesiologists in managing patients with a history of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• To highlight the implications of post-COVID-19 sequelae on perioperative care.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on the organ system effects of SARS-CoV-2.
• Analysis of post-COVID-19 syndrome and its impact on perioperative outcomes.
• Synthesis of information for an organ system-based approach in anesthesiology.

Main Results:

• COVID-19 continues to be a concern for anesthesiologists due to new infections and evolving strains.
• Post-COVID-19 syndrome affects multiple organ systems, potentially increasing perioperative mortality.
• Literature indicates a broad range of lingering effects across major organ systems.

Conclusions:

• Recognizing long-term SARS-CoV-2 sequelae is crucial for anesthesiologists.
• An organ system-based approach aids in evaluating perioperative risk for COVID-19 survivors.
• Optimizing patient care requires anticipating clinical challenges posed by post-COVID-19 conditions.