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Evolutionary Predictors of Post-COVID Syndrome
Maria Luisa Asensio Tomás1,2, Philip Erick Wikman-Jorgensen2,3, Jose Antonio Quesada-Rico4
1Internal Medicine Department, San Juan de Alicante University Clinical Hospital, 03550 San Juan de Alicante, Spain.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) often persists for 20 months, impacting function. Key predictors include lack of rhinitis during acute infection and severe anxiety, depression, and functional impairment at PCS onset.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Post-COVID Syndrome (PCS) presents a significant challenge, with persistent symptoms affecting patient function.
- Understanding the evolutionary predictors of PCS is crucial for effective management and intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify evolutionary predictors associated with the persistence of Post-COVID Syndrome.
- To analyze symptom clusters and their relationship with PCS persistence.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study involving 112 patients from April 2021 to December 2023.
- PCS persistence defined by the post-COVID-19 Functional Status (PCFS) scale (≥2).
- Multivariable analysis assessed associations between PCS persistence, symptoms, and symptom clusters during acute infection and baseline visits.
Main Results:
- A 33.9% PCS persistence rate was observed at a mean of 12.1 months, with a cumulative persistence time of 20 months.
- Absence of rhinitis during acute infection (OR 3.67) and baseline fatigue (OR 4.88) and depression (OR 4.28-10.31) were significant predictors.
- The symptom cluster of anxiety + depression + severe PCFS was strongly associated with PCS persistence (OR 3.26).
Conclusions:
- A significant proportion of patients experience long-term functional impairment due to PCS.
- Early identification of risk factors like absence of rhinitis, fatigue, anxiety, and depression is vital.
- Targeted interventions for these predictors may improve outcomes for patients with Post-COVID Syndrome.
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