Fatigue and symptom-based clusters in post COVID-19 patients: a multicentre, prospective, observational cohort study

• DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04979-1
• Publication Date: 2024-02-21T12:03:23Z
• Authors: Merel E. B. Corne...; Lizan D. Bloemsma; Anouk W. Vaes; Nadia Baalbaki; Qichen Deng; Rosanne J. H. C. ...; Lieke C. E. Noij; Laura Houweling; Somayeh Bazdar; Martijn A. Spruit; Anke H. Maitland-...
• Keywords: Demographics; Chronic Fatigue

Abstract Background In the Netherlands, prevalence of post COVID-19 condition is estimated at 12.7% 90–150 days after SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study aimed to determine occurrence fatigue and other symptoms, assess how many patients meet Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) criteria, identify symptom-based clusters within P4O2 cohort compare these with in a ME/CFS cohort. Methods this multicentre, prospective, observational 95 aged 40–65 years were included. Data collection 3–6 months infection included demographics, medical history, questionnaires, examination. Follow-up assessments occurred 9–12 later, where same data collected. was determined Severity Scale (FSS), score ≥ 4 means moderate high fatigue. The frequency severity symptoms percentage that criteria assessed using DePaul Symptom Questionnaire-2 (DSQ-2). A self-organizing map used visualize clustering based on 79 symptoms. previous study, 337 Dutch clustered their symptom scores. scores applied examine whether or different found. Results According FSS, reported by 75.9% 57.1% later. Post-exertional malaise, sleep disturbances, pain, neurocognitive also frequently reported, according DSQ-2. Over half (52.7%) met Fukuda for ME/CFS, while fewer definitions. Clustering revealed specific patterns showed 11 have been observed cohort, 2 had > 10 patients. Conclusions shows persistent diverse symptomatology patients, up 12–18