Nearly three-quarters of patients who were in the ICU with Covid-19 still experience physical symptoms a year later, and many continue to experience mental and cognitive symptoms, according to a recent study published in JAMA.

Recovery clinics for Covid-19 long-haulers

The long-term Covid-19 symptoms ICU patients are experiencing

For the study, researchers in the Netherlands analyzed 246 patients ages 16 and older who were admitted to an ICU with Covid-19 between March 1, 2020, and July 1, 2020. The patients were followed for one year, with a final follow-up date of June 16, 2021.

A year after being released from the ICU, 74.3% of participants reported still having at least one physical symptom, 26.2% reported having at least one mental symptom, and 16.2% said they had cognitive symptoms. Among the participants, 30.6% said they had symptoms in at least two of the three domains while 10.5% said they had symptoms in all three.

In addition, 57.8% of participants who had been employed before their ICU admission reported work-related problems, such as working fewer hours than they did before, leaving their job, or remaining on sick leave.

Of the physical symptoms reported, the most common was a weakened condition, followed by joint stiffness, joint pain, and muscle weakness.

According to Marieke Zegers, senior author on the study, the results show "what an incredible impact an ICU admission has on the lives of former Covid-19 patients. Even after one year, half of them [are] tired or experience lack of the energy to fully resume their work."

The researchers said the study confirms the necessity of following up with ICU Covid-19 patients. "Insight into the long-term outcomes among patients with Covid-19 who receive ICU treatment is important for providing adequate care and aftercare tailored to the clinical needs of these patients," the researchers wrote. (Van Beusekom, CIDRAP News, 1/25; Masson, Becker's Hospital Review, 1/27)