Clinical aspects, persistent symptoms, physical functionality, and quality of life 24 months after COVID-19

Introduction Patients affected by SARS-CoV-2 may experience sequelae and symptoms such as fatigue, abnormalities in lung function and decreased quality of life scores. Objective To evaluate the clinical, functional aspects, and quality of life post-COVID-19 recovery. Methods This study comprised 43 patients from São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil. Were collected manovacuometry, Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), Post-COVID-19 Functional Scale (PCFS), EuroQol-5D Quality of Life Questionnaire (EQ-5D-5L), and anthropometry. Results Predominated females, age of 55±12.3 years; 93.0% reported tiredness and fatigue. Women exhibited a higher percentage of normal maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) (60.5%) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), moderate (36.8%). Moderate functional limitation was reported by 51.2%, and 48% experienced fatigue. The EQ-5D-5L averaged 60, with 46.5% at high cardiovascular risk based on waist-hip ratio, 16.3% identified as sarcopenic. Unsupervised machine learning correlated higher MIP and MEP with lower fatigue and sarcopenia. The main components in the multivariate analysis were: waist, hip, calf circumference and MIP. Conclusion Anthropometry negatively impact functionality and quality of life. Symptoms as fatigue, joint pain, and dyspnea, persisted approximately 24 months post-COVID-19.