Status: 05.01.2022 11:49 a.m.
A study by the University Medical Center Eppendorf (UKE) provides new insights into the consequences of a corona infection. Organ damage is possible even after mild courses.
Scientists at the UKE were able to prove for the first time that even mild to moderate disease courses with COVID-19 can damage the body. Investigations after surviving the disease have shown that patients had increased leg vein thromboses. In addition, the functions of their heart, lungs and kidneys were impaired in the medium term. For people who have survived Covid infection, the results mean that they should carefully observe even minor symptoms in the weeks afterwards, for example whether there is temporary shortness of breath or a slight swelling of the lower leg. In such cases, therapy with medication can then be started quickly. This is the statement made by Prof. Stefan Blankenbberg, Director of the Clinic and Polyclinic at the UKE.
AUDIO: UKE study on corona consequences: organ damage possible (1 min)
–
–
For the “Hamburg City Health Study”, a total of 443 people with only milder symptoms were examined comprehensively after a corona infection. According to the UKE, the study began in mid-2020. The data from the infected participants was compared with those from those not suffering from COVID-19. The age of the participants was between 45 and 74 years. 93 percent of those infected were treated purely on an outpatient basis; according to the UKE, none of them required intensive medical treatment. More than ten UKE clinics and institutes took part in the health study. The city of Hamburg supported the study. The study results have been published as a so-called Fast Track publication in the “European Heart Journal”.
Fegebank: UKE study provides important findings
With the “Hamburg City Health Study”, Hamburg’s scientists are setting standards, said Senator for Science Katharina Fegebank from the Greens. The fact that the first results of the world’s largest study on the health consequences of COVID-19 are now available is, according to her, a great success and an important signal in the pandemic. With its diverse epidemiological and clinical data, the study provides important insights into the current pandemic and how to deal with major future infections.
Large health study in Hamburg
The Hamburg City Health Study (HCHS) claims to be the largest local health study in the world. A total of 45,000 Hamburg residents between 45 and 74 years of age are to be examined over a long period of time in order to identify the risk factors for common diseases such as heart attack, atrial fibrillation, stroke, dementia or heart failure. The aim of the 30 participating clinics and institutes of the UKE is to develop individualized treatment options and targeted prevention. Around 16,000 people from Hamburg have now been examined.
Further information
