“Identifying Risk Factors for Post-COVID-19 Condition: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis”

A recent study conducted by Vasiliki Tsampasian, MD, MSc and a team of investigators has identified demographic characteristics and comorbidities that increase the risk of developing post-COVID-19 condition (PCC). The study found that female sex, older age, higher BMI, and smoking were major risk factors for PCC. Patients with comorbidities such as anxiety, depression, asthma, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, immunosuppression, and ischemic heart disease were also found to be at higher risk. The review and meta-analysis also revealed that patients who had been hospitalized or admitted to the ICU with COVID-19 were more likely to develop PCC.
Common PCC symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, joint pain, memory problems, anxiety, and depression. The study emphasizes the importance of identifying potential risk factors so that early and appropriate clinical support can be provided.
It is noteworthy that, according to the study, patients who received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine had a significantly lower risk of developing PCC compared to those who were not vaccinated. These findings support the protective role of vaccination against PCC as a key public health intervention to reduce the burden of COVID-19-related health problems. In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis provide important insights into the risk factors for PCC.