Fatigue syndrome after COVID-19 infection: results of personal observations

Introduction. The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has presented challenges for health systems globally. However, as the number of COVID-19 survivors continue to increase, we get more and more evidence on the long-lasting symptoms after an acute infection. According to some studies, the total number of symptoms described can reach 200, but fatigue is considered the key presentation in such patients. The subjectivity of fatigue concept continues to be a significant obstacle to its study: the absence of validated assessment methods does not allow to adequately assess the prevalence and significance of fatigue in patients with lung injury induced by COVID-19.

Aim. To assess the prevalence of fatigue syndrome in patients with lung injury induced by COVID-19 using a validated tool, the Fatigue Assessment Scale, and risk factors for the development of this condition.

Materials and methods. Medical records of patients hospitalised for PCR-confirmed new coronavirus infection COVID-19 with lung lesions (n = 100), evaluated using the FAS scale, were retrospectively analysed. Statistical processing of the data was performed.

Results. Objectively assessed fatigue was detected in 66% of patients. Statistically significant association between fatigue syndrome and obesity, severity of acute phase of infection, presence of comorbidities, Charlson comorbidity index was revealed.

Conclusions. The use of objectification methods makes it possible to assess the prevalence and significance of fatigue syndrome in patients with COVID-19-induced lung lesions, to perform statistical analysis of possible risk factors for the development of this condition.

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