Covid-19 Hospitalization Linked to Increased Risk of Death, Organ Disorders for Over Two Years: Study

New Delhi, Feb 28 – A new study has revealed that individuals hospitalised due to Covid-19 face an elevated risk of death or organ-related disorders for up to two-and-a-half years post-discharge. Conducted by researchers at Bichat Hospital, Paris, the study underscores the prolonged health impact of the virus, even after recovery from acute infection.

Previous research has already indicated that nearly 60% of long Covid patients experience persistent organ damage. Long Covid encompasses lingering symptoms such as fatigue, respiratory issues, and neurological problems despite overcoming the initial infection.

The study, which analyzed data from nearly 64,000 French residents, found that those hospitalised with Covid-19 had a significantly higher mortality rate from any cause compared to those who were never admitted for the virus. Additionally, these individuals were at an increased risk of hospitalisation due to various health complications, including neurological, psychiatric, cardiovascular, and respiratory issues.

A notable gender disparity was observed, with women facing a higher risk of psychiatric hospitalisation compared to men.

Published in the journal Infectious Diseases, the study’s findings highlight the extensive and long-term health ramifications of Covid-19. “This study serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching impact of Covid-19, which extends far beyond the initial infection,” said lead researcher Dr. Sarah Tubiana, an infectious disease specialist at Bichat Hospital’s Clinical Investigation Center.

Dr. Tubiana stressed the significant public health implications of the findings, noting that even after discharge, Covid-19 patients continue to face an increased risk of severe health complications for months or even years.

Study Highlights​

• The research tracked 63,990 adults hospitalised with Covid-19 between January and August 2020 for a period of 30 months.
• Data from France’s national health insurance claims database was analyzed, with a control group of 3.2 lakh people who were not hospitalised for Covid-19.
• The average age of participants was 65 years.
• Increased risk of hospitalisation was observed for multiple organ-related disorders, reinforcing the multi-organ impact of Covid-19.
• Women exhibited a higher likelihood of psychiatric hospitalisation compared to men.
• The study’s findings may not fully apply to later SARS-CoV-2 variants, as it focused on patients infected in early 2020.

Call for Continued Healthcare Monitoring​

Given the study’s findings, experts are urging for continued healthcare and post-recovery monitoring of individuals who were hospitalised due to Covid-19. The long-term health burden of the disease highlights the necessity for sustained medical attention and policy interventions to support affected individuals.

While the study primarily focused on early Covid-19 cases, it raises concerns about the ongoing impact of new variants and underscores the importance of long-term care strategies in post-pandemic health planning.