Post-acute organ complications within one year following COVID-19 hospitalization and related socioeconomic inequalities

Post-acute organ complications following COVID-19 hospitalization and potential socioeconomic inequalities therein are understudied. In this case-control study, we use individual-level data from three national health and social registries in Belgium to assess whether COVID-19 hospitalization increases the risk of post-acute organ complications within one year among 59,351 hospitalized adults without preexisting conditions affecting the specific organ system under study at baseline. In addition, we identify socioeconomic patterns in the development of these organ complications. Overlap propensity score (PS)-weighted odds ratios (ORs) and adjusted odds ratios (aORs) were estimated. All analyses were stratified between severe and critical COVID-19 hospitalization, with the latter defined by intensive care unit admission and/or the onset of acute respiratory distress syndrome. We found significant cardiovascular (overlap PS-weighted OR 1.19, 95% CI 1.03-1.37) and pulmonary (overlap PS-weighted OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.80-2.34) complications within one year following severe COVID-19 hospitalization compared to non-COVID-19 hospitalization, with particularly higher odds following critical COVID-19 hospitalization. Among severe COVID-19 patients, those with low income, compared to those with high income, had higher odds of post-acute pulmonary complications (aOR 1.53, 95% CI 1.05-2.25). Long-term care should prioritize monitoring organ complications following COVID-19 hospitalization, especially after critical illness.