The World Health Organization defines Post-COVID-19 Syndrome (PCS) as the presence of persistent symptoms that may last from three months to years after the initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, with no other diagnostic explanation. This condition can affect both children and adults. The present study aimed to analyze the clinical and epidemiological profile of PCS in individuals treated at a referral unit. This is a cross-sectional, analytical, and descriptive study conducted from January 2022 to June 2023. Participants included individuals of both sexes, aged 18 years or older, residents of the metropolitan region, diagnosed with PCS. Interviews were conducted to obtain epidemiological data, and peripheral blood was collected for laboratory tests. A total of 256 patients were evaluated; 77.3% were female; 62.1% self-identified as mixed race (“pardo”); 28.9% were aged 51–60 years; and 43.7% were married or in a stable union. Regarding education, 39.4% had completed higher education; 31.2% had a monthly income of one minimum wage; 56.2% had at least one comorbidity, with arterial hypertension being the most prevalent (27.7%), followed by diabetes mellitus (10.1%). Non-smokers accounted for 69.9% and alcohol consumers for 66%. The most frequently reported clinical symptoms included memory changes (64.4%), fatigue (60.5%), difficulty concentrating (55.5%), hair loss (54.6%), muscle pain (46%), and joint pain (43.7%). Elevated blood glucose levels (70%) and lipid profile abnormalities were observed in more than half of the participants. The study showed a high prevalence of symptoms and significant metabolic changes, which negatively impact the quality of life of individuals affected by the condition. Greater investments in diagnosis, innovative treatments, and access to therapeutic interventions are needed, as well as a multidisciplinary health team for the care of affected individuals.
Oliveira et al. (Sun,) studied this question.