Post-acute COVID-19 Syndrome Negatively Impacts Physical Function, Cognitive Function, Health-Related Quality of Life, and Participation

<jats:sec> <jats:title>Objective</jats:title> <jats:p>This report describes persistent symptoms associated with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome (PACS) and the impact of these symptoms on physical function, cognitive function, health-related quality of life, and participation.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Design</jats:title> <jats:p>This study used a cross-sectional observational study design. Patients attending Mount Sinai’s post-acute COVID-19 syndrome clinic completed surveys containing patient-reported outcomes.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Results</jats:title> <jats:p>A total of 156 patients completed the survey, at a median (range) time of 351 days (82–457 days) after COVID-19 infection. All patients were prevaccination. The most common persistent symptoms reported were fatigue (<jats:italic toggle="yes">n</jats:italic> = 128, 82%), brain fog (<jats:italic toggle="yes">n</jats:italic> = 105, 67%), and headache (<jats:italic toggle="yes">n</jats:italic> = 94, 60%). The most common triggers of symptom exacerbation were physical exertion (<jats:italic toggle="yes">n</jats:italic> = 134, 86%), stress (<jats:italic toggle="yes">n</jats:italic> = 107, 69%), and dehydration (<jats:italic toggle="yes">n</jats:italic> = 77, 49%). Increased levels of fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale) and dyspnea (Medical Research Council) were reported, alongside reductions in levels of regularly completed physical activity. Ninety-eight patients (63%) scored for at least mild cognitive impairment (Neuro-Qol), and the domain of the EuroQol: 5 dimension, 5 level most impacted was Self-care, Anxiety/Depression and Usual Activities.</jats:p> </jats:sec> <jats:sec> <jats:title>Conclusions</jats:title> <jats:p>Persistent symptoms associated with post-acute COVID-19 syndrome seem to impact physical and cognitive function, health-related quality of life, and participation in society. More research is needed to further clarify the relationship between COVID-19 infection and post-acute COVID-19 syndrome symptoms, the underlying mechanisms, and treatment options.</jats:p> </jats:sec>