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https://doi.org/10.37797/ig.43.1.2

Long-term functional outcomes after intensive care treatment for severe COVID-19

Elizabeta Skočibušić ; Klinika za infektivne bolesti “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Vladimir Krajinović ; Klinika za infektivne bolesti “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, Zagreb, Hrvatska *

* Dopisni autor.

Sažetak

Patients treated for severe COVID-19 in intensive care units (ICUs) frequently experience persistent symptoms after hospital discharge, affecting physical, cognitive, and mental functioning. The aim of this study was to assess long-term difficulties after ICU treatment for severe COVID-19.
A cross-sectional survey was conducted at the University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, Zagreb. Adult patients treated in the ICU for severe COVID-19 between March 2020 and August 2021 were contacted at least six months after discharge. Quality of life was assessed using a telephone questionnaire adapted from the 15D instrument, comparing post-discharge status with the pre-hospitalization condition.
Eighty-eight patients were included, predominantly male (71.6%), with a mean age of 57 ± 13 years. Persistent difficulties were reported by 80.7% of respondents. The most frequently affected domains were breathing (59.1%), mobility (43.2%), mental function (36.4%), and daily activities (27.3%). Respiratory symptoms were reported both by mechanically ventilated and non-ventilated patients. Cognitive difficulties were mostly mild, although a small proportion of patients reported impairment affecting work ability.
Persistent functional limitations are common after ICU treatment for severe COVID-19. These findings suggest the potential benefit of structured post-ICU follow-up and multidisciplinary rehabilitation to improve long-term outcomes and quality of life.

Ključne riječi

COVID-19; intensive care unit; long-term outcomes; post-intensive care syndrome; quality of life

Hrčak ID:

346628

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/346628

Datum izdavanja:

12.4.2026.

Podaci na drugim jezicima: hrvatski

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