Patients with Post-Covid-19 Syndrome are at risk of malnutrition and obesity: findings of outpatient follow-up

Objective To evaluate the nutritional and functional status, swallowing disorders, and musculoskeletal manifestations of patients with Post-Covid-19 Syndrome, stratified by the Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Index. Methods This is a cross-sectional study with patients diagnosed with Post-Covid-19 Syndrome after discharge from the intensive care unit of a university hospital. The evaluated outcomes were: nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment, bioimpedance and anthropometry), swallowing disorders (Dysphagia Risk Evaluation Protocol), functional status (PostCovid-19 Functional Status Scale), and musculoskeletal manifestations. According to the Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Index, patients were stratified in terms of loss or not loss of muscle mass. Results Thirty-eight patients were included in the study, 20 stratified into the no loss of muscle mass group (17 females; 49.45 +/- 12.67 years) and 18 into the loss of muscle mass group (18 males; 61.89 +/- 12.49 years). Both groups were at risk of malnutrition (Mini Nutritional Assessment scores between 17-23.5 points; No Loss of Muscle Mass Group: 21.82 +/- 3.93; Loss of Muscle Mass Group: 23.33 +/- 3.41) and obesity (No Loss of Muscle Mass Group: 33.76 +/- 6.34; Loss of Muscle Mass Group: 30.23 +/- 3.66). The groups differed in terms of bioimpedance parameters (except fat mass) and age. However, there were no differences in swallowing alterations, functional status, and musculoskeletal manifestations. Conclusion Patients with Post-Covid-19 Syndrome, stratified according to the Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Mass Index, were at risk of malnutrition and obesity. The persistence of fatigue, weakness, myalgia and arthralgia at 6 months after hospital discharge is noteworthy. These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive care for patients with Post-Covid-19 Syndrome.