A relationship between musculoskeletal pain and prognosis in hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Abstract

Introduction: Musculoskeletal system complaints are often encountered in patients with Covid-19. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of symptoms such as arthralgia, myalgia, and arthritis in hospitalized patients and their relationship with the final prognosis. Methods: Complaints related to myalgia, arthralgia, arthritis-like symptoms, laboratory parameters, VAS scores and localized painful areas of 154 hospitalized patients who were treated with a COVID-19 diagnosis were recorded on admission and during their hospitalization period. The relationship between these clinical and laboratory data and the duration of hospital stays, need for intensive care and death-recovery states was evaluated. Results: Of 154 cases, 45.5% (n=70) were female, 71.4% (n=110) had myalgia while 55.8% (n=86) had arthralgia. Mean VAS value was 6.39±2.04. The most commonly reported painful locations were dorsum in 68.2% (n=75) and chest in 63.6% (n=70) of the patients. The death rate was significantly higher in patients with dorsum pain. 25-0H-Vitamin D levels did not have a significant effect on the prognosis and in terms of needing intensive care. Conclusion: Myalgia and arthralgia are present in a significant part of patients with a diagnosis of Covid-19. Pain localized in the chest and dorsum area is associated with bad prognosis.

Keywords

• COVID-19
• myalgia
• arthralgia
• pain areas
• prognosis

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