Background

Pain is a clinical feature of COVID-19, however data about persistent pain after hospital discharge, especially among ICU survivors is scarce. The aim of this study is to explore the incidence and characteristics of new-onset pain and its impact on Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), and to quantify the presence of mood disorders in critically ill COVID-19 survivors.

Methods

This is a preliminary report of PAIN-COVID trial (NCT04394169) presenting a descriptive analysis in critically ill COVID-19 survivors, following in person interview one month after hospital discharge. Pain was assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory, the Douleur Neuropathique 4 questionnaire and the Pain Catastrophizing Scale. HRQoL was evaluated with the EQ 5D/5L, and mood disorders with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Results

From May 27th to July 19th, 2020, 203 patients were consecutively screened for eligibility, and 65 were included in this analysis. Of these, 50.8% patients reported new-onset pain; 38.5% clinically significant pain (numerical rating score ≥3 for average pain intensity); 16.9% neuropathic pain; 4.6% pain catastrophizing thoughts, 44.6% pain in ≥2 body sites and 7.7% widespread pain. Patients with new-onset pain had a worse EQ-VAS and EQ index value (p<0.001). Pain intensity was negatively correlated to both the former (Spearman Rho:−0.546, p<0.001) and the latter (Spearman Rho:−0.387, p=0.001). HADS anxiety and depression values equal or above eight were obtained in 10.8 % and 7.7% of patients, respectively.

Conclusion

New-onset pain in critically ill COVID-19 survivors is frequent, and it is associated with a lower HRQoL.