Sequels of COVID-19: An integrative literature review

The strong affinity between the Spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 virus and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptor is postulated as one main reasons for high viral transmission rate, leading WHO to declare COVID-19 a Public Health Emergency International Concern adopt measures contain spread. Moreover, due virus’s pathophysiological mechanism, non-specific symptoms, atypical progression, especially in elderly immunocompromised, faster more lethal progression are observed. Additionally, knowledge about natural history infection has advanced, persistent symptoms and/or sequelae causing organic dysfunctions negatively impacting patients’ quality life have been noted. In light this, objective this article was present an integrative review sequels years 2021 2022. To achieve full articles were searched Scientific Electronic Library Online, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, PubMed research databases, both Portuguese English languages, using PRISMA methodology (Preferred Reporting Items Systematic Reviews Meta-Analyses), resulting selection 14 articles. Among results, following stand out: pathogenesis based on theory immune phenomena secondary infection, abnormal response, presence immunologically privileged sites; prevalent complications include fatigue, dyspnea, subjective cognitive impairment, neurological sequelae, central nervous system inflammatory diseases, post-viral olfactory dysfunction; evidence causal relationship subacute thyroiditis presented; higher number hospitalizations demonstrated vitamin D-deficient patients; well neuropsychiatric healthcare professional population. conclusion, scarcity studies directly addressing noted, highlighting need further create specific diagnostic protocols.