Clinical characteristics, management and health-related quality of life in young adults with COVID-19 

Abstract Background The outbreak of COVID-19 has rapidly spread to Italy, including Pesaro-Urbino province. Data on young adults with COVID-19 are lacking. We report the characteristics, management and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with COVID-19 aging ≤50 years.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed in all patients ≤50 years with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 admitted to Emergency department (ED) of San Salvatore Hospital in Pesaro from February 28th to April 8th, 2020. Data were collected from electronical medical records. HRQoL was investigated after one month from hospital discharge. Outcomes were evaluated between hospitalized and not hospitalized patients.Results: Among 673 patients admitted to the ED and diagnosed with COVID-19, 104 (15%) were ≤50 years old: 74% were discharged at home within 48 h, 26% were hospitalized. Fever occurred in 90% of the cases followed by cough (56%) and dyspnoea (34%). Chest X-ray and/or CT scan revealed ground glass opacity, bilateral patch shadow or focal lesions in 27%, 37% and 10% of the patients, respectively. The most frequent coexisting conditions were hypertension (11%), thyroid dysfunction (8%) and neurological and/or mental disorders [NMDs] (6%). Mean BMI was 27. Hypokalaemia and NMDs were significantly more common in patients who underwent mechanical ventilation. Regardless of hospitalization, there was a significant impairment in both the physical and mental functioning.Conclusions Overweight and hypertension are frequent conditions in young adults with COVID-19. Hypokalaemia and NMDs are commonly associated with progressive disease. There is a significant impact on HRQoL in the early stage of post-discharge.