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Review
. 2022 Sep;54(3):566-597.
doi: 10.3947/ic.2022.0141.

Preliminary Guidelines for the Clinical Evaluation and Management of Long COVID

Yoonjung Kim  1 , Seong Eun Kim  2 , Tark Kim  3 , Ki Wook Yun  4 , So Hee Lee  5 , Eunjung Lee  6 , Jun-Won Seo  7 , Young Hee Jung  8 , Yong Pil Chong  9
Affiliations
Review

Preliminary Guidelines for the Clinical Evaluation and Management of Long COVID

Yoonjung Kim et al. Infect Chemother. 2022 Sep.

Abstract

Long-lasting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms beyond 12 weeks, the so-called 'long COVID' have been increasingly reported worldwide. Long COVID can be manifested in various forms, and there is an increasing demand for proper assessment and management. However, it is challenging when trying to determine the best-practice standards of care based on the current evidence because there is no internationally agreed clinical definition or clear treatment pathway. Therefore, the present guidelines have been drafted to provide advice on diagnosis and management based on the latest updated available evidence and the consensus of expert opinion. So far, no standard test and drug treatment can be strongly recommended for patients with long COVID because of a lack of evidence. The present guidelines provide advice based on 12 key questions, including appropriate interventions for long COVID that can be used in clinical practice. Continuous careful observation and studies related to long COVID are needed for the long-term impact of COVID-19 and proper management for long COVID to be determined.

Keywords: Long COVID; Management; Persistent symptoms; Post-COVID condition; SARS-CoV-2.

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Conflict of interest statement

No conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Conceptual diagram of long COVID as a symptom/sign that persists post-COVID-19.
COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019; QOL, quality of life.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Diagnostic approach for chronic fatigue syndrome related to COVID-19.
COVID-19, coronavirus disease 2019.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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