A comprehensive in-depth register-based analysis of the patient population diagnosed with post-acute COVID-19 condition (long COVID)

Research problem and specific questionsIn contrast to the acute effects of COVID-19, knowledge regarding the long-term effects of COVID-19 has just started to emerge. Patients with post-acute COVID-19 condition (“long COVID”) are now a growing patient group.

The specific aims of this research proposal on the new condition of long COVID is to: Describe and characterize the patient populationIdentify potential risk factorsEvaluate the impact on the affected individual and on societyEvaluate the preventive ability of COVID-19 vaccinationWe will also evaluate distinct time periods corresponding to the dominant virus mutations to describe variant-specific characteristics regarding long COVID.Data and methodIn the most recent report from the National Board of Health and Welfare in Sweden, 6168 patients were diagnosed with long COVID in primary healthcare and 2379 in specialist healthcare.

These numbers highlight the fact that the main part of the population with long COVID is diagnosed in primary healthcare.

Through our research group’s unique database, we gain access to data from several national registers (for example National Patient Register, LISA, SmiNet, National Vaccination Register, Swedish Intensive Care Register, MiDAS database), and importantly, data from the primary healthcare databases.

The primary healthcare data originates from the two largest regions in Sweden: Stockholm and Västra Götaland, together encompassing 4.1 million inhabitants (approximately 40% of the Swedish population).

Using this set-up, we have a unique opportunity to describe, follow up, and analyze all diagnosed cases of long COVID in two defined geographical areas.Plan for project realisationThe multi-linked register database is established, ready to use, and updated every third month.

We have assembled a highly experienced and productive project team, and in this proposal we apply to cover costs mainly for statistical support and salaries for parts of the project team.RelevanceIt is of outmost importance to understand the long COVID patient group both on an individual and societal level.

We will characterize the affected population, the consequences and healthcare needs and provide timely, novel, and comprehensive knowledge on the emerging patient population diagnosed with long COVID.

This knowledge is urgently needed not only for diagnosis and treatment of the individual but also for appropriate societal resource allocation and establishment of necessary preventive strategies.