Long-term Chikungunya sequelae and quality of life 2.5 years post-acute disease in a prospective cohort in Cura çao

by Churnalisa Doran, Jelte Elsinga, Ante Fokkema, Kevin Berenschot, Izzy Gerstenbluth, Ashley Duits, Norediz Lourents, Yaskara Halabi, Johannes Burgerhof, Ajay Bailey, Adriana Tami BackgroundLittle is known about the persistence and impact of non-rheumatic symptoms after acute chikungunya disease. We have studied the clinical presentation and long-term impact of rheumatic and non-rheumatic symptoms on health related quality of life (QoL) 2.5 years after disease onset. Additionally, the validity of the Cura çao Long-Term Chikungunya Sequelae (CLTCS) score in classifying disease severity over time was evaluated. Methodology/Principal findingsThis prospective cohort study followed 248 chikungunya patients. Symptoms and SF-36 QoL were evaluated during baseline and follow-up at 2.5 years using questionnaires. Chikungunya disease status was classified using the CLTCS-score. At 2.5 years after disease onset patients were classified as being recovered (43%), mildly (35%) or highly (22%) affected. In comparison to mildly affected, highly affected patients reported the highest prevalence of ongoing rheumatic and non-rheumatic/psychological symptoms, with increased prevalence of arthralgia in the lower extremities (p = .01) and fatigue (p = .049) over time, and higher pain intensity (p
Source: PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases - Category: Tropical Medicine Authors: Source Type: research