Paresis and paralysis of muscle groups in the upper limb and lower limb in subjects after SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to physical therapy in a rehabilitation center in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires

A descriptive study

Abstract

Objective: To describe the incidence of localized paralysis or paresis of muscle groups in the upper limb (UL) and lower limb (LL) in subjects after infection with SARS-CoV-2 upon admission to physical therapy at a rehabilitation center in the CABA, and to describe the clinical-demographic characteristics of the subjects.

Materials and methods: This is a descriptive, observational, and retrospective study. Data were obtained from the medical records of hospitalized subjects. The presence of paresis or paralysis of muscle groups in the UL and LL, time of COVID-19 clinical course, medical history, medication, duration in prone position, age, and sex were registered. 

Results: A total of 84 subjects were included; of them, 85% (n=71) of the subjects were men, with a median age of 62 years. The total incidence of localized paralysis or paresis of the muscle groups in the UL and LL was 57% (n=84). Forty-nine percent (n=41) of the subjects had arterial hypertension (AHT); 30 (n=25), diabetes; and 29% (n=24), obesity. Eighty-nine percent (n=75) of the subjects took 3 or more medications, and 56% (n=47) were in the prone position.