Abstract
Aim: To investigate the correlation between the clinical characteristics of myalgia-arthralgia, disease anxiety, and blood parameters in COVID-19.
Methods: Patients diagnosed with COVID-19 via computed tomography and polymerase chain reaction were included. Disease-related anxiety was evaluated using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Pain character were evaluated using the Pain Quality Assessment Scale. Laboratory parameters were checked for all patients. The correlation between clinical and laboratory parameters was examined.
Results: The sample consisted of 70 (42.9%) females and 93 (57.1%) males. The prevalence of muscle-joint pain was 63.2% (n =103). The most common pains were back pain (n =52, 50.5%). The pain was mostly temporary, intense, and dull. It spread locally to sensitive surrounding areas. Patients with muscle-joint pain were found to have a higher prevalence and severity of disease anxiety (p <0.05). Those with high muscle-joint pain and disease anxiety had high CK and low lymphocyte (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Muscle-joint pains are highly frequent in COVID-19 disease. Pain is most commonly in the back. This pain spreads locally to sensitive surrounding tissues. Pain severity and frequency are higher in those with higher disease anxiety. Muscle pain is particularly associated with low lymphocyte and high CK.