Recurrence or Relapse of COVID-19 in Older Patients: A Description of Three Cases

J Am Geriatr Soc. 2020 Oct;68(10):2179-2183. doi: 10.1111/jgs.16728. Epub 2020 Aug 13.

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 has infected millions of people worldwide, particularly in older adults. The first cases of possible reinfection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were reported in April 2020 among older adults.

Design/setting: In this brief report, we present three geriatric cases with two episodes of SARS-CoV-2 infection separated by a symptom-free interval.

Participants: The participants of this brief report are three cases of hospitalized geriatric women.

Measurements/results: We note clinical and biological worsening during the second episode of COVID-19 for all three patients. Also, there is a radiological aggravation. The second episode of COVID-19 was fatal in all three cases.

Conclusion: This series of three geriatric cases with COVID-19 diagnosed two times apart for several weeks questions the possibility of reinfection with SARS-CoV-2. It raises questions in clinical practice about the value of testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection again in the event of symptomatic reoccurrence. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:2179-2183, 2020.

Keywords: COVID-19; recurrence; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • COVID-19 / diagnosis*
  • COVID-19 Drug Treatment
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pandemics
  • Recurrence
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Biomarkers