Abstract

This study aimed to contribute to the development of a research case definition for post-acute sequelae of SARS CoV-2 infection using a PASC data set and experiences from case definitions developed for myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Our database included patients with PASC who provided self-report symptomology during the onset of infection and the time of survey completion. We found that we could distinguish between those with mild, moderate, and severe PASC. Regarding the proportion meeting an ME/CFS case definition, we found 0% in the mildly impaired group, 30.6% to 62.6% in the moderately impaired group, and 74.3% to 89.0% in the severely impaired group. Based on these preliminary data, we propose a 5-part classification system for PASC. Axis 1 involves the variant of the COVID infection and the type of documentation of the infection. Axis 2 involves the time elapsed since infection. Axis 3 involves the type of medical collateral damage to different organs. Axis 4 involves functional impairment classified into three categories: mild, moderate, or severe. Finally, Axis 5 is the identified symptoms. Finally, if the patient has been sick for 6 or more months, it is important to determine whether the person has met the ME/CFS criteria. This proposed 5-part classification system for PASC might bring considerable clarity to diagnosing PASC.