They obtained information about residual symptoms in these patients, and the results of follow up tests for viral genetic material in their body after they were discharged. According to the findings, published in the preprint repository medRxiv, a total of 58 (6.2 per cent) of the 938 patients had reappeared positive viral RNA test results, while 880 remained negative. The scientists found a link between co-morbid conditions like heart disease and hypertension among patients over 50 years old, and their chances of testing positive again during the follow-up period. “Among patients over the age of 50, the factors we found to be associated with re-positive results were coronary artery disease, and hypertension,” they wrote in the study. The scientists said 54 (93.1%) of the re-positive (RP) patients turned negative again, while two patients remained positive, and two were lost to the second follow-up.

Source: Hindustan Times June 24, 2020 13:52 UTC