COVID-19 Study Reveals Link Between Virologic Rebound and Post-Acute Mortality and Hospitalization

Strategic Insights -

A recent study published in Nature Communications has found a significant association between virologic rebound and post-acute mortality and hospitalization among patients admitted with COVID-19 in Hong Kong. The research, conducted by a team of scientists from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, analyzed data from over 13,859 patients and found that those who experienced virologic rebound exhibited a higher risk of post-acute mortality and hospitalization.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 13,859, 3,959, and 4,502 patients in the all-patient, nirmatrelvir/ritonavir, and molnupiravir groups, respectively.
  • Patients who experienced virologic rebound had a significantly higher risk of post-acute mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-1.70) with a risk difference [RD] of 7.19%, compared to patients without virologic rebound.
  • Similar increases in the risk of post-acute mortality were observed in nirmatrelvir/ritonavir-treated patients (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.41-2.25; RD, 12.55%) and molnupiravir-treated patients (HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.18-1.82; RD, 4.90%).
  • The study concluded that virologic rebound may serve as an early marker for post-COVID-19 conditions, enabling healthcare officials to monitor and provide timely intervention for long COVID.
  • The research was conducted by a team of scientists from the Chinese University of Hong Kong, including Yuchen Wei, Ka Chun Chong, Katherine Min Jia, Christian Boyer, and others.

Statistics:

  • 13,859 patients were included in the study.
  • 3,959 patients received nirmatrelvir/ritonavir treatment.
  • 4,502 patients received molnupiravir treatment.
  • 7.19% of patients who experienced virologic rebound had a higher risk of post-acute mortality compared to those without virologic rebound.
  • 12.55% of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir-treated patients and 4.90% of molnupiravir-treated patients had a higher risk of post-acute mortality compared to those without virologic rebound.

Sources:

  • SARS-CoV-2 rebound and post-acute mortality and hospitalization among patients admitted with COVID-19: cohort study. Nature Communications, 2025;16(1):6924.
  • NewsRx. Researchers from Chinese University of Hong Kong Report New Studies and Findings in the Area of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2 rebound and post-acute mortality and hospitalization among patients admitted with COVID-19: cohort study). Chemicals & Chemistry. August 15, 2025; p 132.