Publication date: May 13, 2026
Viral rebound has emerged as a virologic characteristic. The study aimed to explore its determinants and impact on clinical outcomes. The study included adults hospitalized for COVID-19 at a tertiary hospital in Taiwan from January to December 2022. Viral rebound was defined as a ≥5-unit decrease in RT-PCR Ct values or a new positive antigen test after tested negative within 10-30 days of diagnosis. The primary outcome was viral rebound, and secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality and in-hospital overall mortality. Among 353 patients, 46 (13%) developed viral rebound. Patients with viral rebound exhibited longer hospitalization [25 days (IQR: 16-37) vs. 17 days (IQR: 12-28), p=0. 013], higher 30-day mortality (21. 7% vs. 9. 8%, p=0. 017) and overall mortality (28. 3% vs. 16. 3%, p=0. 048). Systemic dexamethasone use for initial COVID-19 was independently associated with increased risk of viral rebound (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1. 99; 95% CI, 1. 06-3. 75, p=0. 034). In the landmark restricted to those who were alive at day 10 after diagnosis, viral rebound (aOR, 2. 56; 95% CI, 1. 11-5. 88, p=0. 027) was an independent predictor of 30-day mortality. Viral rebound was associated with prolonged hospitalization and increased 30-day mortality, underscoring the need for enhanced clinical monitoring.
| Concepts | Keywords |
|---|---|
| December | Clinical outcome |
| Hospitalization | Mortality |
| Taiwan | Risk factor |
| Viral | Viral rebound |
Semantics
| Type | Source | Name |
|---|---|---|
| disease | MESH | COVID-19 |
| disease | MESH | included |
| drug | DRUGBANK | Dexamethasone |