Risk of Post-COVID-19 Conditions Among Adolescents and Adults Who Received Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir for Acute COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study - Summary - MDSpire

Risk of Post-COVID-19 Conditions Among Adolescents and Adults Who Received Nirmatrelvir-Ritonavir for Acute COVID-19: A Retrospective Cohort Study

  • By

  • Alexandra F Dalton

  • Sarah Baca

  • Julia Raykin

  • Cria O Gregory

  • Tegan Boehmer

  • Emilia H Koumans

  • Priti R Patel

  • Pragna Patel

  • Sharon Saydah

  • September 16, 2025

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To assess the relationship between nirmatrelvir-ritonavir treatment for acute COVID-19 and the risk of post-COVID-19 conditions (PCC) across different age groups (12-17, 18-49, 50-64, ≥65 years).

Key Findings:
  • Nirmatrelvir-ritonavir treatment reduced PCC risk in adults aged 50-64 years (aHR 0.93, 95% CI 0.92–0.95) and ≥65 years (aHR 0.88, 95% CI 0.87–0.90).
  • Minimal effect observed in high-risk adults aged 18-49 years (aHR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99) and no effect in adolescents aged 12-17 years (aHR 1.06, 95% CI 0.66–1.13).
Interpretation:

The study suggests a protective effect of nirmatrelvir-ritonavir against PCC in older adults but not in adolescents, indicating potential benefits of outpatient treatment for reducing severe disease and PCC risk, particularly in older populations.

Limitations:
  • Retrospective design may introduce bias, potentially affecting the reliability of the findings.
  • Reliance on claims data may limit the accuracy of PCC diagnosis, as it may not capture all relevant symptoms.
Conclusion:

Outpatient treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir may help reduce the risk of severe disease and PCC, particularly in older adults.

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