Lung function six months after severe COVID-19 : does time, in fact, heal all wounds?
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Date
2022
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Abstract
Background
COVID-19 has been associated with persistent symptoms and functional changes, especially in those surviving severe disease.
Methods
We conducted a prospective multicenter study in patients with severe COVID-19 to determine respiratory sequelae. Patients were stratified into two groups: ward admission (WA) and intensive care unit (ICU) admission. In each follow-up visit, the patients where inquired about cough and dyspnea, and performed spirometry, lung volumes, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and respiratory muscle strength (MIP and MEP). Results of pulmonary function tests at 45 days and 6 months after hospital admission were compared using paired analysis.
Results
211 patients were included, 112 in WA and 99 in ICU. Dyspnea persisted in 64.7% in the WA and 66.7% in the ICU group after 6 months. Lung function measures showed significant improvement between 45 days and 6 months, both in WA and ICU groups in VC, FVC, FEV1, total lung capacity, and 6MW distance measures. The improvement in the proportions of the altered functional parameters was significant in the ICU group for VC (44.2% 45 d; 20.8% 6 m; p = 0,014), FVC (47.6% 45 d; 28% 6 m; p = 0,003), FEV1 (45.1% 45 d; 28% 6 m; p = 0,044), DLCO (33.8% 45 d; 7.7% 6 m; p < 0,0001).
Conclusion
Six months follow-up of patients with the severe forms of COVID-19 showed significant improvement in the lung function measures compared to 45 days post hospital discharge. The difference was more evident in those requiring ICU admission.
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Keywords
Follow-up, Post-COVID condition
Citation
BRETAS, D. C. et al. Lung function six months after severe COVID-19: does time, in fact, heal all wounds?. Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases, v. 26, n. 3, artigo 102352, maio/jun. 2022. Disponível em: <https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S141386702200040X?via%3Dihub>. Acesso em: 11 out. 2022.