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To examine the long‐term radiological variations in survivors of severe COVID‐19 and incidence of associated lung/pulmonary function, exercise capabilities, and health‐linked quality of life.
Many
patients who recovered from severe COVID‐19 pneumonia were found to have
functional and radiological abnormalities in the sixth month.
To examine the
long‐term radiological variations in survivors of severe COVID‐19 and incidence
of associated lung/pulmonary function, exercise capabilities, and health‐linked
quality of life.
A
total of 65 patients (49 men, 16
women) with severe COVID‐19 pneumonia were assessed in the 6th month
following hospital discharge. Spirometry (lung function test), 6 minutes
walking test (6MWT), and short form (SF‐36) to assess the health‐related
quality of life were used in the 6th month. Chest computed
tomography (CT) was carried out, and the outcomes were categorized as per lung
involvement.
As expected in the 6th
month, lower values of Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) % was
observed in 18 patients (30.5%), forced vital capacity (FVC) in 27 patients
(45.8%), and 6MWT in 13 patients (23.2%). In addition, physical and social
functioning, energy‐vitality, pain, and health parameters were found to be
lower as compared to normal as determined from the SF‐36 scale.
Twenty-six patients had
abnormal findings from the chest CT scan. Nine patients had interstitial
changes observed in 10% to 50% of
the lung surface area. Four patients had severe pulmonary fibrosis (damaged and
scarred lung tissue). A link between physical and pulmonary function and
general insight of health from SF‐36 scale sub-parameters was found.
In the 6th month
after severe COVID‐19 pneumonia, radiological and functional abnormalities were
reported in a considerable number of people. Also, there was a substantial drop
in health‐related quality of life and respiratory function. Therefore, a
systematic monitoring plan is required to evaluate and suitably manage the
long‐term problems that may occur.
Journal of Medical Virology
Evaluation of long‐term radiological findings, pulmonary functions, and health‐related quality of life in survivors of severe COVID‐19
Mustafa Ilteris Bardakci et al.
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