Dyspnoea, lung function and CT findings 3 months after hospital admission for COVID-19

Abstract

The long-term pulmonary outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are unknown. We aimed to describe self-reported dyspnoea, quality of life, pulmonary function, and chest CT findings three months following hospital admission for COVID-19. We hypothesised outcomes to be inferior for patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU), compared with non-ICU patients.Discharged COVID-19-patients from six Norwegian hospitals were consecutively enrolled in a prospective cohort study. The current report describes the first 103 participants, including 15 ICU patients. Modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale (mMRC), EuroQol Group's Questionnaire, spirometry, diffusion capacity (DLCO), six-minute walk test, pulse oximetry, and low-dose CT scan were performed three months after discharge.mMRC was >0 in 54% and >1 in 19% of the participants. The median (25th–75th percentile) forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second were 94% (76, 121) and 92% (84, 106) of predicted, respectively. DLCO was below the lower limit of normal in 24%. Ground-glass opacities (GGO) with >10% distribution in ≥1 of 4 pulmonary zones were present in 25%, while 19% had parenchymal bands on chest CT. ICU survivors had similar dyspnoea scores and pulmonary function as non-ICU patients, but higher prevalence of GGO (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 4.2 [1.1, 15.6]) and performance in lower usual activities.Three months after admission for COVID-19, one fourth of the participants had chest CT opacities and reduced diffusion capacity. Admission to ICU was associated with pathological CT findings. This was not reflected in increased dyspnoea or impaired lung function.

Prevalence and Risk Factors for Post-Traumatic Stress in Hospitalized and Non-Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients

“…The patient-reported outcomes and lung function after hospitalization for COVID-19 (PROLUN) study invited subjects 4-8 weeks after being discharged from a COVID-19related hospital stay to participate in a follow-up study with electronic or paper questionnaires and a clinical visit about 3 months after discharge [9]. The present study includes only subjects discharged before 1 June 2020, and who resided in the catchment area of Akershus University Hospital and Østfold Hospital Trust Kalnes.…”

Evolution of lung function and chest CT 6 months after COVID-19 pneumonia: Real-life data from a Belgian University Hospital

“…In our 10-week follow-up study of 220 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, pulmonary restriction was found to be the most prevalent pulmonary function impairment [ 1 ]. Probably in part as a result of restriction, reductions in diffusing capacity (TL CO ) have been demonstrated in smaller cohorts [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. These tended to be associated with disease severity [ 2 , 3 ] and residual CT abnormalities [ 4 ], but not with symptoms nor ICU admission [ 5 ].…”

“…Probably in part as a result of restriction, reductions in diffusing capacity (TL CO ) have been demonstrated in smaller cohorts [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 ]. These tended to be associated with disease severity [ 2 , 3 ] and residual CT abnormalities [ 4 ], but not with symptoms nor ICU admission [ 5 ]. Most post-COVID-19 follow-up studies are limited to three months, prompting the question whether a favorable evolution in lung function and/or radiological abnormalities is to be expected beyond 3 months.…”

Symptoms, Pulmonary Function, and Functional Capacity Four Months after COVID-19

“…Emerging reports demonstrate persistent symptoms and lung function impairment in COVID-19 survivors discharged from hospital (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6). However, little is known about the longer-term impact of COVID-19 in patients not requiring hospitalization.…”