Comprehensive Rehabilitation in Patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome due to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

ABSTRACT

We described a case in which symptoms and function improved through rehabilitation in a patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-2019) accompanied by acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), limb weakness, and peroneal neuropathy. A 71-year-old man was diagnosed with COVID-19 and ARDS. He needed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) treatment in an incentive care unit (ICU). After ICU treatment, both ankle dorsiflexor weakness and foot drop were present. Common peroneal neuropathy was diagnosed and it was presumed to be due to long-term ECMO application. Comprehensive rehabilitation was performed to improve respiratory function and functional level. In addition, electrical stimulation therapy was applied to strengthen the ankle dorsiflexor. Before rehabilitation, he could not maintain a sitting position independently and required oxygen supply through tracheostomy. After 6 months rehabilitation, he was able to walk independently without oxygen.However, the ankle dorsiflexor did not improve sufficiently, so ankle foot orthosis was applied for outdoor gait.