Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Pulmonary Function Tests and Exercise Tolerance

Introduction: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has showed to cause long-term pulmonary sequelae. Objects: The aim of this study was to evaluate the consequences on pulmonary function of the SARS-CoV-2 infection related to the severity of the disease and exercise tolerance. Method(s): a retrospective cohort study was performed at the "Policlinico Tor Vergata" Academic hospital (Rome, Italy) where 75 patients evaluated in the post-COVID outpatient clinics at the Respiratory units were included in the study. Complete pulmonary function tests, 6-minute walk tests and persistence of symptoms were evaluated. Result(s): among the 75 subjects, 23 were mild, 16 moderate, 26 severe and 10 very severe based on the WHO classification. Very severe patients had a lower FVC (100+/-10%pr) compared to the others groups (116+/-16%pr, 116+/-13%pr, 122+/-20%pr from mild to severe;p<0,05) and a lower TLC (94+/-13%pr) compared to the others (102+/-10%pr, 108+/-15%pr, 108+/-12%pr from mild to severe;p<0,05). DL'co and DL'co/VA were similar among groups. At the 6MWT, distance, basal and nadir SpO2 were similar among groups, but all groups presented a significant decrease of SpO2 from basal to the nadir (Basal SpO2: 97,0+/-1,0% vs Nadir SpO2: 93,6+/-2,7%, p.<0,01). A positive correlation was found between desaturation and delta SpO2 (basal-nadir) (R: 0.29, p<0,05) and the Distance Desaturation Product (R: 0.39, p<0,01). Conclusion(s): These results showed that, although the PFTs are within the normal range, there is a restrictive spirometric pattern in very severe subjects. Moreover, the only persistent pathological sequalae of SARS-CoV-2 infection were a mild desaturation at 6MWT, despite the severity.

#Stayhome. New forms of domestic living

Hygienic-sanitary regulations have always influenced urban planning theories, cities transformations and forms of dwelling. While waiting for the medical solution, the answer to Covid19 goes through spatial considerations. The most immediate changes can begin from home, with a poietic thought and in opposition to the idea that everything depends solely on technology. The reasoning about the domestic space implies reflection on new needs (which the emergency has exacerbated) and on the search for quality, with a revision of the living minimums. Isolation has opened our eyes to possible domestic landscapes and, if the house is still the principle of dwelling, from it - with a multi-scalar vision - wider changes and transformations can be targeted. From this point of view, the contemporary project recovers some reasons and experiences of modernity as a reference for further elaborations. © 2020 Festival Architettura Edizioni. All rights reserved.