Complications after discharge with COVID-19 infection and risk factors associated with development of post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis.
Respir Med
; 188: 106602, 2021 11.
Article
in English
| MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1401830
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Survivors of COVID-19 infection may develop post-covid pulmonary fibrosis (PCF) and suffer from long term multi-system complications. The magnitude and risk factors associated with these are unknown.OBJECTIVES:
We investigated the prevalence and risk factors associated with PCF and other complications in patients discharged after COVID-19 infection.METHODS:
Patients had phone assessment 6 weeks post hospital discharge after COVID-19 infection using a set protocol. Those with significant respiratory symptoms were investigated with a CTPA, Pulmonary Function Tests and echocardiogram. Prevalence of myalgia, fatigue, psychological symptoms and PCF was obtained. Risk factors associated with these were investigated.RESULTS:
A large number of patients had persistent fatigue (45.1%), breathlessness (36.5%), myalgia (20.5%) and psychological symptoms (19.5%). PCF was seen in 9.5% of the patients and was associated with persistent breathlessness at 6 weeks and inpatient ventilation [adjusted OR 5.02(1.76-14.27) and 4.45(1.27-15.58)] respectively. It was more common in men and in patients with peak CRP >171.5 mg/L, peak WBC count ≥12 × 10 9/L, severe inpatient COVID-19 CXR changes and CT changes. Ventilation was also a risk factor for persisting fatigue and myalgia, the latter was also more common in those with severe cytokine storm and severe COVID-19 inpatient CXR changes.CONCLUSIONS:
All the patients discharged after COVID-19 should be assessed using a set protocol by a multidisciplinary team. Patients who had severe COVID-19 infection particularly those who were intubated and who have persistent breathlessness are at risk of developing PCF. They should have a CT Chest and have respiratory follow-up.Keywords
Full text:
Available
Collection:
International databases
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Patient Discharge
/
Pulmonary Fibrosis
/
Pandemics
/
SARS-CoV-2
/
COVID-19
/
Lung
Type of study:
Cohort study
/
Diagnostic study
/
Observational study
/
Prognostic study
Topics:
Long Covid
Limits:
Adult
/
Humans
/
Male
/
Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
English
Journal:
Respir Med
Year:
2021
Document Type:
Article
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