Utility of cat score for assessment of post covid-19 patients in our tertiary care centre

ABSTRACT

Background: With increasing number of patients recovered, significant detrimental long-term effects of post-COVID-19 infection has been recognized.CAT score in COPD is a great tool to assess symptoms severity, same may be used in post COVID patients. Objective: 1.Assess the use of CAT scores in post COVID-19 patients.2.Use CAT score as a predictor of long term effects. Methods: An observational study conducted between October 2020-November 2021. RT-PCR/TruNAT COVID-19 positive post COVID patients were included,their symptoms severity were evaluated based on CAT score. Patients with high CAT score were evaluated for long term effects. Results: Out of 89 patients, 50 (56%) were male,39 (44%) were female. 66(74.15%) smokers, 15(16.8%) non-smokers. 51 (57.3%) were COPD, 31(34.83%) Asthma, 62 (69.7%) Diabetic, 45(50.5%) Hypertensive patients. On 1 month follow-up, >30 CAT score in 11(12.3%), 33 (37%) had CAT score 21-30, 27(30.33%) CAT score 10-20, 18(20.22%) CAT <10.3months, CAT >30 in 5 (5.6%), CAT 21-30 in 19(21.3%), CAT 10-20 in 22 (24.7%), <10 CAT was in 43 (48.3%).6 months, CAT >30 in 6 (6.14%), CAT 21-30 in 13 (14.6%), CAT 10-20 in 33(37.7%), CAT <10 in 37 (41.5%).Patients CAT >10, spirometry revealed FVC <60%, should be evaluated for ILD by CT scan after 8 weeks and for long term pulmonary fibrosis. Conclusion: CAT score, effective tool in COPD find its use to assess post COVID-19 patients. It's a ready -made tool, less cost-expenditure, easy to use in rural ,urban set up to assess patients symptom ,long term effect.