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Pulmonary function in patients surviving to COVID-19 pneumonia
Alessia Fumagalli1, Clementina Misuraca1, Achille Bianchi1
1Respiratory Unit, IRCCS INRCA (Italian National Research Centre On Aging), 23880, Casatenovo, LC, Italy.
Infection
|July 30, 2020
Summary
Patients surviving COVID-19 pneumonia showed significant respiratory function deficits, including reduced forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC), indicating potential long-term lung impairment.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- COVID-19 pneumonia can lead to significant respiratory compromise.
- Long-term respiratory sequelae in COVID-19 survivors require further investigation.
Observation:
- This case series evaluated 13 patients who survived COVID-19 pneumonia.
- Respiratory function was assessed at clinical recovery and 6 weeks post-discharge.
Findings:
- At clinical recovery, patients exhibited lower FEV1 and FVC compared to normal limits.
- FEV1/FVC ratio was elevated, suggesting a restrictive pattern of lung disease.
- Pulmonary function improved by 6 weeks, but FVC remained below normal limits.
Implications:
- COVID-19 pneumonia can cause lasting, clinically relevant changes in pulmonary function.
- A restrictive ventilatory defect is a common finding in these patients.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term prognosis and management of respiratory complications post-COVID-19.
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