Post COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis; a meta-analysis study.

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Infectious Diseases
• Radiology

Background:

• Pulmonary fibrosis is a recognized complication following COVID-19 infection.
• The precise prevalence and contributing risk factors for post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis (PCPF) remain incompletely understood.
• Understanding these factors is crucial for managing long-term respiratory health in COVID-19 survivors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of pulmonary fibrosis after COVID-19 infection.
• To identify risk factors associated with the development of PCPF.
• To analyze common radiological findings in patients with PCPF.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive meta-analysis was conducted, searching major scientific databases (CINAHL, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EMBASE) for relevant English-language studies published up to December 3, 2021.
• Included studies involved patients diagnosed with post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis.
• Data extraction focused on patient demographics, clinical characteristics, comorbidities, COVID-19 severity indicators, and radiological findings.

Main Results:

• The meta-analysis included 13 studies comprising 2018 patients, with a prevalence of PCPF reported at 44.9%.
• Older age (mean 59 years in fibrotic patients vs. 48.5 years in non-fibrotic) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were associated with PCPF.
• Factors indicating severe COVID-19, such as high CT scores (≥18), ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, prolonged hospitalization, and specific treatments (steroids, antibiotics, immunoglobulins), significantly correlated with PCPF development.

Conclusions:

• Approximately 44.9% of individuals recovering from COVID-19 may develop pulmonary fibrosis.
• Indicators of severe COVID-19 illness are significantly linked to an increased risk of developing PCPF.
• Common radiological findings include parenchymal bands, ground-glass opacities, interlobular septal thickening, and consolidation.