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Diaphragm dysfunction after severe COVID-19: An ultrasound study
Alain Boussuges1,2, Paul Habert3, Guillaume Chaumet4
1Faculté de Médecine, Center for Cardiovascular and Nutrition Research, C2VN, INSERM 1263, INRAE 1260, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.
Frontiers in Medicine
|September 12, 2022
Summary
Diaphragm dysfunction occurred in 10% of patients after severe COVID-19. Ultrasound revealed impairment, but physiotherapy improved respiratory function in most patients with diaphragm dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Severe COVID-19 can impact diaphragm function during acute illness.
- The long-term frequency of diaphragm dysfunction post-COVID-19 recovery is largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate diaphragm function in patients with persistent respiratory symptoms 3-4 months after severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
- To assess the prevalence and characteristics of diaphragm dysfunction (DD) in this population.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 132 patients with persistent respiratory symptoms post-severe COVID-19.
- Assessed respiratory function using pulmonary function tests.
- Evaluated diaphragm function via ultrasonography.
Main Results:
- Diaphragm dysfunction (DD) was detected in 13% of patients, including two cases of hemidiaphragm paralysis.
- Patients with DD reported more muscle pain and had a history of cardiothoracic/abdominal surgery.
- DD was associated with reduced lung volumes, decreased DLCO, and increased dyspnea scores.
Conclusions:
- Ultrasonography identified diaphragm dysfunction in 10% of post-severe COVID-19 patients, potentially unmasking pre-existing conditions.
- COVID-19 contributed to diaphragm function impairment.
- Respiratory physiotherapy led to functional improvements in most patients.
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