[Long-term follow-up study of post-COVID-19 patients]

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Radiology
• Immunology
• Hematology

Context:

• Coronavirus pneumonia can lead to significant lung damage and systemic effects.
• Understanding the long-term sequelae of coronavirus pneumonia is crucial for patient management.
• Dynamic changes in pulmonary function, hemostasis, and immune response require thorough investigation.

Purpose:

• To evaluate dynamic changes in lung structure and function, hemostasis, and immune system at different time points post-coronavirus pneumonia.
• To assess the progression of pathological changes and functional recovery using advanced imaging and physiological methods.

Summary:

• Chest CT scans revealed a decrease in pathological lung tissue from 67.3% during hospitalization to 30.9% early (30-60 days) and 19.7% late (61-180 days) post-discharge.
• Pulmonary diffusion capacity showed a similar improving trend, while perfusion deficits decreased from 26.0% to 19.4%.
• Ventilatory scintigraphy indicated prolonged isotope transit time across the alveolar-capillary membrane, suggesting impaired gas exchange over time. D-dimer levels were elevated in 24% of patients early post-discharge. Inflammatory markers and immune responses did not significantly differ between early and late follow-up groups.

Impact:

• The study demonstrates a gradual regression of lung pathology following coronavirus pneumonia.
• Findings highlight the potential for persistent or worsening gas exchange abnormalities despite overall tissue recovery.
• Results underscore the need for continued monitoring of pulmonary function and potential thrombotic risk in post-coronavirus pneumonia patients.