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Spirometry in Children at Six Months After SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Single-Center Study
Pothireddy Sharanya1, Devendra Mishra1, Anurag Agarwal1
1Department of Pediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College and associated Lok Nayak Hospital, Delhi.
Insights
One-third of children experienced abnormal lung function, specifically reduced forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume, six months after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Underweight children had higher odds of these abnormal spirometry results.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Infectious Diseases
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection can impact various organ systems.
- Long-term respiratory sequelae in children post-SARS-CoV-2 infection require further investigation.
- Spirometry is a key tool for assessing lung function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate spirometry parameters in children six months after severe SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with abnormal lung function post-SARS-CoV-2.
Main Methods:
- A single-center descriptive study involving 40 children (aged 7-18 years) six months post-SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Spirometry was performed to measure forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1).
- Clinical history and examination were recorded; statistical analysis identified associations with spirometry results.
Main Results:
- Thirty percent (12/40) of children exhibited abnormal spirometry (FVC <80%), with 83.3% of those also having FEV1 <80%.
- Underweight children had significantly higher odds of abnormal spirometry (OR 5.13, P=0.028).
- No significant association was found between abnormal spirometry and age, sex, infection severity, or oxygen requirement.
Conclusions:
- Abnormal spirometry findings were present in one-third of children at the six-month follow-up after SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Underweight status is a potential risk factor for impaired lung function post-SARS-CoV-2 in children.
- Further research is needed to understand the long-term respiratory implications of SARS-CoV-2 in pediatric populations.
Objective:
To study the spirometry parameters of children six months after severe acute coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.
Methods:
This single center descriptive study enrolled children aged 7-18 years after 6 months of SARS-CoV-2 infection. A detailed interval history and clinical examination was recorded. Spirometry was performed and best of the three attempts was taken into consideration to measure forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume 1 second (FEV1).
Results:
A convenience sample of 40 (21 boys) children was enrolled, median (IQR) age 13 (10.75, 17) years. Twelve (30%) children had abnormal spirometry with low FVC (<80%); 10/12 (83.3%) had FEV1<80%. Children who were underweight had higher odds of having abnormal spirometry [OR (95% CI) 5.13 (1.19, 22.11); P=0.028]. There was no significant association of abnormal spirometry with age, sex, severity of initial infection and oxygen requirement during the initial infection (P>0.05).
Conclusion:
Abnormal spirometry results were observed in one-third children post-SARS-CoV-2 infection at six months follow-up.
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