Muscle Dysfunction and Functional Status in COVID-19 Patients during Illness and after Hospital Discharge

Area of Science:

• Medical Science
• Pulmonology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• COVID-19 pneumonia is linked to systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and hypercatabolism.
• Significant muscle loss (sarcopenia) occurs during the acute phase of COVID-19.
• Long-term effects of muscle wasting in discharged patients require evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify muscle mass reduction during acute COVID-19 pneumonia.
• To assess long-term functional sequelae in patients after hospital discharge.
• To explore correlations between muscle mass, functional status, and quality of life.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 16 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and respiratory insufficiency was studied.
• Measurements included weight, BMI, lean body mass (LBM), albumin, CRP, NLR, ultrasound-assessed thigh muscle thickness (US RF and US RF + VI), handgrip strength, EQ-5D quality of life, and Barthel's ADLs.
• Data were collected at admission, discharge, and 1, 3, and 6 months post-discharge.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in thigh muscle thickness (US RF, US RF + VI), quality of life (EQ-5D), and activities of daily living (ADLs) were observed between admission and discharge.
• Positive correlation found between thigh muscle thickness (US RF + VI) and handgrip strength.
• Negative correlation noted between weight and Barthel index; muscle function correlated with EQ-5D and ADLs during follow-up.

Conclusions:

• COVID-19 pneumonia leads to significant muscle mass reduction during hospitalization.
• Health-related quality of life is substantially reduced for up to 6 months post-discharge, primarily due to muscle loss.
• Ultrasound measurement of thigh muscle thickness is a valuable tool for monitoring muscle loss in COVID-19 patients.