Lung function and exercise capacity 6 months after hospital discharge for critical COVID-19
: Kattainen Salla, Lindahl Anna, Vasankari Tuula, Ollila Henriikka, Volmonen Kirsi, Piirilä Päivi, Kauppi Paula, Paajanen Juuso, Kreivi Hanna-Riikka, Ulenius Linda, Varpula Tero, Aro Miia, Reijula Jere, Hästbacka Johanna
Publisher: BMC
: 2022
: BMC Pulmonary Medicine
: BMC PULMONARY MEDICINE
: BMC PULM MED
: 243
: 22
: 1
: 10
: 1471-2466
: 1471-2466
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12890-022-02023-w
: https://bmcpulmmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12890-022-02023-w
: https://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/176089755
Background
The significant morbidity caused by COVID-19 necessitates further understanding of long-term recovery. Our aim was to evaluate long-term lung function, exercise capacity, and radiological findings in patients after critical COVID-19.
Methods
Patients who received treatment in ICU for COVID-19 between March 2020 and January 2021 underwent pulmonary function tests, a 6MWD and CXR 6 months after hospital discharge.
Results
A restrictive ventilatory defect was found in 35% (23/65) and an impaired diffusing capacity in 52% (32/62) at 6 months. The 6-minute walk distance was reduced in 33% (18/55), and 7% (4/55) of the patients had reduced exercise capacity. Chest X-ray was abnormal in 78% (52/67) at 6 months after hospital discharge.
Conclusion
A significant number of patients had persisting lung function impairment and radiological abnormalities at 6 months after critical COVID-19. Reduced exercise capacity was rare.
