Clinical characteristics and outcomes of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis A case-control study

The development of pulmonary fibrosis is a rare complication of the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Limited information is available in the literature about that, and the present study aimed to address this gap. This case-control study included 64 patients with post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis who were hospitalized for COVID-19. The percentage of patients aged >= 65 years (44%) who demised was higher than those who survived (25%). Male patients (62%) had higher mortality than female patients (37%). The most frequently reported clinical symptoms were shortness of breath (98%), cough (91%), and fever (70%). Most COVID-19 patients with pulmonary fibrosis (81%) were admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU), and 63% required mechanical ventilation. Bilateral lung infiltrates (94%), ground glass opacity (91%), honeycomb lung (25%), and pulmonary consolidation (9%) were commonly identified in COVID-19 patients with pulmonary fibrosis who survived. The findings for computed tomography and dyspnea scale were significantly higher in severe cases admitted to the ICU who required mechanical ventilation. A higher computerized tomography score also correlated significantly with a longer duration of stay in hospital and a higher degree of dyspnea. Half of the COVID-19 patients with pulmonary fibrosis (50%) who survived required oxygen therapy, and those with honeycomb lung required long-term oxygen therapy to a far greater extent than others. Cox regression revealed that smoking and asthma were significantly associated with ICU admission and the risk of mortality. Post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis is a severe complication that leads to permanent lung damage or death.

Automated summary

This study investigated post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis and found that older age and male gender were associated with higher mortality. Common symptoms included shortness of breath, cough, and fever. Radiographic findings showed bilateral lung infiltrates and ground glass opacity in COVID-19 patients with pulmonary fibrosis, and some patients required oxygen therapy.