Evaluation of pulmonary function and exercise capacity after COVID-19 pneumonia

Background: Individuals who suffer from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia may experience pulmonary dysfunction during the chronic period due to pulmonary parenchymal damage after acute disease. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the pulmonary function and exercise capacity of patients treated for COVID 19 pneumonia after discharge. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 79 people who were hospitalized with COVID-19 between March and October 2020 were evaluated at least two months after discharge. A pulmonary function test and a six-minute walk test were administered to the individuals included in the study. Results: Restrictive-type disorder was detected in 21.5% of the individuals who were evaluated at least two months after discharge. The forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and the forced vital capacity (FVC) values of the pulmonary function tests were significantly lower in the individuals with severe/critical clinical disease compared to those with moderate disease (p = 0.004 and p = 0.001, respectively). Although the six-minute walk test (6MWT) distances were lower in the severe/critical group than in the moderate group, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Individuals who are discharged after hospitalization for COVID-19 pneumonia may develop a restrictive type of pulmonary dysfunction. Therefore, survivors of COVID-19 pneumonia should be evaluated for pulmonary function and rehabilitation needs and should be provided with treatment as required. (C) 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study found that individuals discharged after hospitalization for COVID-19 pneumonia may develop a restrictive type of pulmonary dysfunction. Patients with severe/critical clinical disease had significantly lower pulmonary function test values compared to those with moderate disease. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the six-minute walk test distance between the severe/critical group and the moderate group.