Long-Term Characteristics of Severe Covid-19

Respiratory Function, Functional Capacity, and Quality of Life

Bibliographic Data

ID15480926
AuthorsUkbe Şırayder (0000-0001-7094-3432, Nuh Naci Yazgan University, corresponding author), Deniz İnal-İnce (Hacettepe University), Büşra Kepenek-Varol (0000-0001-5488-5316, Nuh Naci Yazgan University), Cihangir Açık (Nuh Naci Yazgan University)
Year2022
Volume19
Issue10
Pages6304-6304
Publication date2022-05-23
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1661-7827 • E-ISSN: 1660-4601
PublisherMultidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (PUBLISHER • CH)
DOI10.3390/ijerph19106304
PMID35627841
OpenAlexW4281388077
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited7

Recovery from pneumonia takes around 3−6 months in individuals with severe COVID-19. In order to detect the isolated damage caused by COVID-19, the 6-month period must pass after the recoveries. However, to our knowledge, no published study analyzes a comprehensive evaluation of individuals with severe COVID-19 after 6 months. We aimed to evaluate long-term consequences of severe COVID patients by comparing respiratory function, functional capacity, quality of life, fatigue, and balance 6 months after the intensive care unit (ICU) discharge with healthy individuals. Method: 26 post-COVID adult patients and 26 healthy individuals (control group) were included in this study. Physical characteristics of both groups and patients’ ICU data, including APACHE II scores, were recorded. Lung function, respiratory, and peripheral muscle strength were measured. The lower limit of normal (LLN) cutoff points for forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were calculated. A 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was used to assess functional capacity. Time Up and Go test (TUG) with a stadiometer was performed for balance evaluation. Quality of life was evaluated using Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) and St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Results: Percent predicted FVC and FEV1, 6MWT distance, change in oxygen saturation (SpO2) during 6MWT, were lower and NHP, SGRQ, FSS scores and TUG findings were higher in the COVID group than the control group (p < 0.05). The FVC of nine individuals and the FEV1 value of seven individuals in the COVID-19 group were below the LLN values. A moderate correlation was found between ICU length of stay and APACHE II scores with FVC, FEV1, 6MWT distance, and change in SpO2 values in the COVID-19 patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Respiratory function, functional capacity, quality of life, and fatigue levels of the individuals with severe COVID-19 infection are impaired at 6 months after ICU discharge. Impaired lung function might be associated with severe inflammation, which starts during the acute infection process and the fibrous tissue during the healing process, impairing lung compliance and diffusion capacity. Infiltration of coronavirus and inflammatory cytokines into the cerebrum and muscle might have increased fatigue and decreased functional capacity. Overall, our study suggests that severe COVID patients need post-discharge care even after 6 months of recovery

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19 · Diffusing capacity · Disease · Lung · Lung function · Oxygen saturation · Physical therapy · Pneumonia · Pulmonary function testing · Quality of life (healthcare · Respiratory system · Vital capacity · COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies · Long-Term Effects of COVID-19 · Medicine · Respiratory Support and Mechanisms · Internal Medicine

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