Pulmonary function in patients surviving to COVID-19 pneumonia.

Authors :: Fumagalli A
Misuraca C
Bianchi A
Borsa N
Limonta S
Maggiolini S
Bonardi DR
Corsonello A
Di Rosa M
Soraci L
Lattanzio F
Colombo D
Source :: Infection [Infection] 2021 Feb; Vol. 49 (1), pp. 153-157. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Jul 28.
Publication Year :: 2021
Abstract: Purpose: The aim of our study was to assess respiratory function at the time of clinical recovery and 6 weeks after discharge in patients surviving to COVID-19 pneumonia.<br />Methods: Our case series consisted of 13 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia.<br />Results: At the time of clinical recovery, FEV1 (2.07 ± 0.72 L) and FVC (2.25 ± 0.86 L) were lower compared to lower limit of normality (LLN) values (2.56 ± 0.53 L, p = 0.004, and 3.31 ± 0.65 L, p < 0.001, respectively), while FEV1/FVC (0.94 ± 0.07) was higher compared to upper limit of normality (ULN) values (0.89 ± 0.01, p = 0.029). After 6 weeks pulmonary function improved but FVC was still lower than ULN (2.87 ± 0.81, p = 0.014).<br />Conclusion: These findings suggest that COVID-19 pneumonia may result in clinically relevant alterations in pulmonary function tests, with a mainly restrictive pattern.