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. 2022 Jun 22;22(1):243.
doi: 10.1186/s12890-022-02023-w.

Lung function and exercise capacity 6 months after hospital discharge for critical COVID-19

Salla Kattainen #  1   2   3 , Anna Lindahl #  4   5 , Tuula Vasankari  5   6 , Henriikka Ollila  7   4 , Kirsi Volmonen  8 , Päivi Piirilä  4   9 , Paula Kauppi  10 , Juuso Paajanen  10 , Hanna-Riikka Kreivi  10 , Linda Ulenius  11 , Tero Varpula  7   4 , Miia Aro  5 , Jere Reijula  10 , Johanna Hästbacka  7   4
Affiliations

Lung function and exercise capacity 6 months after hospital discharge for critical COVID-19

Salla Kattainen et al. BMC Pulm Med. .

Abstract

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.

Keywords: ARDS; COVID-19; Critical care; Exercise capacity; Lung function.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow chart of patient selection
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
A chest X-ray of an ICU treated patient for COVID-19 showing mainly parenchymal bands (black arrows), faint ground glass opacity (thin white arrows) and consolidation (thick white arrow) 6 months after hospital discharge
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Measured SpO2 and heart rate during the 6-minute walk test. SpO2, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation; HR, heart rate
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Distribution of abnormal findings in lung function tests, 6-minute walk test and chest X-ray 6 months after hospital discharge
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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