Pulmonary recovery directly after COVID-19 and in Long-COVID

Abstract

Permanent impairment in patients after SARS-CoV-2 infection is frequent, but neither pathophysiology nor mechanisms of the so-called Post-COVID-Syndrome (Long-COVID) are well understood. We present data on pulmonary impairment, pulmonary recovery and outcome comparing patients admitted to a specific COVID-19 rehabilitation program directly after COVID-19 infection with patients long after COVID-19 infection. Diagnostic work up included echocardiography, cardiopulmonary exercise testing and pleural sonography. The rehabilitation program included multimodal respiratory therapy, endurance and resistance muscular training, psychological assistance, and educational measures. Patients in both groups showed similar pulmonary problems. Diaphragm dysfunction was common in both groups. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing showed dysfunctional breathing in most patients of both groups. The specific rehabilitation program applied yielded marked improvements with satisfying pulmonary recovery in both groups. Return to work was possible or expected in most patients. In conclusion, directly after COVID-19 infection as well as in long Covid 4-20 months after COVID-19 dysfunctional breathing patterns in cardiopulmonary exercise testing and diaphragm dysfunction on ultrasound are common and need diagnostic awareness and therapy measures. Specialized rehabilitation programs directly after COVID-19 as well as for Long-COVID patients are effective therapeutic options.

Keywords: CPET; Diaphragm dysfunction; Dysfunctional breathing; Long-COVID; Post-COVID; Rehabilitation.