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. 2024 Oct 14;30(3):e1629.
doi: 10.7196/AJTCCM.2024.v30i3.1629. eCollection 2024.

The impact of mild COVID-19 on medium-term respiratory function

J van Heerden  1   2 , H Strijdom  2 , A Parker  3 , B W Allwood  1 , U Lalla  1   2   3   4   5   6 , C J Lombard  4   5   6 , C F N Koegelenberg  1
Affiliations

The impact of mild COVID-19 on medium-term respiratory function

J van Heerden et al. Afr J Thorac Crit Care Med. .

Abstract

Background: There is a paucity of evidence on the impact of mild COVID-19 on the respiratory system, particularly in non-healthcare seeking individuals.

Objectives: To investigate the effects of mild COVID-19 on respiratory function and to identify indicators of decreased lung function.

Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in 175 non-healthcare-seeking individuals with confirmed acute SARS-CoV-2 infection who did not require hospitalisation. Participants were divided into three groups: those who had pulmonary function tests (PFTs) within 6 months, between 6 and 12 months, and between 12 and 24 months after infection. Each participant underwent spirometry, measurement of the diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO ), a 6-minute walking distance test (6MWD) and plethysmography.

Results: The mean age of the participants was 44.3 years, and the mean body mass index (BMI) 32.7 kg/m². Forty-six participants had PFTs within 6 months, 64 between 6 and 12 months, and 65 between 12 and 24 months. Lower than expected DLCO was the most commonly detected abnormality (57%). Spirometry anomalies were noted in 23%, 10% showing an obstructive impairment and 13% a restrictive impairment, confirmed by a total lung capacity <80%. An increased BMI was the only variable that was significantly and independently linearly associated with lower than predicted (<80%) forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in the 1st second, DLCO and 6MWD.

Conclusion: DLCO was low in a considerable proportion of non-healthcare-seeking individuals 2 years after mild COVID-19. A high BMI was found to be significantly and independently associated with lower than predicted PFT results and 6MWD.

Study synopsis: What the study adds. We found that pulmonary function, particularly diffusing capacity, was lower than predicted in a significant proportion of non-healthcare-seeking individuals up to 2 years after mild COVID-19. A high body mass index (BMI) was found to be significantly and independently associated with decreased lung function.Implications of the findings. There is a paucity of evidence on the medium-term effects of mild COVID-19 on the respiratory system in non-healthcare-seeking individuals. We investigated the medium-term effects of mild COVID-19 on the respiratory system, showed lower than predicted lung function, and identified one independent predictor, BMI. Even individuals classified as having 'mild' COVID-19 could have medium-term respiratory sequelae.

Keywords: Body mass index; carbon monoxide; diffusion; mild COVID-19; pulmonary function tests.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Symptoms reported as having been experienced during the time of SARS-CoV-2 infection N=175 participants
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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