Long-Term Pulmonary Evaluation of Intensive Care Unit Patients with Severe COVID-19

Background:The long-term pulmonary consequences and impact on respiratory function among patients discharged from intensive care unit (ICU) after severe COVID-19 are not well known.The purpose of this study was to investigate the pulmonary sequelae and long-term respiratory function of patients with severe COVID-19 who were discharged from the ICU. Materials and Methods:This prospective cohort study.First, 3 rd , and 6 th month symptoms, laboratory data, 6-minute walk test, sitto-stand test, BORG scale, pulmonary function test, chest X-ray, and thorax computed tomographys (CTs) of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who were treated and discharged from the ICU.Results: Sixty (74%) of the 81 patients included in the study were male, and the median age was 49 (43-61).The most common symptoms upon admission were dyspnea (69%), cough (42%), fever (47%), and fatigue (37%).At the 6-month follow-up, 30 (45%) of the 66 patients had at least one complaint, with dyspnea, cough, and muscle pain being the most common.When the symptoms of patients upon admission were compared with those during the 1 st , 3 rd , and 6 th months of follow-up, it was found that the symptoms of dyspnea, cough, and fatigue regressed.Furthermore, laboratory parameters such as lymphocyte and eosinophil counts, neutrophil lymphocyte ratio, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, ferritin, and D-dimer levels were improved (p<0.01).At the 6-month follow-up, thorax CT scans showed ground glass infiltration in 7 (28%) patients, fibrosis in 4 (16%), band atelectasis in 2 (8%), and fibrotic bands in 8 (32%).12% of patients had normal thorax CT scans. Conclusion:There has been a growing body of knowledge regarding the long-term impacts of COVID-19.Prolonged symptoms are linked to illness convalescence and the potential development of fibrosis, emphasizing the need for regular post-discharge monitoring of patients.It is recommended that a minimum of 6 months after the onset of COVID-19 is an appropriate duration to identify the long-term effects of COVID-19.