Longitudinal Outcomes and Risk Factors Associated with COVID-19 Pulmonary Fibrosis : A Comprehensive Analysis.

<bold>Background:</bold> This study aims to provide the prevalence and potential risk factors of pulmonary fibrosis after COVID-19 infection. <bold>Methods:</bold> We conducted a retrospective analysis on patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) infection from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022, focusing on patients who recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia after treatment but whose pulmonary fibrosis was confirmed through chest x-ray or chest CT examination. <bold>Results:</bold> 6,069 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022. Of these, 349 patients underwent follow-up chest CT within one year. Finally, 347 patients were included in this study, and 66 patients were found to have developed pulmonary fibrosis within one year of follow up on chest CT after COVID-19 infection. <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA1569/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig> <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA1569/F2</object-id><object-id>F2</object-id><object-id>F2</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig> <bold>Conclusion:</bold> The prevalence of Post COVID-19 Pulmonary Fibrosis was higher in men, patients with a history of smoking and alcohol consumption, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as an underlying condition, and severity of COVID-19 infection increased. Careful follow-up is necessary for patients diagnosed with COVID-19 who have these risk factors.