Pulmonary functions under general anaesthesia in patients recovered from COVID-19

Pulmonary functions under general anaesthesia in patients recovered from COVID-19 - Background: COVID-19, which caused a global pandemic, has exhibited a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, ranging from asymptomatic cases to severe hyperinflammatory responses, respiratory failure, and ARDS. Long-term complications in the post-acute stage of COVID-19 are predominantly associated with the respiratory system. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term pulmonary functions of patients who either managed their COVID-19 infection at home or were discharged after short-term hospital care. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, peripheral oxygen saturation (SaO2), end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), inspiratory maximum pressure (IMP), and plateau pressure (PP) were measured. Driving pressure (P drive) and compliance (C) values were calculated under general anaesthesia in patients who had mild COVID-19 or had no history of COVID-19. Results: No significant differences were observed in the respiratory dynamics between patients with a history of mild COVID-19 and those without, when evaluated under general anaesthesia. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that mild COVID-19 does not lead to long-term deterioration in respiratory dynamics under anaesthesia. However, additional post-stress evaluations are necessary to identify potential latent respiratory dysfunction in patients recovering from mild COVID-19. Keywords: COVID-19, Anaesthesia, Respiratory function, Compliance.