Respiratory and functional outcomes in post-hospitalized COVID-19 patients

Abstract

Introduction: COVID-19 is a disease with systemic manifestations that can result in respiratory and functional sequelae. Understanding these consequences is crucial for developing effective preventive and rehabilitative strategies. Objective: To assess the short- and long-term respiratory and functional repercussions following hospitalization for COVID-19. Methods: This observational, longitudinal, multicenter study evaluated individuals post-hospitalization for COVID-19 at 15, 90, and 180 days post-hospital discharge using the following measures: spirometry, maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), mMRC dyspnea scale, six-minute step test (6MST), handgrip strength, 30-second sit-to-stand test (30sSTS) and physical activity in daily life. Results: 65 participants (54.8 ±12.5 years, 54% male) were assessed at 15, 90, and 180 days post-hospital discharge. The results showed, respectively: forced vital capacity (FVC): 67.6 ± 25.4%, 76.7 ± 20.5%, and 70.1 ± 22.6% predicted; MIP: 77.4 ± 49.8%, 76.5 ± 48.8%, and 84.0 ± 54.1% predicted; mMRC: 2.0 (0.0 – 3.0), 1.0 (0.0 – 2.5), and 1.0 (0.0 – 3.0) points; 6MST: 70.7 ± 25.9%, 80.2 ± 29.8%, and 84.8 ± 31.3% predicted; 30sSTS: 61.3 ± 23.8%, 65.6 ± 19.5%, and 71.7 ± 20.0% predicted; handgrip strength: 101.3 ± 40.1%, 99.8 ± 35.5%, and 101.7 ± 31.2% predicted; physical activity: 23.1%, 10.8%, and 23.1% of participants were sedentary. Conclusion: Individuals post-hospitalization for COVID-19 exhibited persistent dyspnea, reductions in FVC, MIP, functional capacity, peripheral muscle strength, and low levels of physical activity. Dyspnea, reduced FVC, peripheral muscle strength, and low physical activity levels persisted even 180 days post- discharge.