Hospital admission for COVID-19 pneumonitis - long-term impairment in quality of life and lung function

• Published in: European clinical respiratory journal Vol. 9; no. 1; p. 2024735
• Main Authors: Vejen, Marie, Hansen, Ejvind Frausing, Al-Jarah, Bakir Nabil Ibrahim, Jensen, Casper, Thaning, Pia, Jeschke, Klaus Nielsen, Ulrik, Charlotte Suppli
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Taylor & Francis 31.12.2022; Taylor & Francis Ltd; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: Coronaviruses; COVID-19; health-related quality of life; long term follow up; pulmonary function; Quality of life; sequelae; COVID-19; pulmonary function; sequelae; health-related quality of life; long term follow up
• DOI: 10.1080/20018525.2021.2024735
• ISSN: 2001-8525

Knowledge of long-term consequences of severe COVID-19 pneumonitis is of outmost importance. Our aim was, therefore, to assess the long-term impact on quality of life and lung function in adults hospitalized with severe COVID-19. All patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonitis at Copenhagen University Hospital-Hvidovre, Denmark, were invited to participate in the study 4-5 months after discharge. Of the 160 invited 128 responded positively (80%). Medical history and symptoms were assessed, and patients rated impact on quality of life and functional status with EuroQol-5D-5L and Post Covid Functional Scale. Lung function was assessed by dynamic spirometry and measurement of diffusing capacity. Fatigue, dyspnea, cough and cognitive dysfunction were the most common symptoms. Of 128 patients, 85% had at least one symptom, and 51% reported two or more symptoms. Self-rated Quality of life was impaired assessed by EuroQol 5D-5L, with dimensions 'Pain or discomfort' (61%) and 'Usual activities' (54%) mostly affected. Functional status was significantly worse than before COVID-19 assessed by Post-COVID Functional Scale. Among lung function parameters, diffusing capacity was most affected, with 45% having diffusing capacity < 80% of predicted. Fatigue, respiratory symptoms and cognitive symptoms are highly common months after hospitalization for severe COVID-19. Compared to pre-COVID-19, functional status and usual activities continued to be impaired. In line with this, almost half of the patients were found to have impaired diffusing capacity.