Introduction and aim

There is no generally accepted consensus for the treatment of post-COVID-19 interstitial lung disease. Our study aimed to investigate the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy in this group of patients.

Methods

Patients with interstitial lung findings after COVID-19 infection between 1 Jan 2021-31 Dec 2022 were included in the study. Methylprednisolone and/or mycophenolate mofetil were started in symptomatic patients with extensive parenchymal involvement. Demographic data, vital signs, pulmonary function test (PFT), 6-minute walking test (6 MWT) results, thorax computed tomography (CT) findings were recorded at the time of admission and 6th-month at follow.

Results

The mean age of 35 patients was 57.17±9.31. The mean hospital stay was 37.79±21.18 days during the COVID-19 infection. Methylprednisolone was given to 23 patients, methylprednisolone+mycophenolate mofetil to 11 patients, and mycophenolate mofetil alone to 1 patient. The median duration of treatment was 9 months (IQR25-75: 6-14). The median follow-up period was 14 months (IQR25-75: 11-17). 1 patient died in the 5th month. 13 patients are still receiving treatment. When the patients were evaluated at 6 months, 7 patients had stopped their oxygen support. A statistically significant increase was observed in SpO2, FVC, %FVC, %FEV1 values (p<0.005). There was a quantitative improvement in DLCO and 6MWT results, although not statistically significant. In thorax CT findings, the improvement in ground glass and reticulation was statistically significant (p<0.005).

Conclusion

Immunosuppressive therapy is effective in improving functional and radiological findings in suitable patients with post-COVID-19 interstitial lung disease.