Introduction

The Composite Physiologic Index (CPI) is one of the composite indexes used to predict prognosis in patients with Interstitial Lung Disease

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the association of CPI with dyspnea, disability and submaximal exercise tolerance in COVID-19 survivors.

Methods

It was a cross-sectional study conducted from 2020-2022 including patients who were referred, three months after hospitalization for COVID-19, to the department of Pulmonary Function Tests of Abderrahman Mami Hospital, Ariana, Tunisia.

All patients underwent spirometry with measurement of Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Diffusion Capacity of lungs for Carbone Monoxide (DLCO). CPI was calculated according to this formula: 91 ? (0.65 * DLCO)- (0.53*FVC) +(0.34*FEV1).

Submaximal exercise tolerance was evaluated by 6-Minute Walk Test. Disability was assessed by the Lawton scale and dyspnea by the mMRC scale.

Results

This study enrolled 531 patients with mean age of 59.55 ± 12.84 years and mean length of hospital stay of 13.53± 11.60 days. Means of Lawton score, 6-Minute Walk Distance (6MWD) and CPI were respectively 7.04± 1.72, 499.12± 123.1m and 27.88± 21.27. CPI was correlated with 6MWD (r=-0.44; p< 0.001), Lawton score (r= -0.24; p= 0.02) and mMRC scale (r=0.36; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

CPI can be considered as reliable tool to evaluate physical capacity and disability in COVID-19 survivors.