Background: Some patients after severe COVID-19 pneumonia (B.1.1.7 variant SARS-CoV-2) experienced prolongled oxygen desaturation. According to some studies corticosteroids could be considered for treatment of persistent radiological sequelae and respiratory symptoms.

Aims and objectives: to investigate lung function, symptoms, and lung sequelae on CT in patients treated with corticosteroid therapy in two dose regimens with control group of patients without additional corticosteroid therapy.

Methods: Study included 93 patients who were hospitalized for severe pneumonia with prolonged respiratory insufficiency (for 20 days from the symptoms onset). Group I (N 30) received prednisone 40 mg with dose tapering for 14 days after discharge from the hospital, group II (N 40) received prednisone 40 mg for 3 months with dose tapering, and control group consisted of 19 patients who did not receive additional therapy. Lung function (FVC, FEV1, DLCO, KCO, TLC), symptoms, and lung abnormalities were scored in three months follow-up. Consolidations, crazy paving, ground glass opacities, and residual fibrotic-like abnormalities were evaluated on CT.

Results: Patients who received corticosteroid therapy for three months did not have better CT findings, lung function, or dyspnea symptoms in comparison to the patients treated with 14 days of therapy or with control group of patients. Onwards, control group had significantly fewer dyspnea symptoms (Chi-square test, p=0,04) and higher DLCO (Kruskal Wallis test, p=0,03).

Conclusions: Prolonged corticosteroid therapy did not have positive impact on lung function, dyspnea symptoms or lung sequelae on CT.