INTRODUCTION

Lung injury and fibrosis developed in some patients after COVID-19 infection. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis(IPF) is characterized by fibroblast accumulation and fibrosis.We aimed to compare functional measures between IPF and post-COVID lung injury(PCLI) patients.

METHODS

A single center, cross-sectional study was applied. PCLI and IPF patients followed in chest diseases outpatient clinic in a university hospital included in the study. 6-minute walk test was applied all to the patients. Additionally, during the same visit, the Borg and Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scales were administered. Radiological records of the patients were evaluated by a Radiologist and scored in terms of lung parenchymal involvement.Radiological images were evaluated and scored.Variables adjusted for age,gender and BMI by linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 71 patients were included in the study. Forty-eight (67.6%) of the patients were male and the mean age was 65.4±10.3 years. Age of PCLI patients was lower (63±12 vs 68±7 years; p=0.02) and IPF patients had higher percentage of hypertension (36.1% vs 65.7%; p=0.02). Other characteristic features were found to be similar (Table 1).

6MWT distance and duration,oxygen saturation before and after 6MWT of PCLI patients were higher(P<0.001).Ground glass opacity was significantly higher in PCLI patients(P<0.001).Fibrosis score was higher in IPF patients(P<0.001).Total severity score was similar(P=0.17) (Table 2).

CONCLUSION

Despite similar levels of radiological involvement and dyspnea symptom severity,PCLI patients had greater functional status measures.