Abstract

Introduction: Post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis may be defined as persistent fibrotic changes identified on follow-up CT (Computed Tomography), such as traction bronchiectasis. Aims: To explore clinical variables associated with traction bronchiectasis and parenchymal bands on chest CT follow-up and establish a provision that predicts traction bronchiectasis. Methods: We undertook a cohort study of COVID-19 survivors discharged from public hospitals from June 2020 to December 2021 in Curitiba/PR (BRAZIL). Survivors were interviewed and performed one follow-up CT. The primary outcomes were traction bronchiectasis and parenchymal bands. Multivariable adjusted logistic regression models were used to evaluate the risk factors of CT outcomes. Results: 63 COVID-19 survivors performed CT follow-up. The mean age was 52 years (±13.3 [SD]), and 28 were men. At the outpatient review, 52 (82,5%) reported dyspnea, and 8 (12,7%) reported mMRC of 4. The median length of hospital stay was 14 (IQR,7-25) days. The median CT follow-up time was 151 days (IQR,120-198). Traction bronchiectasis was identified in 14 (22.2%) and parenchymal bands in 38 (60.3%). Hospitalization time is the leading risk factor associated with both (OR 1.119; 95% CI 1.045 ? 1.2; p=0.001) and (OR 1.122; 95% CI 1.041-1.21; p=0.003), respectively. Conclusions: The length of hospital stay and mMRC of 4 on the dyspnea scale on a first visit after discharge were associated with higher odds of traction bronchiectasis on CT, the provision that predicts the probability of traction bronchiectasis contribute to identifying who needs multidisciplinary care after being discharged.