PC-PF is a concerning respiratory sequelae in post-COVID patients. Studies have suggested its prevalence can be up to 10% in hospitalised patients².  

Our district general hospital established a level 2 Respiratory High Care Unit (RHCU) during the pandemic. We collected data to assess clinical outcome, follow-up and patient characteristics of those with radiographic evidence of PC-PF.

Between 1st June 2020 and 31st March 2021, 359 patients were admitted to our RHCU. 53% were infected with COVID-19. Of those 191 patients, 84% had ventilation support (VS). Among this group, 49% survived, 29% had respiratory follow-up (RFU) and 2.5% survived to discharge but subsequently died. For those without VS, 87% survived, 13% had RFU and 10% survived to discharge but subsequently died.

Overall, 50 out of 105 discharged patients had RFU, with 16% developing PC-PF. They were male, 75% ex-smokers, 88% required VS and 77% had coexisting respiratory conditions (Fig 1). At review, 50% required home oxygen therapy and 25% have since died.

Whilst most PC-PF patients are managed with supportive care, by optimising oxygenation and providing respiratory support, its severity, treatment options and impact on our healthcare system remains unclear. Further studies are crucial to investigate prognosis and improve management.

²Issa Al-Jahdhami et al. Oman Med J 2022; 31;37(1):e343