Hyperventilation syndrome (HVS) is described as somatic symptoms induced by physiologically inappropriate hyperventilation.

The objective of this study was to specify the predisposing factors for HVS after Covid-19.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted from October 2020 to September 2021 and included 254 patients who had SARS-COV-2 pneumonia. The Nijmegen score assesses the clinical probability of HVS according to 16 items and was performed 1 month after the acute infection. A score higher than 23/64 is suggestive of HVS. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on their score: G1 for those with HVS (n=37) and G2 for those without (n=203).

Results

The mean age was 55.6± 14.5 years, with no significant difference between the 2 groups. A significant female predominance was noticed in G1 59% vs 33% G2 (p=0.003). Smoking was noticed among 6 patients (16.2%) in G1 and 79 patients in G2 (39%) (p=0.006). No significant difference between the 2 groups regarding comorbidities except dyslipidemia(35% vs 16%, p=0.01). and anxiety (24% vs 3%, p=0.000) which were more frequent in G1

Clinically, G1 patients initially had more dyspnea (94% vs 78%, p=0.02) and chest pain (65% vs 38%, p=0.003). VHS was not associated with high-oxygen requirements or intensive care hospitalization.

At one month post-Covid, G1 patients had more dyspnea (73% vs 48%, p=0.007), myalgia (40% vs. 15%, p=0.000), asthenia (46% vs 16%, p=0.000) and vertigo (38% vs 10%, p=0.000). As for the blood gas, there was no significant difference between G1 and G2, especially for PaO2 (p=0.334) and paCO2 (p=0.437).

Conclusion:

HSV post-COVID-19 was more common in women, non-smokers, and anxious and dyslipidemic patients.