Background

Both hospitalized and non-hospitalized patients with COVID-19 have long-term symptoms, described as post COVID-19 condition (PCC). Some of the most common and reported symptoms are dyspnea, cough, chest tightness and dysfunctional breathing.

Aim

Identify and describe patients with respiratory problems in a cohort of patients with PCC

Method

An observational study with a cross-sectional design was conducted. Participants were recruited via the out-patient clinic for PCC at Karolinska University Hospital. Data was collected in the clinic between May 20 and Dec 22, and included maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and lung function measurement (forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume for 1 second (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, total lung capacity (TLC), functional residual capacity (FRC), residual volume (RV) and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO)).

Results

In total 864 participants were included whereof 432 (38% hospitalized) reported respiratory problems and mMrc 2-4. Among these, 69% had impaired MIP, 83% impaired 6MWT and abnormal lung function values were seen in 16% for FVC, 17% for FEV1, 6% for FEV1/FVC, 14% for TLC, 19% for FRC, 25% for RV and 28% for DLCO. There were 432 (whereof 62% hospitalized) participants who reported no respiratory problems or mMrc 0-1, even though they didn´t report respiratory symptoms impairment in MIP (57%), 6MWT (62%) and lung function values (14% for FVC, 13% for FEV1, 6% for FEV1/FVC, 10% for TLC, 17% FRC, 21% RV and 18% for DLCO) were seen.

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of patients with PCC and respiratory problems show impaired respiratory findings. Future studies need to follow-up the long-term effect and how it affects patients physical and mental health