Diffusion dysfunction in severe convalescent COVID-19 patients of 6 to 9
months follow-up
Abstract
Objective: To explore the long-term effects of SARS-Cov-2 infection on
the pulmonary function in convalescent COVID-19 patients of 6 to 9
months follow-up in Beijing, China. Methods: 64 cases of COVID-19
patients were recruited for the study, discharged from the Beijing Ditan
Hospital, Capital Medical University for 6 to 9 months. COVID-19
patients were divided into mild, moderate and severe groups. The
pulmonary function tests, the novel coronavirus antibody (IgM and IgG),
chest CT and blood tests were investigated during follow-up. Results:
31.2% (20/64) patients had pulmonary ventilation dysfunction and 35.9%
(23/64) had diffusion dysfunction. In the severe group, 56.50% (13/23)
individuals showed decreased diffusion function. The diffusion
dysfunction of severe group was significant decreased than the moderate
(P=0.021). Among 56 cases, the positive rate of IgG titers was 73.2%
(41/56). The result of chest CT showed 55.4% (31/56) cases in nodules,
44.6% (25/56) in strip-like changes, 37.5% (21/56) in ground glass
shadow. Patients were tended to have ground glass changes in the severe
group, while nodules in the moderate group. Conclusion: For the 6 to 9
months in convalescent COVID-19 patients, 56.50% (13/23) severe
patients had pulmonary diffusion dysfunction. In the convalescent
COVID-19 patients, especially those with severe illness, should have
their pulmonary function tested regularly.