Post COVID Lung Function In a Cohort of Healthcare Workers-A Prospective

Saamel FT, Bastien P and Macen HK

Published on: 2023-01-27

Abstract

Background: The global healthcare system is continuing to confront major challenges during the current COVID-19 pandemic, with the second wave the deadliest one to date. There has been an increased burden on health care workers, along with increased risk of infection.

Aim and objectives: To assess the respiratory function in healthcare workers post covid positive status and also to know the change in respiratory function among patients who have recovered from confirmed covid-19 infection.

Materials and methods: After obtaining approval from Institutional Ethics Committee and informed consent, 96 patients who were confirmed covid-19 positive healthcare workers were included in the study. Each patient’s demographic, clinical, treatment data, respiratory function details, 6 minute walk test were noted in the proforma. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: Total of 96 Covid-19 positive health care workers were included in the study. Mean age of the participants was 43.44±13.91years, with majority were mild (45.88%) in severity followed by moderate (29.16%) and severe (25%). Male, high CT score, intravenous remdesivir, intravenous steroids and low SPO2 were the few factors associated with severe cases. Fever (28.29%) followed by cough (19.55), breathlessness (10.02%), weakness (7.9%) and myalgia (5.3%) were the most common presenting symptoms. We observed statistically significant improvement in ventilatory defects like FEV1%, FEV1/FVC, PEF and FEV (25-75%) from baseline to 12 weeks.

Conclusions: This study provides data on respiratory functional change among health care workers who have recovered from confirmed covid 19 infection, which highlights the importance of early detection and management of impaired lung function in COVID-19 positive cases.