Post-discharge spirometry evaluation in patients recovering from moderate-to-critical COVID-19: a cross-sectional study

• Published in: SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
• Main Authors: Chai, Chee-Shee; Bin Ibrahim, Muhammad Amin; Azhar, Nur Amira Binti; Roslan, Zulaika Binti; Harun, Rozila Binti; Krishnabahawan, Swarna Lata; Karthigayan, Aruna A. P.; Kadir, Roqiah Fatmawati Binti Abdul; Johari, Busra Binti; Ng, Diana-Leh-Ching; Sim, Benedict-Lim-Heng; Liam, Chong-Kin; Bin Muttalif, Abdul Razak; Bin Rasit, Ahmad Hata; Peariasamy, Kalaiarasu M.; Rani, Mohammed Fauzi Bin Abdul
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: NATURE PORTFOLIO 2024
• Subjects: Science & Technology - Other Topics
• Online Access: https://www-webofscience-com.uitm.idm.oclc.org/wos/woscc/full-record/WOS:001337302400106

Understanding the prevalence of abnormal lung function and its associated factors among patients recovering from COVID-19 is crucial for enhancing post-COVID care strategies. This study primarily aimed to determine the prevalence and types of spirometry abnormalities among post-COVID-19 patients in Malaysia, with a secondary objective of identifying its associated factors. Conducted at the COVID-19 Research Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, University Technology MARA, from March 2021 to December 2022, this study included patients at least three months post-discharge from hospitals following moderate-to-critical COVID-19. Of 408 patients studied, abnormal spirometry was found in 46.8%, with 28.4% exhibiting a restrictive pattern, 17.4% showing preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm), and 1.0% displaying an obstructive pattern. Factors independently associated with abnormal spirometry included consolidation on chest X-ray (OR 8.1, 95% CI 1.75-37.42, p = 0.008), underlying cardiovascular disease (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.19-10.47, p = 0.023), ground-glass opacity on chest X-ray (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.52-4.30, p < 0.001), and oxygen desaturation during the 6-min walk test (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.20-3.06, p = 0.007). This study highlights that patients recovering from moderate-to-critical COVID-19 often exhibit abnormal spirometry, notably a restrictive pattern and PRISm. Routine spirometry screening for high-risk patients is recommended.