Study on long-term consequences after SARS-CoV-2 infection

DZL scientists at the Thoraxklinik Heidelberg investigated the long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection for lung health. They showed that respiratory symptoms and limitations in lung function are common even in younger, predominantly healthy patients months after surviving infection. The study results of 246 patients were recently published in the European Respiratory Journal.

Most people who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 show a mild course of the disease. Only about one in five infected individuals requires hospitalization for a severe course of the disease. Knowledge of the risk factors for severe courses, such as older age and certain previous illnesses, was already high at the pandemic’s beginning. However, the long-term consequences of surviving an infection are still the subject of current research.

A team of physicians and scientists from the Thoraxklinik Heidelberg has investigated how survived SARS-CoV-2 infection affects the lung health of middle-aged patients. A large proportion of these patients (>90%) had been treated in the home setting, their average age was about 48 years, and only about 40% of them suffered from pre-existing conditions.

Almost all patients (99%) showed typical disease symptoms at diagnosis. They suffered from loss of taste (65%), cough (65%), and fever (59%). After about two months, nearly half of these patients still had respiratory symptoms such as cough (32%) and shortness of breath (14%). In addition, their lung function was worse compared with fully recovered patients, and their symptoms required treatment with inhaled medications.

The researchers conclude that even patients’ lung health without prior disease may be compromised months after surviving SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, structured follow-up should be provided to detect and treat long-term lung consequences early.

Further information:

An explanation video on long-term consequences after SARS-CoV-2 infection / COVID-19 - YouTube

Original publication: Residual symptoms and lower lung function in patients recovering from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Trinkmann F, Müller M, Reif A, Kahn N, Kreuter M, Trudzinski F, Eichinger M, Heussel CP, Herth FJF; Lung Network Rhine-Neckar-Region. Eur Respir J. 2021 Jan 21:2003002. doi: 10.1183/13993003.03002-2020. Online ahead of print. PMID: 33479105

Source: TLRC