Abstract

Study of evidence of long-term sequelae and complications of COVID-19 infection is much more relevant since the feasibility for long-term care and follow-up is limited in our country. Present study was aimed to study post COVID pulmonary complications in patients with moderate to severe disease at a tertiary hospital. Material and Methods: Present study was retrospective, analytical study, conducted in patients presenting to Pulmonology Out-patient unit or casualty with respiratory complications, with past history of moderate or severe COVID-19 infection. Results: Among 50 cases, majority of the study subjects (44%) belonged to the age group 41-60 years. This is followed by 18- 40 (34%) Men comprised 64% of the study subjects and women 36%. Majority of the subjects presented 6-12 months after recovering from COVID Disease Most common complaints were dyspnea, cough and fatigue. CRP, D-dimer and ferritin were slightly higher in men compared to women. However, only the difference in CRP was statistically significant. The difference in D-dimer and ferritin between the two groups was not statistically significant. Majority of the subjects (72%) has moderate disease, while severe disease was reported in 28%. Pulmonary Artery Hypertension was seen in 14% of the study subjects. There is a strong significant association between the PAH and severity of the past disease (P value = 0.005). Normal radiological appearance was noted in 22% of the study subjects. There was reduction in the ground glass opacities and fibrosis in subjects who presented late compared to those who presented early. Conclusion: Majority of the subjects were men, from 41-60 years age group, presented with complications 3-6 months after recovery and discharge from COVID. Mild impairment of DLCO was more commonly seen.

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