Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory tract infection caused by a newly emergent coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that can progress to severe multiorgan disease requiring hospitalization. The medium and long-term impact in survivors of COVID-19 on lung function, imaging by thoracic CT, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life and the relation of these parameters remains to be determined.
Aim: To evaluate medium to late (visit 1: 6-12 months after hospital discharge) effects of
COVID-19 on lung function, exercise capacity, thoracic CT findings, symptoms and HRQoL in
patients with confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the relation between these
parameters.
Material and methods: Prospective cohort of subjects with laboratory and/or thoracic CT
confirmed COVID-19 who were treated as inpatients. Participants will perform spirometry, lung
diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and cardiopulmonary exercise
testing (CPET) after 6-12 months (Visit 1) of COVID-19. Clinical, laboratory and chest image
data during the COVID-19 hospitalization will be obtained from medical records.
The minimum sample size was estimated as 37 participants.
Diagnostic Test: spirometry, thoracic CT, CPET, 6 minute walking test, SF-36 questionnaire
Participants will perform spirometry, lung diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), Short form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) after 6-12 months (Visit 1) of COVID-19. Clinical, laboratory and chest image data during the COVID-19 hospitalization will be obtained from medical records.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adult patients with Covid 19 diagnosis
- Ability to read and speak
- Signed informed consent.
- Able to perform exercise testing and walking
Exclusion Criteria:
- Subjects with limited exercise capacity
Koç University Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey
Benan Çağlayan, Prof Dr, Study Chair
Koç University Hospital Pulmonology Department