3-month, 6-month, 9-month, and 12-month respiratory outcomes in patients following COVID-19-related hospitalisation: a prospective study

BackgroundThe consequences of COVID-19 in those who recover from acute infection requiring hospitalisation have yet to be clearly defined. We aimed describe the temporal trends respiratory outcomes over 12 months patients hospitalised for severe and investigate associated risk factors.MethodsIn this prospective, longitudinal, cohort study, admitted hospital did not require mechanical ventilation were prospectively followed up at 3 months, 6 9 after discharge Renmin Hospital Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. Patients with a history hypertension; diabetes; cardiovascular disease; cancer; chronic lung disease, including asthma or obstructive pulmonary smoking documented time admission excluded electronic case-note review. required intubation given potential itself influence factors under investigation. During follow-up visits, interviewed underwent physical examination, routine blood test, function tests (ie, diffusing capacity lungs carbon monoxide [DLCO]; forced expiratory flow between 25% 75% vital [FVC]; functional residual capacity; FVC; FEV1; volume; total capacity), chest high-resolution CT (HRCT), 6-min walk distance as well assessment using modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale (mMRC).FindingsBetween Feb 1, March 31, 2020, 135 eligible patients, 83 (61%) participated study. The median age participants was 60 years (IQR 52–66). Temporal improvement physiology exercise observed most patients; however, persistent physiological radiographic abnormalities remained some discharge. found significant reduction DLCO study period, 77% predicted 67–87) 76% (68–90) 88% (78–101) At discharge, radiological changes persisted 20 (24%) patients. Multivariate logistic regression showed increasing odds impaired female sex (odds ratio 8·61 [95% CI 2·83–26·2; p=0·0002) peak HRCT pneumonia scores during (1·36 [1·13–1·62]; p=0·0009).InterpretationIn recovered COVID-19, improved time; subgroup we evidence change. A unified pathway is required.FundingNational Natural Science Foundation China, UK Council, National Institute Health Southampton Biomedical Centre.TranslationFor Chinese translation abstract see Supplementary Materials section. factors. In (mMRC). Between p=0·0009). required.