| Title: | Impact of Long COVID Syndrome on Lung Function in an Irish Population |
|---|---|
| Author(s): | G Nolan |
| Institution: | St Vincent's University Hospital |
| Poster: | Click to view poster |
| Category: | COVID 19 |
| Abstract: | Impact of Long COVID Syndrome on Lung Function in an Irish Population G. Nolan, E. Garvey, S. O’ Beirne St Vincent’s University Hospital, Dublin. Long COVID syndrome is defined as ‘signs and symptoms lasting more than 12 weeks that are not explained by an alternate diagnosis’. It is thought that between 10-50% of survivors may develop Long COVID, with many experiencing ongoing symptoms such as, dyspnoea, cough and fatigue. A retrospective audit of patients attending the Pulmonary Laboratory at St Vincent’s University Hospital was conducted. All pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were carried out according to the ATS/ERS 2005. Data (as percentage, mean ± SD, as appropriate) from the first 100 patients is presented in Table 1. Table 1. Results Females v Males 59% v 41% Age years 48 ± 13 BMI kg/m2 30.88 ± 7.76 Smoking history 72% non, 26% ex, 2% current smokers Underlying conditions Respiratory & Cardiac 30% & 21% Admitted to hospital 36% (20 required oxygen therapy) Admitted to ICU 13% (9 were intubated) Abnormal PFT results Spirometry 18%, DLCO 46%, MEP 36%, MIP 67% Gas exchange (DLCO) and inspiratory muscle strength (MIP) were the most reduced lung function parameters. The results of this retrospective audit of Irish patients is consistent with current published data. Further research is required to identify cause and treatments for this new syndrome. |
