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BREAKING COVID-News! Study Shows That There is No Recovery From Mild COVID-19 Induced Lung Function Damage Even After Two Years!
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 27, 2024 9 months, 3 weeks, 4 days, 22 hours, 1 minute ago
COVID-19 News: In a groundbreaking study conducted at Copenhagen University Hospital, Amager and Hvidovre in Denmark, researchers have unveiled alarming findings regarding the long-term consequences of mild COVID-19 infection. The study covered in this COVID-19 News report aimed to characterize the dynamics of lung function in individuals with mild COVID-19, tracking changes from pre-infection through two years post-infection. The results indicate that even individuals with mild cases of COVID-19 experience lasting lung function impairment, with limited recovery observed over the two-year period. What’s worse is that it was observed that there was still gradual decline in lung function taking place as time progresses!
No Recovery From Mild COVID-19 Induced Lung Function Damage Even After Two Years
Background
The impact of SARS-CoV-2 on lung function has been extensively documented in various studies, primarily focusing on short to mid-term follow-ups. Reports from survivors of severe cases suggest impaired diffusion capacity and restrictive pulmonary dysfunction as frequent consequences. However, the trajectory of recovery or progression in the initial lung impairment remains unclear. Drawing parallels with previous outbreaks like SARS and MERS, which showed prolonged pulmonary dysfunction in admitted patients, underscores the need for long-term follow-up studies on COVID-19 patients to assess prognosis and potential recovery.
Notably, the study emphasizes that the detrimental effects on lung function are not exclusive to severe cases. Previous research has shown apparent declines in dynamic lung volumes and carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLco) in mild cases. However, the extent and duration of this decline have remained uncertain, prompting the current investigation into the long-term impact of mild COVID-19 on lung function and respiratory symptoms.
Study Design and Participants
The study followed a matched cohort from the Copenhagen General Population, initially examined 5.4 months after infection. Participants were re-invited two years post-infection, and lung tests and questionnaires were repeated. Of the 107 individuals who attended the 6-month examination, 58 accepted the invitation to the 24-month examination, with six individuals excluded due to hospitalization. The study cohort included individuals with mild COVID-19, and comparisons were made with uninfected controls.
Results The findings revealed that individuals with COVID-19 experienced an adjusted excess decline in Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) of 13.0 mL per year from prior infection to 6 months after infection compared to uninfected controls. From 6 to 24 months after infection, there was an excess decline of 7.5 mL per year, indicating a persistent impact on lung function. Similar patterns were observed for Forced Vital Capacity (FVC). Notably, participants showed an increase in DLco between the 6- and 24-month examinations.
rong>The study's comprehensive analysis sheds light on the long-term implications of mild COVID-19, indicating a significant excess decline in lung function during the first six months after infection, with a slower decline thereafter. Despite a gradual slowdown in the accelerated decline, participants continued to experience lasting lung impairment, with limited recovery observed over the two-year period.
Comparison with Previous Studies
Contrary to some conflicting reports in the literature, this study stands out for its inclusion of matched controls and adjustment for factors impacting lung function. The results show a decline in both FEV1 and FVC, suggesting a persistent impact of COVID-19 on lung function. While other studies reported initial recovery phases, this investigation highlights a continuous decline, even after the six-month mark.
DLco and Respiratory Symptoms
The study also explored changes in carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLco) and found an increase from 6 to 24 months after infection, potentially indicating improvement. However, this improvement did not correspond to a decrease in respiratory symptoms, suggesting a complex relationship between DLco and dyspnea that warrants further exploration.
Strengths and Limitations
The study's strengths include its prospective design, two-year follow-up, and inclusion of matched uninfected controls, providing a detailed understanding of lung function trajectories. However, limitations include the lack of diversity in the study population and a considerable dropout rate from the 6 to 24-month examination, potentially introducing non-response bias.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this groundbreaking study provides compelling evidence of long-term lung function impairment in individuals who recovered from mild COVID-19. The persistent decline in dynamic lung volumes, coupled with limited recovery observed over two years, underscores the need for continued research to fully comprehend the implications of these findings. As the global burden of COVID-19 persists, understanding the lasting consequences of even mild cases becomes increasingly critical for informing public health strategies and healthcare interventions.