Respiratory muscle dysfunction in long-COVID patients
Related Research units
Abstract
PURPOSE: Symptoms often persistent for more than 4 weeks after COVID-19-now commonly referred to as 'Long COVID'. Independent of initial disease severity or pathological pulmonary functions tests, fatigue, exertional intolerance and dyspnea are among the most common COVID-19 sequelae. We hypothesized that respiratory muscle dysfunction might be prevalent in persistently symptomatic patients after COVID-19 with self-reported exercise intolerance.
METHODS: In a small cross-sectional pilot study (n = 67) of mild-to-moderate (nonhospitalized) and moderate-to-critical convalescent (formerly hospitalized) patients presenting to our outpatient clinic approx. 5 months after acute infection, we measured neuroventilatory activity P0.1, inspiratory muscle strength (PImax) and total respiratory muscle strain (P0.1/PImax) in addition to standard pulmonary functions tests, capillary blood gas analysis, 6 min walking tests and functional questionnaires.
RESULTS: Pathological P0.1/PImax was found in 88% of symptomatic patients. Mean PImax was reduced in hospitalized patients, but reduced PImax was also found in 65% of nonhospitalized patients. Mean P0.1 was pathologically increased in both groups. Increased P0.1 was associated with exercise-induced deoxygenation, impaired exercise tolerance, decreased activity and productivity and worse Post-COVID-19 functional status scale. Pathological changes in P0.1, PImax or P0.1/PImax were not associated with pre-existing conditions.
CONCLUSIONS: Our findings point towards respiratory muscle dysfunction as a novel aspect of COVID-19 sequelae. Thus, we strongly advocate for systematic respiratory muscle testing during the diagnostic workup of persistently symptomatic, convalescent COVID-19 patients.
Bibliographical data
Original language | English |
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ISSN | 0300-8126 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 10.2022 |
Comment Deanary
© 2022. The Author(s).
PubMed | 35570238 |
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