Clinical impact and benefits of a simultaneous cardio‐pulmonary rehabilitation in a COVID‐19‐infected patient following cardiac arrest: A case report

Abstract

Abstract Since the advent of the pandemic, cardio‐pulmonary rehabilitation (CR) has been shown to be an effective treatment. However, there are no studies showing data to substantiate its simultaneous application. A 62‐year‐old man was resuscitated for asystole during the work‐up after presenting with a 2‐day history of difficulty breathing. PCR test was positive for COVID‐19. He was intubated and admitted to a negative pressure zone. Symptoms improved in response to acute treatment. Following extubation, respiratory distress persisted, and CR was implemented. Clinical indicators of cardiopulmonary function improved resulting in a successful return to community participation. The decline in cardiopulmonary function has been on the rise among COVID‐19 survivors. The simultaneous application of CR treatment in our patient resulted in improved clinical indicators of cardiopulmonary function. The patient regained full function for independent community participation.

Keywords

• cardiac arrest
• cardio‐pulmonary rehabilitation
• COVID‐19