Evaluation of Lung Function Tests in the Follow-up of COVID-19 Patients Discharged From Razi Hospital in Rasht, Iran

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been a significant concern for the global health community since its onset. This study aimed to evaluate lung function tests in the follow-up of COVID-19 patients discharged from Razi Hospital in Rasht, Iran, in 2020. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated lung functional tests, including spirometry and the six-minute walking test (6MWT), in the follow-up of 239 hospitalized COVID-19 cases. All demographical and clinical data, along with the lung performance test results of the patients, were recorded, and statistical data were analyzed using SPSS, version 24. Results: The mean age of the patients was 51.69±13.98 years, and most of them were females. About 60.25% of patients had underlying diseases. The frequency of positive 6 MWT tests during the first three, six, and nine months after discharge was 7.96%, 8.70%, and 14.29%, respectively. In the first trimester after discharge, the 6MWT test was more positive among females. In addition, forced expiratory volume (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) showed a significant positive relationship with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR). After six months, positive 6MWT results were significantly associated with older ages and underlying diseases. The amount of FVC was positively associated with DBP, distance traveled in the 6MWT test, and HR, but it was negatively related to age. Conclusion: The findings revealed that older age, female gender, and underlying diseases were associated with positive 6MWT results, decreased pulmonary function, and higher DBP and HR.

Keywords

• covid-19
• lung function
• six-minute walking test