People who had serious coronavirus infection, specifically those who were on invasive ventilation and those who experience persistent breathlessness are more vulnerable to develop post-covid pulmonary fibrosis (PCF). They should undergo high-resolution chest computed tomography and respiratory follow-up.  

A single-center observational study explored prevalence and risk factors linked with PCF and other complications in people discharged following SARS-CoV-2 infection.

With the aid of a set protocol, the recruited participants had phone assessments six weeks after hospital discharge following coronavirus infection. People suffering from major respiratory symptoms were examined with the aid of computed tomography pulmonary angiogram, pulmonary function tests, and echocardiogram. The prevalence of fatigue, myalgia, PCF, and psychological symptoms and the risk factors associated with these were evaluated.

A significant proportion of people were reported to have psychological symptoms (19.5%), persistent fatigue (45.1%), myalgia (20.5%), and breathlessness (36.5%). In 9.5% of people, PCF was observed and was linked with persistent breathlessness at six weeks [adjusted odds ratio (OR) 5.02] and inpatient ventilation (OR 4.45).

It was found to be more common in males and in individuals having peak C-Reactive Protein >171.5 mg/L, peak white blood cell count ≥12 × 10⁹/L, severe inpatient SARS-CoV-2 chest X-ray alterations and computed tomography alterations. For persisting fatigue and myalgia, ventilation was also noted to be an important risk factor. Myalgia was also highly prevalent in people having intense cytokine storm and serious SARS-CoV-2 inpatient chest X-ray alterations.

Survivors of severe coronavirus infection are at risk of PCF and long term multi-system complications. Therefore, people discharged after coronavirus infection must be examined utilizing a set protocol by a multidisciplinary team.