Persistent symptoms and spirometric values after mild and moderate COVID-19

Retrospective study

Abstract

Objective: To describe persistent symptoms and spirometric values in mild and moderate post-COVID-19 patients.

Materials and methods: Observational and retrospective study that recruited 90 patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 for post-infection follow-up. At reassessment, spirometry testing was performed and clinical data were collected, including assessment of symptoms and dyspnea using the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale.

Results: Persistence of at least one post-COVID-19 symptom was identified in 84 (93%) subjects, with headache followed by cough and muscle fatigue being the most prevalent. The spirometric evaluation identified 38 (42.2%) with a restrictive pattern, 37 (41.1%) patients with a normal pattern, and 15 (16.7%) with an obstructive pattern,. The median perception of dyspnea according to the mMRC was 2 (IQR 1-3) points. Significant differences were only observed in the mMRC when comparing the normal versus the restrictive pattern (p=0.002).

Conclusion: This study investigated symptom persistence and spirometric patterns in patients with mild and moderate COVID-19, revealing a predominant prevalence of restrictive and normal patterns in spirometry tests. Although no significant differences in symptoms were observed between the groups as defined by spirometry, the high prevalence of persistent symptoms (93%), such as headache, cough and muscle fatigue, is noteworthy.