Name: JESSICA FABIA POLESE
Publication date: 16/10/2025
Examining board:
Name |
Role |
|---|---|
| JOSE GERALDO MILL | Presidente |
| MARIA TERESA MARTINS DE ARAUJO | Examinador Interno |
| OSCAR ENRIQUEZ-MARTINEZ | Examinador Externo |
| VALERIA VALIM CRISTO | Examinador Interno |
| VÍTOR COSTA SOUZA | Examinador Externo |
Summary: Introduction: COVID-19 emerged as a novel and unexpected disease, demonstrating high
mortality and the potential to cause severe sequelae in the population. This study aimed to
perform a longitudinal follow-up of a cohort of individuals evaluating lung function and
clinical evolution over six months, focusing on the persistence of symptoms and respiratory
alterations. Method: Longitudinal follow-up during 6 months of patients with moderate to
severe form of COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR test, who required hospitalization. Patients
were evaluated at 30(D30), 90(D90), and 180(D180) days after hospital discharge. At each
assessment, data were obtained by structured questionnaires, and spirometry and the 6 minute
walking test (6MWT). Results: A group of 44 patients started the follow-up and 31 completed
6 month follow-up. In D30, all patients were still symptomatic, with the most frequent
symptoms being dyspnea (83%), cough (54%), and chest pain (27%). At the D90, almost half
of the patients still reported persistent symptoms and difficulties to returning to their usual
activities. At D180 28% of participants continued to experience at least one symptom, with
dyspnea (17.2%) being the most common. At D30, 14 (45%) participants and in D180, 5
(16%) patients persisted with a forced vital capacity (FVC) below the predicted value
suggesting a restrictive pattern and at D30 2 (6%) patients still presented a walk distance
(WD) < 330 m and at D180, 8 (25%) patients showed a WD < 75% of the predicted value.
Discussion: Although the full extent of COVID-19 consequences is not yet clearly defined,
prolonged effects are highly frequent and represent a significant and prevalent public health
concern, highlighting the need for continuous follow-up. Conclusion: COVID-19 can evolve
with persistent clinic and functional sequelae, which remain present up to six months after
hospital discharge.
