| Abstract [eng] |
Aim: To assess the respiratory function and the functional capacity of patients with Covid-19 infection by analysing scientific studies. Methods: I conducted a systematic literature review, assessing the data of pulmonary function tests, 6 minute walking tests and the subjective evaluation of functional capacity, which was collected at 3, 6 or 12 months after discharge from a hospital. A search in the database was completed on April 5th 2023, without any limitations to study publication dates. Results: Out of 429 identified studies, 14 met the eligibility criteria and were included in this systematic review. The total number of participants was 2785, majority of whom were able to complete pulmonary function tests and the 6 minute walk test. Tiffeneau index values below 70 percent were prevalent from 0,8 to 11 percent in patient populations, total lung capacity was reduced in 2,4 to 37,1 percent of studies‘ cohorts. The reduction of diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide was prevalent in 3,9 to 86,5 percent of patient populations, and 6 minute walk distance was shortened in 0,4 to 33 percent of patients from different cohorts. All percentages of patients with impaired results tended to diminish in time, more so in studies with later follow-up time. |
