Lung Fibrosis in post COVID-19 patients: A hospital based comparative study

Abstract

Background: Lung fibrosis is being reported as one of the complications of COVID-19 pulmonary pneumonia,and it is one of the long-term complications of Covid-19. Fibrosis is associated with non-reversible lung dysfunction with reduced lung functions. The aim of this study is to diagnose, early detection and predict the prognosis of such patients whom may develop such serious complication, thus early introduction of anti-fibrotic drugs to save them for lung damage. Methods & Results: From April 2021 to May 2021, 100 patients in Patna Medical College, Bihar, who was confirmed COVID-19 by RT- PCR test, were evaluated by follow-up MDCT. A comparative study was done using follow-up data from the acquired CT images (different radiological signs and residual fibrotic changes). The cause for post-COVID-19 lung fibrosis is still unknown, however some predicting factors such as old age, cigarette smoking, high CT severity score, and long-term mechanical ventilation helps in predicting the prognosis of the patients. Conclusions: MDCT provides helpful assessment in post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis and other post-covid related complications. Sutiable aid like introduction of anti-fibrotic can be provided to the patients on time to avoid pulmonary complications.