Comparative study assessing the Pulmonary Function impairment in patients affected during Covid -19 1st and 2nd wave

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> The COVID-19 has affected millions globally. The epidemiological trends revealed two waves, 1st wave (July-December 2020) and 2nd wave (April-June 2021). Altered pulmonary function led to concern regarding long-term Respiratory symptoms in Covid 19 patients. <b>Aim:</b> To assess post Covid -19 pulmonary function at 1st follow up visit and at 8th week during 1st and 2nd wave at a tertiary care hospital Material and Methods: All post Covid-19 patients (RT-PCR confirmed) were evaluated by PFT &amp; DLCO at 1st follow up visit and at 8th week. <b>Results:</b> 50 patients were enrolled from 1st wave and 39 from 2nd wave. Breathlessness, cough, joint pain and fatigue were the most frequently observed symptoms. Among 1st wave group, spirometry was normal and restrictive pattern was seen in 46% and 54% patients respectively on 1st visit and 78% and 22% patients respectively at 8th week. Among 2nd wave group, spirometry was normal and restrictive pattern was seen in 48.7% and 51.8% patients respectively at 1st visit and 69.3% and 30.7% patients respectively at 8th week. Among 1st wave 50 patients, 29 patients performed DLCO out of which 13.7% showed normal DLCO while 86.1% had reduced DLCO on 1st visit. At 8th week follow up DLCO was normal in 65.5% and reduced in 34.4% patients. Among 39 patients from 2nd wave, 21 performed DLCO out of which 23.8% has normal DLCO and 76.1% had reduced DLCO on 1st visit. After 8th week follow up 66.6% had normal DLCO and 33.3% has reduced DLCO. <b>Conclusion:</b> In our study, we found that significant number of patients showed lung function recovery at 8th week in both the waves. We did not find much difference in both the groups