EFFECT OF HYPERGLYCEMIA ON POST-COVID-19 LUNG FIBROSIS: STUDY OF 600 CASES IN TERTIARY CARE SETTING IN INDIA

Abstract

<b>Methods:</b> multicentric observational study conducted during May-November 2020, in MIMSR Medical College and Venkatesh Hospital Latur India, included 600 COVID-19 cases with lung involvement documented and categorized on HRCT thorax at entry point and at six weeks post discharge from hospital. Age, gender, Comorbidity and use BIPAP/NIV in COVID-19 cases and outcome as with or without lung fibrosis as per CT severity were key observations. Statistical analysis is done by using Chi square test. <b>Observations and analysis:</b> We observed lung fibrosis in 13.66% post covid-19 pneumonia cases, and statistically significant association in males (70/82) versus females (12/82) [p&lt;0.00004]; and age below 50 years (16/82) versus age above 50 years (66/82) [p&lt;0.0003]. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) was present in 194/600 cases and shown significant impact on lung fibrosis (62/82) as compared to non-diabetes cases [p&lt;0.00001]. Hyperglycemia was documented in 410/600 cases, and transient hyperglycemia 216/600, newly diagnosed DM and cases with known DM 194/600 [p&lt;0.00001]. Apart from Diabetes mellitus; other comorbidities observed as IHD in 86.58%, COPD in 28.04%, CVD in 8.53%, CKD in 2.43%. CT severity score has shown impact on lung fibrosis [p&lt;0.000045]. <b>Conclusion:</b> Lung fibrosis in Post-covid 19 cases is documented and should be assessed cautiously to have successful treatment outcome. Age above 50 years, male gender, Diabetes, High CT severity, longer duration of illness, proper timing of initiation of BIPAP/NIV therapy, and its early use in comorbid class has documented significant impact on post covid lung fibrosis.