Late Breaking Abstract - Lung function before and after COVID-19 infection in young adults

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> The effects of COVID-19 infection on lung function in the general population is not known. <b>Aim:</b> To assess if COVID-19 infection (presence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2), have a negative impact on lung function, and whether asthma, type-2 inflammation, or inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) modify this relation. <b>Method:</b> Participants, unvaccinated to COVID-19, from the population-based birth cohort BAMSE with spirometry from before (mean age: 22.6 yrs) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (October 2020-May 2021, on average 3.1 yrs later) were included. Seropositivity was defined as IgM, IgG and/or IgA against SARS-CoV-2 (ELISA). Mean change in lung function in percent of predicted (pp) were compared between the seronegative and seropositive group. In the seropositive group, blood eosinophils under/over 0.2 x 109 cells/L; fraction of exhaled Nitric Oxide (under/over 25ppb); allergic sensitization (all pre-pandemic) and self-reported ICS use were compared regarding lung function. <b>Results:</b> Of the 661 individuals included, 27% were seropositive. Mean changes in FEV1 pp did not differ between the seronegative (mean: 1.2%, SD: ±5.0%) and seropositive (0.75% ±4.9%) p=0.28 groups, neither did the change in FVC pp (1.4%, ± 4.7% vs. 1.3%, ±4.4%, p=0.76) or FEV1/FVC ratio (-0.011, ±0.027 vs. -0.013 ±0.026, p=0.36). Among the participants with asthma (n=123), 24% were seropositive. Change in FEV1 pp tended to be higher in seronegative participants: 2.2% ±5.8%, seropositive: 0.07% ±3.6%, p=0.063. We found no difference in lung function change with respect to blood eosinophils, FeNO, allergic sensitization or ICS-use. <b>Conclusion:</b> COVID-19 infection did not have a negative impact on lung function in a young general population.