The impact of time of mechanical ventilation and hospitalization on functional capacity after discharge in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Six-minute walk test (6MWT) is widely used to evaluate submaximal functional capacity (FC). Patients hospitalized with COVID-19 may present impairment in FC. Objective:To evaluate the FC after discharge and the impact of days of mechanical ventilation and hospitalization on this measure. <b>Methods:</b> This was a prospective, observational study that took place in a university hospital (Brazil), with 86 patients discharged from hospitalisation caused by COVID-19 pneumonia. Data of hospitalization were collected retrospectively, and 6MWT was performed after hospital discharge. Data were analyzed according to distance walked (6MWD) and the presence of desaturation ≥4 points. Institution9s ethics committee approved the project. <b>Results:</b> Patients with higher days of hospitalization and mechanical ventilation had lower 6MWD and presented desaturation more frequently (table 1). <b>Measurements and Main Results:</b> time of hospitalization and mechanical ventilation may affect the FC of patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia.