Post-intensive Care Unit COVID-19 Survivors: Functional Status and Respiratory Function Three Months After an Inpatient Rehabilitation Program

Cureus, 2022 · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.31281 · Published: November 9, 2022

Simple Explanation

This study evaluated the long-term effects of COVID-19, specifically focusing on persistent breathing difficulties and tiredness. The research aimed to check how well people were functioning and breathing three months after they completed a rehabilitation program in the hospital. The study found that while people generally maintained their improvements, they also reported feeling more tired.

Study Duration

April 2020 and February 2021

Participants

36 post-ICU COVID-19 survivors

Evidence Level

Prospective study

Key Findings

1
Significant improvement in MEP, PCF, functional capacity (1STST), and 6MWT between discharge (T1) and three months after discharge (T2).
2
Patients presented a higher median final FAS score at T2 compared to T1, indicating worse fatigue levels.
3
No differences were seen in MIP, brief-BESTEST, or TUG, suggesting these aspects of function were maintained but not improved.

Research Summary

This prospective study assessed 36 post-ICU COVID-19 survivors who underwent inpatient rehabilitation, evaluating their functional and respiratory status at admission, discharge, and three months post-discharge. The study found significant improvements in expiratory muscle strength, cough effectiveness, and functional capacity (sit-to-stand test and walking distance) three months after discharge, compared to their status at discharge. Despite these improvements, patients reported higher fatigue levels at the three-month follow-up, suggesting that fatigue remains a significant issue for post-ICU COVID-19 survivors even after rehabilitation.

Practical Implications

Continued Monitoring

Regular monitoring of post-ICU COVID-19 patients after discharge from rehabilitation is essential to track their clinical progress and identify any emerging issues.

Targeted Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation programs should focus not only on improving physical function and respiratory strength but also on addressing persistent fatigue, potentially through comprehensive and multidisciplinary approaches.

Long-Term Care

Long-term clinical and instrumental evaluations are advisable to allow for timely intervention, especially in a rehabilitation context, to optimize patient outcomes and quality of life.

Study Limitations

1
The sample may not be representative of the broader post-ICU COVID-19 patient population due to selection bias.
2
The absence of a control group makes it difficult to establish causality between the rehabilitation program and the observed outcomes.
3
Information regarding levels of physical activity after discharge was not considered, limiting the ability to assess its impact on recovery.

Your Feedback

Was this summary helpful?

Back to Immunology