Abstract
Background
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a profound global impact, affecting millions of individuals. Long-term sequelae associated with this infection have been reported, compromising patients’ quality of life.
Objective
This study aimed to evaluate patients with severe COVID-19 over a follow-up period of up to 26 months after discharge from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Methods
This retrospective and observational study included patients with severe SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to ICU 1 of Unidade Local de Saúde de Lisboa Ocidental between January and September 2021. Participants were those who had persistent respiratory symptoms or functional limitations 3 months after discharge. Respiratory symptoms were evaluated, and respiratory function tests and chest computed tomography (CT) scans were performed.
Results
Thirty-four patients were included. Dyspnoea was the most prevalent symptom, reported by all patients during the first assessment at 4 months and by 51.5% (n = 17) at 7–10 months, showing gradual improvement. Respiratory function tests revealed reduced diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide, restrictive ventilatory impairment, and decreased muscle strength. Imaging findings showed ground-glass opacities, organizing pneumonia, and pulmonary fibrosis, with fibrotic changes persisting in 37.5% (n = 12) of patients throughout the evaluation period.
Conclusion
While many patients with severe COVID-19 fully recover with minimal sequelae, some develop long COVID, characterised by persistent symptoms, respiratory function impairment, and imaging abnormalities beyond 12 months post-infection. These findings highlight the need for further research to understand the long-term consequences of COVID-19 and identify factors contributing to long COVID syndrome.