AUTHOR=Guo Tao , Jiang Fangfang , Liu Yufei , Zhao Yunpeng , Li Yiran , Wang Yihua 

TITLE=Respiratory Outcomes in Patients Following COVID-19-Related Hospitalization: A Meta-Analysis

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

VOLUME=8

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/molecular-biosciences/articles/10.3389/fmolb.2021.750558

DOI=10.3389/fmolb.2021.750558

ISSN=2296-889X

ABSTRACT=<p><bold>Background:</bold> To determine the respiratory outcomes in patients following COVID-19-related hospitalization.</p><p><bold>Methods:</bold> Systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature.</p><p><bold>Results:</bold> Forced vital capacity (FVC, % of predicted): 0–3 months post discharge: 96.1, 95% CI [82.1–110.0]; 3–6 months post discharge: 99.9, 95% CI [84.8, 115.0]; &gt;6 months post discharge: 97.4, 95% CI [76.8–118.0]. Diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO, % of predicted): 0–3 months post discharge: 83.9, 95% CI [68.9–98.9]; 3–6 months post discharge: 91.2, 95% CI [74.8–107.7]; &gt;6 months post discharge: 97.3, 95% CI [76.7–117.9]. Percentage of patients with FVC less than 80% of predicted: 0–3 months post discharge: 10%, 95% CI [6–14%]; 3–6 months post discharge: 10%, 95% CI [2–18%]; &gt;6 months post discharge: 13%, 95% CI [8–18%]. Percentage of patients with DLCO less than 80% of predicted: 0–3 months post discharge: 48%, 95% CI [41–56%]; 3–6 months post discharge: 33%, 95% CI [23–44%]; &gt;6 months post discharge: 43%, 95% CI [22–65%].</p><p><bold>Conclusion:</bold> The meta-analysis confirms a high prevalence of persistent lung diffusion impairment in patients following COVID-19-related hospitalization. Routine respiratory follow-up is thus strongly recommended.</p>