Journal of Pulmonology Research & Reports

Background: Individuals recovering from the initial COVID-19 infection experienced persistent symptoms and radiological lesions. This study is a longterm follow-up of COVID-19 survivors to assess the progression and persistence of pulmonary sequelae. This will provide critical insights into the natural history of post-COVID-19 syndrome.Objectives: To evaluate the long-term radiological changes in COVID-19 survivors over three years and to identify risk factors associated with it.Methodology: This is a prospective, longitudinal cohort study designed to follow a group of COVID-19 survivors over three years. Clinical data during the initial infection such as admission to the ICU, Oxygen requirement, Ventilator assistance, and length of hospital stay were collected from case records. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scans were taken at one-year intervals and CT severity scores were recorded to study the interval changes. Appropriate statistical analysis was done to establish significance.Results: In this study, 40 patients with residual lung lesions on HRCT in the first follow-up visit were enrolled, out of which 6 were excluded from the final analysis. Out of the 34, 55.9% were males and 44.1% were females. The mean age of the study population was 58.26. 41.1% were treated in ICU and 58.9% in the wards. Invasive ventilation was used in 23.5%, NIV in 35.29%, and oxygen alone in 41.1%. The average length of stay was 18 days. CT severity score at presentation was mild in 44.1%, moderate in 29.4%, and severe in 26.47% of patients. During the 3-year follow up CT score improved in 76.47%, remained static in 17.64%, and progressed in 5.88% of patients (p-value <0.001). The age of the patient correlated with the initial CT score and the outcome, followup CT severity scores improved better in young cohorts when compared to elderly patients. However, ICU admission, use of mechanial ventilation, and length of stay were not correlated with the subsequent CT severity score.Conclusion: This study is expected to provide valuable insights into the long-term health consequences of COVID-19 and identify key factors that contribute to the persistence of symptoms and lung sequelae in survivors.