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Cojocaru DC, Mitu F, Leon MM, Dima-Cozma LC, Adam CA, Cumpăt CM, Negru RD, Maștaleru A, Onofrei V. Beyond the Acute Phase: Long-Term Impact of COVID-19 on Functional Capacity and Prothrombotic Risk-A Pilot Study. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 60:51. [PMID: 38256314 PMCID: PMC10819578 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Assessment of the prothrombotic, proinflammatory, and functional status of a cohort of COVID-19 patients at least two years after the acute infection to identify parameters with potential therapeutic and prognostic value. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive study that included 117 consecutive patients admitted to Iasi Pulmonary Rehabilitation Clinic for reassessment and a rehabilitation program at least two years after a COVID-19 infection. The cohort was divided into two groups based on the presence (n = 49) or absence (n = 68) of pulmonary fibrosis, documented through high-resolution computer tomography. Results: The cohort comprises 117 patients, 69.23% females, with a mean age of 65.74 ± 10.19 years and abnormal body mass index (31.42 ± 5.71 kg/m2). Patients with pulmonary fibrosis have significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.05), WBC (7.45 ± 7.86/mm3 vs. 9.18 ± 17.24/mm3, p = 0.053), neutrophils (4.68 ± 7.88/mm3 vs. 9.07 ± 17.44/mm3, p < 0.05), mean platelet volume (MPV) (7.22 ± 0.93 vs. 10.25 ± 0.86 fL, p < 0.05), lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.05), and D-dimers (p < 0.05), but not ferritin (p = 0.470), reflecting the chronic proinflammatory and prothrombotic status. Additionally, patients with associated pulmonary fibrosis had a higher mean heart rate (p < 0.05) and corrected QT interval (p < 0.05). D-dimers were strongly and negatively correlated with diffusion capacity corrected for hemoglobin (DLCO corr), and ROC analysis showed that the persistence of high D-dimers values is a predictor for low DLCO values (ROC analysis: area under the curve of 0.772, p < 0.001). The results of pulmonary function tests (spirometry, body plethysmography) and the 6-minute walk test demonstrated no significant difference between groups, without notable impairment within either group. Conclusions: Patients with COVID-19-related pulmonary fibrosis have a persistent long-term proinflammatory, prothrombotic status, despite the functional recovery. The persistence of elevated D-dimer levels could emerge as a predictive factor associated with impaired DLCO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doina-Clementina Cojocaru
- Department of Medical Specialties I and III, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Rehabilitation Clinic, Pantelimon Halipa Street No. 14, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Florin Mitu
- Department of Medical Specialties I and III, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Rehabilitation Clinic, Pantelimon Halipa Street No. 14, 700661 Iasi, Romania
- Academy of Medical Sciences, 030167 Bucharest, Romania
- Academy of Romanian Scientists, 700050 Iasi, Romania
| | - Maria-Magdalena Leon
- Department of Medical Specialties I and III, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Rehabilitation Clinic, Pantelimon Halipa Street No. 14, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Lucia Corina Dima-Cozma
- Department of Medical Specialties I and III, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Rehabilitation Clinic, Pantelimon Halipa Street No. 14, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cristina Andreea Adam
- Department of Medical Specialties I and III, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Rehabilitation Clinic, Pantelimon Halipa Street No. 14, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Carmen Marinela Cumpăt
- Department of Medical Specialties I and III, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Rehabilitation Clinic, Pantelimon Halipa Street No. 14, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Robert D. Negru
- Department of Medical Specialties I and III, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Rehabilitation Clinic, Pantelimon Halipa Street No. 14, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Alexandra Maștaleru
- Department of Medical Specialties I and III, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, Cardiovascular and Respiratory Rehabilitation Clinic, Pantelimon Halipa Street No. 14, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Viviana Onofrei
- Department of Medical Specialties I and III, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, University Street No. 16, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- “St. Spiridon” Clinical Emergency Hospital, Cardiology Department Independence Boulevard No. 1, 700111 Iasi, Romania
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