The following is a summary of “Lung ultrasound as a tool for monitoring the interstitial changes in recently hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia – The COVIDLUS study,” published in the APRIL 2023 issue of Pulmonology by Loke, et al.
In a study named COVID Lung Ultrasound Study (COVIDLUS), researchers investigated the effectiveness of using serial lung ultrasound (LUS) to track the functional and physiological recovery of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia (CP) after hospitalization.
From April 2021 to April 2022, the study recruited 21 patients discharged from the hospital. LUS was performed on the patients on the day of discharge (D0), on day 41 (D41), and day 83 (D83). On D83, CT Thorax was performed, while lymphocyte count, Ferritin, Lactate Dehydrogenase, Troponin, CRP, and D-dimers were measured at D0, D41, and D83. A 6-minute walking test (6MWT) was conducted on D83, and quality of life questionnaires and spirometry were completed on D41 and D83.
Nineteen patients (10 males [52%]; mean age: 52 years [range:37–74]) completed the study, while one patient died. The LUS scores were significantly higher on D0, compared to D41 and D83 (Mean score:10.9 [D0]/2.8 [D41]/1.5 [D83]; P < 0.0001). The LUS scores had a weak correlation with CT on D83 (Pearson r2 = 0.28). The mean lymphocyte counts were lower on D0 but increased on D41 and D83. The mean serum Ferritin was significantly lower on D41 and D83, compared to D0. The mean 6MWT distance was 385 m (130–540 m). Quality of life measures did not differ on D41 and D83. Lung function increased between D41 and D83, with a mean increase in FEV1 and FVC of 160 ml and 190 ml, respectively.
The study concluded that LUS was an effective tool in monitoring the early recovery of lung interstitial changes from CP, and further studies were necessary to determine its ability to predict the development of lung fibrosis post-COVID.
Reference: resmedjournal.com/article/S0954-6111(23)00064-1/fulltext
