Abstract
Introduction: The emergence of COVID-19 has resulted in an unprecedented global health crisis. While acute respiratory symptoms are well-documented, there is growing concern regarding the long-term pulmonary effects in survivors.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the pulmonary sequel of COVID-19 patients referred to Imam Hossein Hospital, Tehran, Iran, in 2022.
Patients and Methods: This longitudinal study involved 180 patients who recovered from COVID-19 at Imam Hossein Hospital in 2022, selected based on confirmed diagnoses and resolution of acute symptoms. Data were collected through a demographic questionnaire and a clinical checklist. Participants were followed for two months, during which lung involvement was categorized as clear or non-clear, allowing for the evaluation of associations between demographic and clinical data with computed tomography (CT) outcomes.
Results: Results indicated a statistically significant correlation between clinical findings, including lung involvement exceeding 30%, intensive care unit (ICU) admission necessity, intubation status, and prolonged hospitalization duration in patients with clear or non-clear pulmonary status. Lung involvement greater than 30% and longer hospitalization duration were identified as independent predictors of adverse pulmonary outcomes, with odds ratios of 2.30 and 2.47, respectively.
Conclusion: The study highlights a significant relationship between clinical findings and pulmonary outcomes in COVID-19 patients, particularly emphasizing that lung involvement exceeding 30% and prolonged hospitalization are critical independent predictors of adverse respiratory complications.