Post-viral parenchymal lung disease following COVID-19 and viral pneumonitis hospitalisation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

  1. Laura Fabbri
  2. Samuel Moss
  3. Fasihul Khan
  4. Wenjie Chi
  5. Jun Xia
  6. Karen A. Robinson
  7. Alan Smyth
  8. Gisli Jenkins
  9. Iain Stewart
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Abstract

Background

Approximately half of COVID-19 survivors present persisting breathlessness, which may include development of pulmonary fibrosis.

Research Question

What is the prevalence of long-term radiological and functional pulmonary sequelae of parenchymal lung disease following hospitalisation with COVID-19 and other viral pneumonia?

Study design and methods

We performed systematic review and random effects meta-analysis of studies in adults hospitalised with SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, or Influenza pneumonia and followed within 12 months from discharge. Searches were run on MEDLINE and Embase, updated 29 July 2021. Primary outcomes were proportion of 1) radiologic sequelae at CT scans; 2) restrictive impairment; 3) impaired gas transfer. Heterogeneity was explored in meta-regression.

Results

Ninety-five studies were included for qualitative synthesis, of which 70 were suitable for meta-analysis, including 60 studies of SARS-CoV-2 with a median follow up of 3 months. In SARS-CoV-2 the overall estimated proportion of inflammatory changes during follow up was 0.50 (95%CI 0.41 to 0.58, I2=94.6%), whilst fibrotic changes were estimated at 0.29 (95%CI 0.22 to 0.37, I2=94.1%). Inflammatory changes reduced compared with CTs performed during hospitalisation (−0.47; 95%CI -0.56 to -0.37), whereas no significant resolution was observed in fibrotic changes (−0.09; 95%CI -0.25 to 0.07). Impaired gas transfer was estimated at 0.38 (95%CI 0.32 to 0.44, I2=92.1%), which was greater than estimated restrictive impairment (0.17; 95%CI 0.13 to 0.23, I2=92.5%). High heterogeneity means that estimates should be interpreted with caution. Confidence in the estimates was deemed low due to the heterogeneity and because studies were largely observational without controls.

Interpretation

A substantial proportion of radiological and functional sequelae consistent with parenchymal lung disease are observed following COVID-19 and other viral pneumonitis. Estimates of prevalence are limited by differences in case mix and initial severity. This highlights the importance of extended radiological and functional follow-up post hospitalisation.

PROSPERO registration

CRD42020183139 (April 2020)

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