Lung Function, Voice, and Quality of Life in Post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Follow-Up Study.

INTRODUCTION

COVID-19 sequelae may persist for years, particularly in individuals who experienced critical illness. This longitudinal study aimed to assess lung function, voice, and their correlation in post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS) patients after intensive care discharge and evaluate the impact on general and voice-related quality of life (V-RQoL).

METHODS

Among the 284 patients who survived hospitalization at the University Hospital, 48 met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and participated in the study. Evaluations were conducted at an average of 4 and 8 months post-discharge and included assessments of dyspnea (modified Medical Research Council [mMRC] scale), spirometry, inspiratory (MIP), and expiratory (MEP) muscle strength, the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), maximum phonation time (MPT), sound pressure level (SPL), overall degree of dysphonia, general quality of life (Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]), and V-RQoL.

RESULTS

There was a reduction in mMRC, and an increase in MIP, MEP, 6MWT, MPT, and usual and minimum SPL. Women still exhibited reduced MPT, and both sexes had persistent dysphonia. A negative correlation was found between mMRC and MPT, and a positive correlation was found between 6MWT and MPT. Some SF-36 domains and the physical score of the V-RQoL for women remained reduced.

CONCLUSIONS

Eight months after COVID-19, there was an improvement in pulmonary function and MPT, but an increase in usual and minimum SPL and persistent dysphonia. These findings highlight the need for further research into persistent dysphonia as a significant aspect of PCS.