Work

Post-COVID-19 Pulmonary Fibrosis: Novel Sequelae of the Current Pandemic

Year: 2021

Type: review

Abstract: Since the initial identification of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in December 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. As effective vaccines and treatments begin to emerge, it will become increasingly important to identify and proactively manage the long-term respiratory complications of severe disease. The patterns of imaging abnormalities coupled with data from prior coronavirus outbreaks suggest that patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia are likely at an increased risk of progression to interstitial lung disease (ILD) and chronic pulmonary vascular disease. In this paper, we briefly review the definition, classification, and underlying pathophysiology of interstitial lung disease (ILD). We then review the current literature on the proposed mechanisms of lung injury in severe COVID-19 infection, and outline potential viral- and immune-mediated processes implicated in the development of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis (PCPF). Finally, we address patient-specific and iatrogenic risk factors that could lead to PCPF and discuss strategies for reducing risk of pulmonary complications/sequelae.

Source: Journal of Clinical Medicine

DOI: 10.3390/jcm10112452

Authors: Shiva Rattan Ambardar, Stephanie L. Hightower, Nikhil A. Huprikar, Kevin K. Chung, Anju Singhal, Jacob F. Collen

Institutions: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Inova Fairfax Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Interstitial Lung Diseases and Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,376