RT Journal Article T1 Alterations in respiratory function test three months after hospitalisation for COVID-19 pneumonia: value of determining nitric oxide diffusion A1 Núñez Fernández, Marta A1 Ramos Hernández, Cristina A1 García Río, Francisco A1 Torres Durán, María A1 Nodar Germiñas, Andrés A1 Tilve Gómez, Amara A1 Rodríguez Fernández, Paula A1 Valverde Pérez, Diana A1 Ruano Raviña, Alberto A1 Fernández Villar, Alberto K1 3205.08 Enfermedades Pulmonares K1 2420.08 Virus Respiratorios K1 3202 Epidemiología AB Three to four months after hospitalisation for COVID-19 pneumonia, the most frequently described alteration in respiratory function tests (RFTs) is decreased carbon monoxide transfer capacity (DLCO). Methods: This is a prospective cohort study that included patients hospitalised because of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia, three months after their discharge. A clinical evaluation, analytical parameters, chest X-ray, six-minute walk test, spirometry and DLCO–DLNO analysis were performed. Demographic variables, comorbidities, and variables related to the severity of the admission were recorded. Results: Two hundred patients completed the study; 59.5% men, age 62 years, 15.5% admitted to the intensive care unit. The most frequent functional alteration, in 27% of patients, was in the DLCO–DLNO combination. This alteration was associated with age, male sex, degree of dyspnoea, poorer perception of health, and limited ability for physical effort. These patients also presented higher levels of D-Dimer and more residual radiological alterations. In 42% of the patients with diffusion alterations, only reduced DLNO was presented, along with lower D-Dimer levels and less capillary volume involvement. The severity of the process was associated with the reduction in DLCO–DLNO. Conclusions: The most sensitive RFT for the detection of the sequelae of COVID-19 pneumonia was the combined measurement of DLCO–DLNO and this factor was related to patient health status and their capacity for physical exertion. In 40% of these cases, there was only a reduction in DLNO, a finding that may indicate less pulmonary vascular involvement. PB Journal of Clinical Medicine SN 20770383 YR 2021 FD 2021-05-14 LK http://hdl.handle.net/11093/2991 UL http://hdl.handle.net/11093/2991 LA eng NO Journal of Clinical Medicine, 10(10): 2119 (2021) NO Xunta de Galicia | Ref. Traslaciona CT-850A-3 DS Investigo RD 03-oct-2024