Abstract
Introduction: Long term complications of COVID-19 include post covid pulmonary fibrosis (PCF), persistent fatigue and myalgia. CAT is used as an assessment tool in COPD. (Score of ≥10 considered significant). We studied the usefulness of CAT in assessing long term complications of COVID-19.
Methods: 387 patients discharged after COVID-19 were assessed at 6-8 weeks over the phone for persistent fatigue, myalgia and breathlessness using MRC dyspnea and CAT scores. Those with respiratory symptoms were investigated with a CT Chest (PCVCT3 as per BSTI coding was classified as PCF). We compared CAT scores in those with and without PCF, fatigue and myalgia. Association of CAT≥10 with these complications was assessed.
Results: Median age was 63(55-76) and 213(56.6%) were men. 165(45.1%) patients had fatigue, 75(20.5%) had myalgia and 36(9.3%) had PCF. There was no difference in MRC dyspnea score in those with and without PCF, 3(2-4) and 2(2-4) respectively; p=0.1. CAT score was higher in those with PCF, myalgia and fatigue as compared to those without(Table). CAT≥10 had a sensitivity and specificity of 68.6% and 71.6%, 63% and 75.7%, 50.3% and 82.5% for predicting PCF, myalgia and fatigue respectively
CAT in Cases | CAT in Others | Odds Ratio for CAT≥10 | |
Post Covid Fibrosis | 15(10-24) | 10(6-18) | 2.9(1.15-7.3) |
Fatigue | 10(6-18) | 3(1-8) | 4.76(2.9-7.7) |
Myalgia | 13(7-23) | 5(2-9) | 5.32(3.1-9.2) |
Discussion: As CAT score is an aggregate of severity of breathlessness, chest tightness, cough, sputum, activity, sleep and energy levels, therefore, it is better than MRC dyspnea score alone at predicting the risk for PCF. It is also useful to assess risk for fatigue and myalgia. We recommend using CAT score in assessing long term complications of COVID-19.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2021; 58: Suppl. 65, OA4193.
This abstract was presented at the 2021 ERS International Congress, in session “Prediction of exacerbations in patients with COPD”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2021