Spirometry in Children – Six Months post-COVID

A new study investigated spirometry parameters in children six months after severe acute coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.

This was a descriptive study conducted at a single center. Children aged 7-18 years were enrolled six months after being confirmed with a SARS-CoV-2 infection. A detailed interval history and clinical examination were documented. Spirometry was performed, and the best of three attempts was considered for measuring forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1).

Results from 40 children (21 boys) with a median age of 13 years revealed that 30% had abnormal spirometry, characterized by a low FVC (<80%). Among those with abnormal spirometry, 83.3% had FEV1<80%. Underweight children had higher odds of exhibiting abnormal spirometry. No significant associations were found between abnormal spirometry and variables such as – age, sex, severity of the initial infection, and oxygen requirement during the initial infection (P>0.05).

One-third of the children examined displayed abnormal spirometry results six months after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The likelihood of abnormal spirometry was higher in underweight children. The observation of asymptomatic changes in lung function on spirometry prompts confirmation through more extensive studies and extended follow-up periods. This would contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of pulmonary sequelae in pediatric SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Source: Sharanya P, Mishra D, Agarwal A, Keerthana D.Indian Pediatrics. 2023 Dec;60(12):1008-12.