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Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Distinguishes between Post-COVID-19 as a Dysfunctional Syndrome and Organ Pathologies

Author

Listed:
  • Johannes Kersten

    (Department for Internal Medicine II, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany)

  • Luis Hoyo

    (Department for Internal Medicine II, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany)

  • Alexander Wolf

    (Department for Internal Medicine II, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany)

  • Elina Hüll

    (Department for Internal Medicine II, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany)

  • Samuel Nunn

    (Department for Internal Medicine II, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany)

  • Marijana Tadic

    (Department for Internal Medicine II, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany)

  • Dominik Scharnbeck

    (Department for Internal Medicine II, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany)

  • Wolfgang Rottbauer

    (Department for Internal Medicine II, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany)

  • Dominik Buckert

    (Department for Internal Medicine II, University of Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany)

Abstract

(1) Background: Dyspnea is one of the most frequent symptoms among post-COVID-19 patients. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) is key to a differential diagnosis of dyspnea. This study aimed to describe and classify patterns of cardiopulmonary dysfunction in post-COVID-19 patients, using CPET. (2) Methods: A total of 143 symptomatic post-COVID-19 patients were included in the study. All patients underwent CPET, including oxygen consumption, slope of minute ventilation to CO 2 production, and capillary blood gas testing, and were evaluated for signs of limitation by two experienced examiners. In total, 120 patients reached a satisfactory level of exertion and were included in further analyses. (3) Results: Using CPET, cardiovascular diseases such as venous thromboembolism or ischemic and nonischemic heart disease were identified as either cardiac (4.2%) or pulmonary vascular (5.8%) limitations. Some patients also exhibited dysfunctional states, such as deconditioning (15.8%) or pulmonary mechanical limitation (9.2%), mostly resulting from dysfunctional breathing patterns. Most (65%) patients showed no signs of limitation. (4) Conclusions: CPET can identify patients with distinct limitation patterns, and potentially guide further therapy and rehabilitation. Dysfunctional breathing and deconditioning are crucial factors for the evaluation of post-COVID-19 patients, as they can differentiate these dysfunctional syndromes from organic diseases. This highlights the importance of dynamic (as opposed to static) investigations in the post-COVID-19 context.

Suggested Citation

  • Johannes Kersten & Luis Hoyo & Alexander Wolf & Elina Hüll & Samuel Nunn & Marijana Tadic & Dominik Scharnbeck & Wolfgang Rottbauer & Dominik Buckert, 2022. "Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing Distinguishes between Post-COVID-19 as a Dysfunctional Syndrome and Organ Pathologies," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-13, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:18:p:11421-:d:911990
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Luciana Zaccagni & Stefania Toselli & Davide Barbieri, 2021. "Physical Activity during COVID-19 Lockdown in Italy: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(12), pages 1-13, June.
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