LONG TERM IMPACT OF COVID 19 IN CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA USING SPIROMETRY

Abstract

INTRODUCTION 

Children with asthma represent a significant subgroup susceptible to respiratory infections, including COVID-19 caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Asthma, characterized by chronic airway inflammation and bronchial hyperreactivity, predisposes individuals to respiratory complications during viral infections. The objective of this study is to examine the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the pulmonary function, asthma control, and respiratory health of children who have pre-existing asthma.Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing clinical management and developing targeted interventions to mitigate potential adverse outcomes in this vulnerable population.

AIM & OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to examine the long-term effects of COVID-19 on the health of the respiratory system, asthma management, and pulmonary function in children who have already been diagnosed with asthma.

METHOD

This was a Prospective Case Control Study studied at Department of Paediatrics, Saveetha medical college and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India between the time frame of October 2022 to March 2023 in children with asthma between the age group of 6-18 years were selected. The participants were categorized as Cases (children with asthma who contracted Covid-19 infection) and Controls (children with asthma who did not contract Covid-19 infection).

RESULT

The baseline FEV1 was higher in cases than in control subjects (95.9 ± 14.5 vs. 94.6 ± 13.8%; P = 0.49). However, there were no significant differences in follow-up FEV1 or mean ΔFEV1 between cases and control subjects. In baseline, follow-up, or change in FVC or FEV1/FVC, there were no significant differences between cases and control subjects.

CONCLUSION

The majority of cases do not experience a significant impact on asthma symptom control or respiratory function as a consequence of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as this study concludes. However, a small number of patients may experience a decline in asthma control as a consequence of COVID-19, particularly if they had shortened follow-up periods or experienced asthma exacerbations during the infection.