Analysis of pulmonary function and cognitive deficit of recovered patients from COVID-19 post-hospitalization

• Grant number: 21/01802-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date until: August 01, 2021
• End date until: July 31, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Ercy Mara Cipulo Ramos
• Grantee: Paloma Borges de Souza
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Presidente Prudente. Presidente Prudente , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: The new coronavirus causes severe damage affecting organs such as lung and brain. Although COVID-19 is a new disease that presents a high number of infected people who requires hospital care which may result in prolonged length of hospital stay, potentially leading to negative health long-term effects. According to that, it is necessary to investigate these pulmonary and cognitive damages. Objective: To evaluate the pulmonary function and cognitive post-hospital discharge in recovered COVID-19 patients. Methods: COVID-19 patients diagnosed or suspect with COVID-19 will be following hospital discharge. The pulmonary function will be assessed by spirometry and cognition will be assessed by the questionnaire Montreal Cognitive Assessment - MOCA at three different times: at hospital discharge (Moment 1 - M1, until to two weeks after discharge), in 3 months of follow-up (Moment 2 - M2) and 6 months of follow-up (Moment 3 - M3). Statistical analysis: Shapiro-Wilk test will be performed to assess the data normality. Comparisons between different groups will be performed by the unpaired student's t-test or Mann-Whitney test. Comparisons between two paired groups will be performed by the paired student t test or Wilcoxon test. The statistical significance will be defined as pd0.05. Data will be expressed as mean and standard deviation or as median and interquartile range 25-75%, according to data distribution. (AU)