D Visca, R Centis, E Pontali, E Zampogna, A-M Russell, G B Migliori, C Andrejak, M Aro, H Bayram, K Berkani, J Bruchfeld, J M Chakaya, J Chorostowska-Wynimko, B Crestani, M P Dalcolmo, L D'Ambrosio, A-T Dinh-Xuan, S Duong-Quy, C Fernandes, J-M García-García, A de Melo Kawassaki, L Carrozzi, M A Martinez-Garcia, P Carreiro Martins, M Mirsaeidi, Y Mohammad, R N Naidoo, N Neuparth, L Sese, D R Silva, I Solovic, T M Sooronbaev, A Spanevello, N Sverzellati, L Tanno, S Tiberi, T Vasankari, E Vasarmidi, M Vitacca, I Annesi-Maesano
BACKGROUND: The aim of these clinical standards is to provide guidance on 'best practice' care for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of post-COVID-19 lung disease. METHODS: A panel of international experts representing scientific societies, associations and groups active in post-COVID-19 lung disease was identified; 45 completed a Delphi process. A 5-point Likert scale indicated level of agreement with the draft standards. The final version was approved by consensus (with 100% agreement). RESULTS: Four clinical standards were agreed for patients with a previous history of COVID-19: Standard 1, Patients with sequelae not explained by an alternative diagnosis should be evaluated for possible post-COVID-19 lung disease; Standard 2, Patients with lung function impairment, reduced exercise tolerance, reduced quality of life (QoL) or other relevant signs or ongoing symptoms ≥4 weeks after the onset of first symptoms should be evaluated for treatment and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR); Standard 3, The PR programme should be based on feasibility, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness criteria, organised according to local health services and tailored to an individual patient's needs; and Standard 4, Each patient undergoing and completing PR should be evaluated to determine its effectiveness and have access to a counselling/health education session...
October 1, 2023: International Journal of Tuberculosis and Lung Disease