Enhanced detection of patients with previous COVID-19: superiority of the double diffusion technique.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Persistent pulmonary dysfunction is common after COVID-19, yet traditional assessments using carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLCO) alone may miss alveolar-capillary impairment.

Objective

To determine whether combining nitric oxide (DLNO_5s) and carbon monoxide (DLCO_5s) diffusing capacities enhances detection of post-COVID-19 lung impairment and whether summed z-scores outperform individual measures in classifying affected individuals.

Design and methods

We conducted an individual participant data meta-analysis using hierarchical mixed-effects modelling. The dataset included 572 COVID-19 survivors and 72 matched controls from six European centres. Lung function metrics-including spirometry, total lung capacity, DLNO_5s

SUBMITTER: Zavorsky GS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12382503 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature