Post COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis: a narrative review

Abstract

Objective: Research pulmonary fibrosis that affects post-COVID-19 patients, addressing important points about the disease. Bibliographic review: Recently, in the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, it was observed that patients affected by COVID-19 may develop pulmonary fibrosis after the acute phase of the disease, with risk factors including advanced age, male gender, smoking and chronic diseases. Pulmonary fibrosis consists of fibroblastic proliferation, which generates an accentuated deposition of extracellular matrix in the interstitium of the lung, obliterating the alveoli, which can cause persistent changes and progressive loss of lung function. Some drugs, including corticosteroids and antifibrotics used for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, show potential for the prevention and treatment of this complication; the prognosis is variable, and lung transplantation has been performed in some cases. Final considerations: Therefore, the need for early recognition, monitoring and treatment of patients more susceptible to post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis becomes evident. Because it is a recent complication, there is a need for new studies and therapies that aim to reduce the impact caused by the disease.