COVID-19 and the lung: from interstitial pneumonia to pulmonary fibrosis

The novel coronavirus-induced disease led to a pandemic that poses a global threat to human health. The most common cause of hospitalisation for COVID-19 is interstitial pneumonia that may be complicated by Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS). The monitoring of patients who have recovered from COVID-associated pneumonia demonstrates that the significant reduction in diffuse lung capacity and associated fibrotic signs in the lung parenchyma are factors associated with a negative prognosis. Thus, the long-term consequences of COVID-19 appear crucial. Risk factors, histopathological characterization, prevalence, and management of post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis are poorly understood. This review addresses underlying pathobiological mechanisms and the possible predictors which might lead to the development of fibrotic lung remodeling. Potential therapeutic modalities include anti-fibrotic drugs, prolonged use of corticosteroids, other anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive drugs, spironolactone, azithromycine, with further multiple novel compounds under investigation. Copyright © 2022, SOLEN s.r.o.. All rights reserved.