However, the CMC study did not cite any specific data from China or from European countries other than Italy.
In terms of co-morbidities, CMS Vellore researchers found 72.5 per cent of individuals reporting underlying health conditions such as diabetes mellitus, systemic hypertension, and chronic lung diseases.
Lung function tests revealed a concerning trend of impairment, particularly in diffusion capacity (DLCO), a sensitive test to assess the lungs' ability to transfer gas from inspired air to the bloodstream, the researchers said.
Nearly half (44.4 per cent) of the participants showed impaired diffusing capacity, with rates of impairment being higher in those with more severe Covid infection. Therefore, those who needed invasive or non-invasive ventilation and had recovered had the worst lung function impairment.
