Accuracy of quality of life questionnaire as a diagnostic tool for SARS-CoV-2 pulmonary sequelae

BACKGROUND: Follow-up after hospital discharge of SARS-CoV-2 survivors represents a huge burden on the healthcare system. We attempt to assess the utility of symptoms and health-related quality of life questionnaire (SF-12) to identify SARS CoV2 pulmonary sequelae. METHODS: Prospective, non-interventional follow-up study. A cardiopulmonary exercise test, functional respiratory test (PFT), SF12 questionnaire were performed after hospitalization at six months after the first positive PCR smear. RESULTS: 41 patients were included, female (39%), mean age 57.3 ± 13.7 years. 70% persisted with symptoms. 46% presented a maximum oxygen consumption below 80% of predicted. SF-12 physical domain score was significantly reduced in patients with altered PFT (32.7 vs. 45.9; p < 0.001) and obtained the best sensitivity and specificity to identify PFT alterations (AUC 0.862, Sensitivity 85.7%, Specificity 81.5%). CONCLUSIONS: SF-12 questionnaire shows high sensitivity and specificity to detect SARS CoV2 survivors with pulmonary function alterations.