Tracking Long-Term Recovery in Adults After Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome from Various Causes Including Severe Pneumonia

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the long-term recovery of adults who survived acute respiratory distress syndrome ARDS, comparing those whose ARDS was caused by COVID-19 with those who had ARDS from other causes. The study aims to identify risk factors for lasting lung problems, including lung diffusing capacity, and to understand recovery across multiple areas such as symptoms, quality of life, cognitive function, lung function, exercise capacity, chest imaging, and molecular profiles. This observational study seeks to improve understanding of severe lung injury and support personalized care for survivors. Adult survivors of ARDS, whether caused by severe pneumonia or other origins, will be followed for one year after hospital discharge. Evaluations occur at 3, 6, and 12 months and include symptom assessments, neurocognitive tests, lung function tests, exercise tests, chest CT scans, and molecular analyses. Patients are grouped based on whether they had ARDS or severe pneumonia without ARDS. Data from COVID-19 ARDS survivors will also be used for comparison. Participants will undergo comprehensive evaluations at each follow-up visit, including questionnaires on symptoms, quality of life, cognitive and memory assessments, lung function tests, exercise capacity tests, and chest imaging. Researchers will analyze changes in lung diffusing capacity, lung volumes, and chest CT findings over time. Additional outcomes include cognitive status, fatigue, anxiety, independence in daily activities, and molecular profile identification. The study will also develop clinical tools to predict lung problems and design cost-effective follow-up plans for ARDS survivors.

Longitudinal Recovery Trajectories After an Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, a New Understanding