코로나 19 후 폐섬유화(Post COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis)에 대한 복합 한의치험 1례

• Published in: 대한한방내과학회지 Vol. 44; no. 6; pp. 1294 - 1317
• Main Authors: 신정원, 박지원, 진수현, 김관일, 정희재, 이범준, Jeong-Won Shin, Jiwon Park, Su-Hyun Chin, Kwan-Il Kim, Hee-Jae Jung, Beom-Joon Lee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 대한한방내과학회 01.12.2023
• Subjects: 한의학; Korean medicine; acupuncture; post-acute COVID-19; moxibustion; post COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis
• ISSN: 1226-9174
• DOI: 10.22246/jikm.2023.44.6.1294

Background: Post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis (PCPF) is a common complication in severe COVID-19 cases, often associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome or mechanical ventilation. Patients with PCPF frequently experience a decline in their quality of life due to persistent COVID-19 sequelae, including cough and chest pain. However, there is currently no established standard treatment, and the efficacy of existing medications remains uncertain. Case Report: A 65-year-old female patient presenting with cough, dyspnea, chest pain, and fatigue due to PCPF received Korean medicine treatment for 25 days. Symptom evaluation utilized the modified Medical Research Council scale, the Leicester Cough Questionnaire, and the Numeral Rating Scale. Quality of life and functional status were assessed using the Post-COVID-19 Functional Status and the EuroQol 5-Dimensional 5-Level. The extent of pulmonary fibrosis was assessed by comparing chest computed tomography (chest CT) scans before and after hospitalization. Following treatment, the patient demonstrated clinically meaningful improvement in clinical symptoms, enhanced quality of life, and decreased fibrotic lesions on CT scans. Conclusion: This case report suggests that Korean medicine treatment may be effective in improving clinical symptoms, such as cough and dyspnea caused by PCPF, while also enhancing post-COVID-19 quality of life and ameliorating pulmonary fibrotic lesions.