Post by Nadica (She/Her) on Dec 5, 2024 18:53:40 GMT
Tackling pulmonary fibrosis risks in post-COVID-19: cutting-edge treatments - Published Dec 3, 2024
ABSTRACT
Introduction
Post-COVID-19 can damage many different organs; the lungs are still the most common target. Long-term respiratory symptoms and disorders post-COVID-19 infection, such as pulmonary fibrosis (PF) have been reported. PF post-COVID-19 has been identified as an important complication of Long-COVID, especially in patients with severe respiratory symptoms. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is the main tool for detecting fibrotic lesions in patients with PF post-COVID-19. PF post-COVID-19 occurs via different mechanisms, including enhancement of TGF-β signaling and severe responsiveness to pro-inflammatory cytokines and other mediators of inflammatory cells.
Areas covered
Our objectives are to summarize the incidence and disease burden of post‑COVID‑19 pulmonary fibrosis, to provide information on available therapies and drugs for its management, to comprehensively evaluate the initial treatment efficacy of these drugs, and to identify the limitations and challenges associated with current treatment approaches. We searched the Scopus database using the following keywords: ‘post COVID‑19,’ ‘post‑COVID pulmonary fibrosis,’ ‘post‑COVID disability,’ ‘post‑COVID pulmonary fibrosis treatment,’ and ‘progressive pulmonary fibrosis.’
Expert opinion
Cutting-edge treatments for PF post-COVID-19 are focused on the complex and multifactorial nature of the disease progreession during Long COVID, which involves chronic inflammation, fibroblast activation, and excessive extracellular matrix deposition leading to stiffening and fibrosis of lung tissue. However, the accurate treatment approaches should be based on both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. While traditional antifibrotic drugs with nintedanid and pirfenidone are being used, novel therapies with anti-interleukines, mesenchymal stem cells, and Rho-kinase inhibitors promise the new treatment approaches for patients with PF post-COVID-19. Further research and clinical trials are needed to determine the most effective strategies for managing this complex condition, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
ABSTRACT
Introduction
Post-COVID-19 can damage many different organs; the lungs are still the most common target. Long-term respiratory symptoms and disorders post-COVID-19 infection, such as pulmonary fibrosis (PF) have been reported. PF post-COVID-19 has been identified as an important complication of Long-COVID, especially in patients with severe respiratory symptoms. High-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) is the main tool for detecting fibrotic lesions in patients with PF post-COVID-19. PF post-COVID-19 occurs via different mechanisms, including enhancement of TGF-β signaling and severe responsiveness to pro-inflammatory cytokines and other mediators of inflammatory cells.
Areas covered
Our objectives are to summarize the incidence and disease burden of post‑COVID‑19 pulmonary fibrosis, to provide information on available therapies and drugs for its management, to comprehensively evaluate the initial treatment efficacy of these drugs, and to identify the limitations and challenges associated with current treatment approaches. We searched the Scopus database using the following keywords: ‘post COVID‑19,’ ‘post‑COVID pulmonary fibrosis,’ ‘post‑COVID disability,’ ‘post‑COVID pulmonary fibrosis treatment,’ and ‘progressive pulmonary fibrosis.’
Expert opinion
Cutting-edge treatments for PF post-COVID-19 are focused on the complex and multifactorial nature of the disease progreession during Long COVID, which involves chronic inflammation, fibroblast activation, and excessive extracellular matrix deposition leading to stiffening and fibrosis of lung tissue. However, the accurate treatment approaches should be based on both pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. While traditional antifibrotic drugs with nintedanid and pirfenidone are being used, novel therapies with anti-interleukines, mesenchymal stem cells, and Rho-kinase inhibitors promise the new treatment approaches for patients with PF post-COVID-19. Further research and clinical trials are needed to determine the most effective strategies for managing this complex condition, with the goal of improving patient outcomes and quality of life.