Complex respiratory and motor rehabilitation program in a patient with post-pulmonary tuberculosis conditions and multiple sequelae after SARS-CoV-2 infection: case report

Abstract

Introduction: A great variety of medical issues can occur after the COVID-19 infection including fatigue, muscle weakness, locomotor disability, self-care dysfunction, polyneuropathy, persistent dyspnea on exertion and a hypercoagulable state.

Materials and methods: This paper presents the case of a nonsmoker 49-year-old male with right lung lower lobe lobectomy for post tuberculosis bronchiectasis and diabetes mellitus, who developed multiple serious physicals, neurological, hematological and respiratory consequences, related to critical COVID-19 infection and prolonged hospitalization,

Results: A favorable evolution of the patient’s respiratory sequels and motor impairment on both lower limbs was noticed after a complex individualized rehabilitation program started in the post COVID-19 Rehabilitation Department of Balneal and Rehabilitation Sanatorium, Techirghiol, Romania, consisting in better functional parameters and exercise tolerance, significant improvement in daily activities, remission of exertional dyspnea, social and family reintegration.

Conclusions: multidisciplinary approach and complex individualized programs of rehabilitation is required after a critical form of COVID in a patients known with tuberculosis, and other complex pathologies, in order to restore physical function and mobility and optimize respiratory parameters.