COVID-19-related Pneumonitis in Immunocompromised Patients: Reviewing Clinical Features and Management Approaches

Adeel Nasrullah; Hassan Shakir; Eiraj Khan; Muhammad I Bilal; Abu B Sheikh; Khalid Malik; Tariq Cheema

doi:10.55729/2000-9666.1399

COVID-19-related Pneumonitis in Immunocompromised Patients: Reviewing Clinical Features and Management Approaches

J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect. 2024 Sep 9;14(5):63-72. doi: 10.55729/2000-9666.1399. eCollection 2024.

Authors

Adeel Nasrullah¹, Hassan Shakir², Eiraj Khan³, Muhammad I Bilal³, Abu B Sheikh⁴, Khalid Malik¹, Tariq Cheema¹

Affiliations

¹ Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, USA.
² The Wright Center of Graduate Medical Education, Scranton, PA, 18505, USA.
³ Department of Internal Medicine, Allegheny Health Network, Pittsburgh, PA, 15212, USA.
⁴ Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA.

Abstract

In this case series, we explore persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection and its resultant pneumonitis within a cohort of immunocompromised patients. We elucidate the complex interplay between immunosuppression and COVID-19 by examining four patients who experienced prolonged viral shedding and recurrent respiratory failure due to their compromised immune systems. This series elucidates the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic strategies. We also summarize existing literature regarding persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunocompromised individuals. Our findings support the use of a tailored treatment approach using a proposed diagnostic and management algorithm to standardize care and optimize outcomes.

Keywords: Covid-19; Immunocompromised; Pneumonitis.

Publication types

Review

Grants and funding

The HSPSO is funded by Highmark Health (Pittsburgh, PA, United States ofAmerica) and all work was done by Good Publication Practice (GPP3) guidelines (http://www.ismpp.org/gpp3).