Inpatient Rehabilitation After COVID-19 Hospitalization in a Patient With Lung Transplant: A Case Study

Nicolosi, Christian; Barber, Kristina; Draganich, Christina; Niehaus, William

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, also known as coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), has impacted the lives of many older individuals, with those with comorbidities having the highest risk of severe disease. Specifically, immunosuppression and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are two important risk factors. This case report describes the rehabilitation course of a 62-yr-old woman with a history of a double lung transplant for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in 2016 who contracted a severe COVID-19 infection. After nearly a month in the intensive care unit, she underwent a 10-day course of inpatient rehabilitation and regained substantial independence and was able to return home only needing supervision. Although other cases in the rehabilitation literature have documented successful rehabilitation after COVID-19 infection, this transplant-related case required intensive coordination of care to meet goals and achieve success for the patient. Because of the limited numbers of studies, this information may prove valuable in future considerations for candidates of inpatient rehabilitation.