Interdisciplinary Management for the First Patient With Post-COVID Double-Lung Transplantation in Inpatient Rehabilitation in the United States: A Case Report

Abstract

Objective: In the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic, lung transplantation is being used as a life-saving treatment. This case report describes the rehabilitation course of the first documented individual in the United States post bilateral lung transplant for COVID-19. Methods (Case Description): The patient is a 28-year-old woman who was previously healthy and who failed all other life-saving medical interventions before undergoing bilateral lung transplantation, resulting in an extended hospital stay and significant physical debility. Results: Through an interdisciplinary rehabilitation approach, the patient was able to achieve functional improvements in strength, balance, endurance, and functional mobility to safely discharge home. Conclusion: Research is needed regarding optimal treatment of this patient population because lung transplantation continues to be used for long-term medical management of COVID-19 infection. Impact: This is a case report describing rehabilitation for the first documented individual in the United States post bilateral lung transplant for COVID-19.