RESUMO
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.
