Pulmonary fibrosis in the aftermath of the COVID-19 era (Review)

The year 2020 is characterized by the COVID-19 pandemic that has resulted in more than half a million deaths in recent months. The high mortality is associated with acute severe respiratory failure that results in ICU admission and intubation. While facing this fatal disease, research and clinical observations need to be carried out in order to evaluate the long-term effects of the COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Potent clinical and laboratory biomarkers should be studied to be able to predict the subgroup of patients that are going to deteriorate or develop lung fibrosis. The opportunity of personalized medicine is a good way to consider for these patients.