Long-term quality of life in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for refractory hypoxaemia

Background: There is a significant long-term burden on survivors after acute respiratory distress syndrome, even 5 years after discharge. This is not well investigated in patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. The objective of this study was to describe very-long-term (⩾3 years) disability in lung function and morphology, quality of life, mood disorders, walking capacity, and return to work status in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation survivors. Methods: Single-center retrospective cohort study on long-term survivors treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for respiratory failure between 1995 and 2010 at a tertiary referral center in Sweden. Eligible patients were approached, and those who consented were interviewed and investigated during a day at the hospital. Results: A total of 38 patients were investigated with a median follow-up time of 9.0 years. Quality of life was reduced in several Short form 36 (SF-36) subscales and all domains of the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, similar to previous studies in conventionally managed acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors. A reduced diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide was seen in 47% of patients, and some degree of residual lung parenchymal pathology was seen in 82%. Parenchymal pathology correlated with reductions in quality of life and diffusion capacity. Symptoms of anxiety and depression were seen in 22% and 14%, respectively. Conclusion: A significant long-term burden remains even 3–17 years after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation treatment, similar to conventionally managed acute respiratory distress syndrome survivors. Future prospective studies are needed to elucidate risk factors for these sequelae.

Download Full-text

Quality of life following adult veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review

Quality of Life Research ◽

10.1007/s11136-021-02834-0 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

E. R. Kurniawati ◽

V. G. H. Rutjens ◽

N. P. A. Vranken ◽

T. S. R. Delnoij ◽

R. Lorusso ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome ◽

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation ◽

Respiratory Distress Syndrome ◽

Respiratory Distress ◽

Distress Syndrome ◽

Healthy Population ◽

Membrane Oxygenation ◽

Vv Ecmo

Abstract Background Veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) has been used successfully for the past decade in adult patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) refractory to conventional ventilatory support. However, knowledge of the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in VV-ECMO patients is still limited. Thus, this study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the HRQoL following VV-ECMO support in ARDS patients. Methods A systematic search was performed on PubMed and Web of Science databases from January 1st, 2009 to October 19th, 2020. Studies reporting on HRQoL following VV-ECMO for ARDS in adults were included. Two authors independently selected studies, extracted data, and assessed methodological quality. Results Eight studies were eligible for inclusion, consisting of seven observational studies and one randomized controlled trial (total N = 441). All eight studies had a quantitative design and reported 265 VV-ECMO survivors to have a reduced HRQoL compared to a generally healthy population. Follow-up time varied between six months to three years. Additionally, only four studies (total N = 335) compared the HRQoL of VV-ECMO (N = 159) to conventionally treated survivors (N = 176), with one study showing a significantly better HRQoL in VV-ECMO survivors, while three studies were stating comparable HRQoL across groups. Notably, most survivors in these studies appeared to experience varying degrees of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Conclusions ARDS survivors supported by VV-ECMO have a decline in HRQoL and suffered from physical and psychological impairments. This HRQoL reduction is comparable or even better to the HRQoL in conventionally treated ARDS survivors.

Download Full-text