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Physical functional outcomes after cardiothoracic transplantation.
Kathleen L Grady1, Dorothy M Lanuza
1Center for Heart Failure, and Division of Cardiac Surgery, Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute, Feinberg School of Medicine, 201 E. Huron Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. kgrady@nmh.org
The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
|September 15, 2005
Summary
This review examines physical and sexual function in heart, lung, and heart-lung transplant patients. It identifies research gaps and suggests future study directions for improved cardiothoracic transplant outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Patient healthcare outcomes post-cardiothoracic transplantation have seen increased research focus over the past 20 years.
- Physical function, assessed via subjective and objective measures, is a key outcome in heart, lung, and heart-lung transplant recipients.
- Existing literature predominantly comprises descriptive and observational studies on physical function after cardiothoracic transplantation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and critique the current literature on subjective and objective physical function in cardiothoracic transplant recipients.
- To specifically examine respiratory function in heart-lung and lung transplant recipients.
- To analyze the literature on sexual function in cardiothoracic transplant recipients, identify research gaps, and propose future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review and critical analysis of published studies.
- Inclusion of studies assessing physical function (subjective/objective) and respiratory function.
- Examination of research pertaining to sexual function in the cardiothoracic transplant population.
Main Results:
- The majority of existing studies are descriptive and observational, providing a limited understanding of physical function.
- Gaps exist in comprehensive assessments of physical and sexual function, particularly longitudinal data.
- Specific data on respiratory function post-lung and heart-lung transplantation requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to comprehensively evaluate physical and sexual function in cardiothoracic transplant recipients.
- Future studies should employ robust methodologies, including longitudinal designs and standardized outcome measures.
- Addressing identified literature gaps will enhance the understanding of long-term outcomes and inform clinical practice for transplant survivors.