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Physical function after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients pre or post heart transplantation - An
Kate Hayes1, Anne E Holland1, Vincent A Pellegrino2
1Department of Physiotherapy, The Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3181, Australia; Discipline of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Objective:
To describe physical function, leg complications and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in the three months following extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) pre- or post-heart transplantation (HTx).
Background:
Little is known about functional recovery following ECMO before or after HTx.
Methods:
A 2-year retrospective study in patients who received ECMO pre or post HTx. Strength, mobility, leg complications and HRQOL were recorded to hospital discharge. Six-minute walk distance (6MWD) was assessed at hospital discharge and 3 months.
Results:
25 patients were included, with 80% (20/25) survival to hospital discharge. At ICU discharge, strength and mobility were poor but improved by hospital discharge (p < 0.001) despite leg complications in 44% (11/25) of patients. The 6MWD improved over time (mean 203 m, 95% confidence interval 140-265). HRQOL scores were lower than Australian norms (p < 0.05).
Conclusion:
Patients requiring ECMO pre or post HTx had impaired physical function at ICU discharge and leg complications were common.
