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  • Title: The impact of post-pulmonary embolism syndrome and its possible determinants.
    Author: Tavoly M, Wik HS, Sirnes PA, Jelsness-Jørgensen LP, Ghanima JP, Klok FA, Sandset PM, Ghanima W.
    Journal: Thromb Res; 2018 Nov; 171():84-91. PubMed ID: 30267974.
    Abstract:
    INTRODUCTION: Recent studies suggest that up to 50% of patients surviving pulmonary embolism (PE) may suffer from post-PE syndrome, which is defined by persistent dyspnea, impaired exercise capacity and/or decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The possible determinants of post-PE syndrome are however not fully established. AIMS: To describe the differences between dyspneic and non-dyspneic PE-patients and to explore determinants of dyspnea, 6-min walking test (6MWT) and HRQoL. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, consecutive patients diagnosed with PE between 2002 and 2011 at Østfold Hospital, Norway were identified from hospital registries. Patients were scheduled for clinical examination and a 6MWT. Dyspnea was assessed by the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. HRQoL was assessed with PEmb-QoL questionnaire. PE severity was assessed with PESI score, mean bilateral proximal extent of the clot and right-/left ventricle-ratio (RV/LV-ratio). RESULTS: 203 patients participated in this study, of which 96 patients reported dyspnea (47%). Median time from diagnosis was 3.6 years (IQR 1.9-6.5). Patients without dyspnea performed better on 6MWT (488 m vs 413 m, p < 0.005) and had better HRQoL results (p < 0.005). None of the variables we examined, including Charlson comorbidity index, was independently associated with dyspnea. However, higher RV/LV ratio at diagnosis was significantly associated with reduced 6MWT at follow-up. Further, ongoing anticoagulation and unemployment were independently associated with impaired HRQoL. CONCLUSIONS: PE-survivors complaining of dyspnea suffer from impaired HRQoL and reduced exercise capacity. Although PE-severity factors were associated with reduced exercise capacity, none of the examined factors were found to be independent determinants of dyspnea.
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