Cited 8 times since 2021 (3 per year) source: EuropePMC Thrombosis research, Volume 206, 17 3 2021, Pages 66-75 Efficacy and safety of a 12-week outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program in Post-PE Syndrome. Boon GJAM, Janssen SMJ, Barco S, Bogaard HJ, Ghanima W, Kroft LJM, Meijboom LJ, Ninaber MK, Nossent EJ, Spruit MA, Symersky P, Vliegen HW, Noordegraaf AV, Huisman MV, Siegerink B, Abbink JJ, Klok FA
Background
The Post-Pulmonary Embolism Syndrome (PPES) comprises heterogeneous entities, including chronic thromboembolic disease with/without pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH/CTEPD), and deconditioning.
Objectives
To assess underlying physiological determinants of PPES, and efficacy and safety of rehabilitation training in these patients.
Methods
56 consecutive PE patients with persistent dyspnea and/or functional limitations despite ≥3 months of anticoagulation underwent standardized diagnostic work-up including exercise testing as part of routine practice. All diagnostic (imaging and cardiopulmonary function) tests were interpreted by a core group of experienced clinicians. A subgroup of patients without CTEPH or other treatable conditions was referred for a 12-week personalized rehabilitation program, studying changes in physical condition and patient-reported outcome measures.
Results
Persistent vascular occlusions were observed in 21/56 patients (38%) and CTEPH was confirmed in ten (18%). Regarding those without CTEPH, impaired cardiopulmonary responses were evident in 18/39 patients with available CPET data (46%), unrelated to chronic thrombi. Rehabilitation was completed by 27 patients after excluding 29 (patients with CTEPH or treatable comorbidities, refusal, ineligibility, or training elsewhere). Training intensity, PE-specific quality of life (PEmb-QoL) and fatigue (CIS) improved with a median difference of 20 W (p = 0.001), 3.9 points (p < 0.001) and 16 points (p = 0.003), respectively. Functional status (Post-VTE Functional Status Scale) improved ≥1 grade in 18 (67%) patients, and declined in one (3.7%).
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that abnormal cardiopulmonary responses to exercise are common in patients with PPES and are not limited to those with chronic thrombi. Offering pulmonary rehabilitation to patients not treated otherwise seems safe and promising.
