Health-related quality of life in patients with chronic respiratory failure after long-term mechanical ventilation

SummaryStudy objectivesThis study was aimed at assessing health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with chronic respiratory failure (CRF) and long-term survival following prolonged intensive care mechanical ventilation.DesignObservational cohort study.SettingPatients with CRF who had been transferred to our specialized weaning centre due to prolonged mechanical ventilation (>14 days) and weaning failure.Patients and participantsOut of 87 long-term survivors (>6 months), 73 patients (mean age: 60.3±13.6 years, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, 43%), thoraco-restrictive (21%) or neuromuscular disorders (15%), various chronic diseases (22%)) returned the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Status Survey (SF-36) and the St. George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ).Measurements and resultsThe total ventilation time was 38.7±45.9 days. The time between discharge from ICU and HRQL assessment was 31.0±22.2 months. Physical health was markedly reduced compared to general population norm, but mental health was mildly impaired. HRQL was comparable to patients with stable CRF receiving non-invasive ventilation who did not need prolonged invasive MV. In addition, general HRQL was better in patients with restrictive respiratory disease compared to patients with neuromuscular diseases (P