Critical review of health-related quality of life studies of patients with aortic stenosis

Health related quality of life of patients following mechanical valve replacement surgery for rheumatic mitral stenosis in Tanzania

BACKGROUND

The assessment of outcomes of interventions based on the patient's perspective using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) has been increasingly highlighted in clinical practice. However, health related quality of life (HRQoL), one of the common constructs measured by PROMs remain unknown among patients after heart valve replacement (HVR) in Tanzania.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the HRQoL amongst patients operated on for rheumatic mitral stenosis at Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI).

METHODS

A prospective study of patients operated on due to rheumatic mitral stenosis at JKCI from January 2020 to April 2021 was undertaken. The HRQoL was assessed by using the MacNew questionnaire, addressing three domains (physical, emotional, and social function); the score ranges from 0 to 7. We categorized HRQoL as low (mean score ≤ 4.9), moderate (5-6) and high (> 6). We analysed several sociodemographic and clinical variables for HRQoL.

RESULTS

Out of 54 patients, there were 34 females and 20 males. Their mean (± SD) age was 37.98 (± 12.58) years. The reliability of translated Kiswahili version of MacNew was good. The mean (± SD) global scores were 3.47 ± 0.59, 4.88 ± 0.71 and 6.14 ± 0.50 preoperatively, at 3 months and 6 months respectively (p-values < 0.001 preoperatively vs. 3 months, preoperatively vs. 6 months and at 3 months vs. 6 months). The median of individual mean difference HRQoL score pre-operatively and at 6 months was 2.67. The preoperative and 6 months mean difference HRQoL scores were higher among patients with vs. without atrial fibrillation (2.95 ± 0.59 vs. 2.45 ± 0.53, p = 0.003) and those on anticoagulants (preoperatively) vs. not on anticoagulants (3.14 ± 0.58 vs. 2.57 ± 0.57, 0.009). The mean difference HRQoL scores were similar for sociodemographic and other clinical parameters, including those with stroke vs. without stroke.

CONCLUSION

Six months after HVR the overall MacNew HRQoL scores improved markedly. This improvement in HRQoL was regardless of the presence of comorbidities (e.g. stroke and atrial fibrillation) which underscores the importance of considering valvular surgery if they fit the criteria. Clinicians and researchers in low-resource settings should collaborate to promote the utilization of PROMs in the routine care of patients.

Toronto aortic stenosis quality of life questionnaire (TASQ): validation in TAVI patients

BACKGROUND

Aortic stenosis (AS) is a common cardiac condition whose prevalence increases with age. The symptom burden associated with severe aortic stenosis (AS) can introduce significant lifestyle disruptions and if left untreated can lead to a poor prognosis. Quality of life (QoL) is an important consideration in these patients. The TASQ is a QoL tool that was developed for aortic stenosis patients. We evaluated the psychometric properties of this specific questionnaire in patients who underwent transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), which is a therapeutic option for patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS).

METHODS

The properties of the TASQ in measuring QoL were evaluated in AS patients undergoing TAVI. Patients presenting for the TAVI procedure (N = 62) were evaluated pre-TAVI, at discharge, 1-month, and 3-month follow-ups. Demographic information as well as caregiver status, and daily activities were recorded. In addition to the TASQ, they completed the KCCQ (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire) and the IIRS (Illness Intrusiveness Rating Scale).

RESULTS

The TASQ is a 16-item self-administered questionnaire that assesses AS-specific QoL across five domains: physical symptoms; physical limitations; emotional impact; social limitations, and health expectations. TASQ subscales are internally consistent (α = 0.74-0.96) and showed significant improvements from baseline across assessments (p < 0.001). Construct validity evidence was demonstrated by correlations consistent with theoretically derived hypotheses across time points.

CONCLUSIONS

The TASQ is a brief measure of AS-specific QoL that is sensitive to change in patients undergoing TAVI. Items on the TASQ capture important QoL concerns reported by AS patients, suggesting this is a measure of relevant and meaningful outcomes for this patient population. Detection of early improvements in QoL by the TASQ is promising, with important implications for the evaluation of procedural outcomes in this population.

Self-reported health status, treatment decision and survival in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with aortic stenosis in a Western Norway population undergoing conservative treatment: a cross-sectional study with 18 months follow-up

OBJECTIVES

To investigate symptoms and self-reported health of patients conservatively treated for aortic stenosis (AS) and to identify factors associated with treatment decision and patient outcomes.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional survey with an 18-month follow-up.

SETTING

One tertiary university hospital in Western Norway.

PARTICIPANTS

In all, 1436 patients were diagnosed with AS between 2000 and 2012, and those 245 still under conservative treatment in 2013 were included in this study.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome measures were symptoms and self-reported health status. Secondary outcomes were treatment decision and patient survival after 18 months.

RESULTS

A total of 136 patients with mean (SD) age 79 (12) years, 52% men responded. Among conservatively treated patients 77% were symptomatic. The symptom most frequently experienced was dyspnoea. Symptomatic patients reported worse physical and mental health compared with asymptomatic patients (effect size 1.24 and 0.74, respectively). In addition, symptomatic patients reported significantly higher levels of anxiety and depression compared with asymptomatic patients. However, symptom status did not correlate with haemodynamic severity of AS. After 18 months, 117 (86%) were still alive, 20% had undergone surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) and 7% transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). When adjusting for age, gender, symptomatic status, severity of AS and European system for cardiac operative risk evaluation (EuroSCORE), patients with severe AS had more than sixfold chance of being scheduled for AVR or TAVI compared with those with moderate AS (HR 6.3, 95% CI 1.9 to 21.2, p=0.003). Patients with EuroSCORE ≥11 had less chance for undergoing AVR or TAVI compared with those with EuroSCORE ≤5 (HR 0.06, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.46, p=0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Symptoms affected both physical and mental health in conservatively treated patients with AS. Many patients with symptomatic severe AS are not scheduled for surgery, despite the recommendations in current guidelines. The referral practice for AVR is a path for further investigation.

Impact of marital status and comorbid disorders on health-related quality of life after cardiac surgery

PURPOSE

To explore associations between HRQL, marital status, and comorbid disorders in men and women following cardiac surgery.

METHOD

A secondary analysis was completed using data from a randomized controlled trial in which 416 individuals (23% women) scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass graft and/or valve surgery were recruited between March 2012 and September 2013. HRQL was assessed using the Health State Descriptive System (15D) preoperatively, then at 2 weeks, and at 3, 6, and 12 months following cardiac surgery. Linear mixed model analyses were performed to explore associations between HRQL, social support, and comorbid disorders.

RESULTS

The overall 15D scores for the total sample improved significantly from 2 weeks to 3 months post surgery, with only a gradual change observed from 3 to 12 months. Thirty percent (n = 92) of the total sample reported a lower 15D total score at 12 months compared to preoperative status, of whom 78% (n = 71) had a negative minimum important differences (MID), indicating a worse HRQL status. When adjusted for age and marital status, women had statistically significant lower 15D total scores compared to men at 3, 6, and 12 months post surgery. Compared to pre-surgery, improvement was demonstrated in 4 out of 15 dimensions of HRQL for women, and in 6 out of 15 dimensions for men at 12 months post surgery. Both men and women associated back/neck problems, depression, and persistent pain intensity with lower HRQL; for women, not living with a partner/spouse was associated with lower HRQL up to 12 months.

CONCLUSION

Women experienced decreased HRQL and a slower first-year recovery following cardiac surgery compared to men. This study demonstrates a need for follow-up and support to help women manage their symptoms and improve their function within the first year after cardiac surgery. This was particularly pronounced for those women living alone.

Patients' self-reported function, symptoms and health-related quality of life before and 6 months after transcatheter aortic valve implantation and surgical aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND

Aortic stenosis is the most common valve disease in western countries and has poor prognosis without treatment. Surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) is the gold standard, and transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is a new method that is used in high-risk patients who are denied surgery. The purpose of treatment is not only to save life, but also to reduce symptoms and increase health-related quality of life (HRQoL).

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe patients' self-reported outcomes in terms of physical function, symptoms, dependence, HRQoL, and cognitive function after TAVI and SAVR.

METHODS

All patients treated with TAVI during 1 year ( n = 24) and age-matched patients treated with SAVR ( n = 24) were included. Data were collected on the day before and at 6 months after treatment using structural questionnaires.

RESULTS

Self-rated function was low before treatment and increased at follow-up. A quarter of all patients reported syncope at baseline, and none reported this at follow-up. Breathlessness was reported by all patients to be the most limiting cardiac symptom, but the TAVI patients reported more severe symptoms. At 6 months' follow-up, symptoms were reduced, but breathlessness and fatigue were still common, especially in the TAVI group. HRQoL, which was very low in the TAVI group at baseline, increased in all dimensions except social function.

CONCLUSION

We found no change in cognitive function or dependence at follow-up. There was no difference in the size of improvement between groups. The results could be helpful when informing future patients in order to give them realistic expectations.

NR2 antibody is associated with quality of life in aortic valve replacement

BACKGROUND

The relationship between the potential brain injury biomarker N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody and quality of life has never been assessed.

METHODS

We measured serum N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody levels preoperatively in patients undergoing aortic valve replacement. Quality of life was scored using the Short Form-36 and European Quality of Life 5-Dimensions questionnaires pre- and postoperatively. We analyzed the antibody levels as a continuous variable and as a dichotomous variable with 1.8 ng mL(-1) as the cutoff.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients (15 females) with a mean age of 71 ± 8.4 years were recruited for this study. Forty-eight (92%) patients attended the follow-up visit (405 ± 161 days). No mortality or severe neurological event was recorded. In both quality-of-life instruments, the low antibody level group (n = 35) had significantly better scores than the high antibody level group (n = 17) preoperatively. Postoperatively, the scores for both groups improved; however, the low antibody level group continued to score significantly better in most of the physical and mental health domains (p = 0.04 to <0.001). Multiple regression analyses revealed that antibody level and the 1.8 ng mL(-1) cutoff were independently related to quality of life (pre- and postoperatively).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody levels in aortic valve replacement patients are independently related to poorer quality of life pre- and postoperatively.

Health-related quality of life of patients after mechanical valve replacement surgery for rheumatic heart disease in a developing country

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of people in Fiji (n=128) undergoing heart valve replacement (VR) surgery for rheumatic heart disease (RHD), conducted by Open Heart International.

METHODS

Patients who had undergone surgery from 1991 to 2009 (n=72) and patients undergoing surgery for the years 2010-2012 (n=56) were surveyed prospectively, preoperatively and/or postoperatively (the mean follow-up time 5.9 years) using the standard recall Short-Form 36, V.2 (SF-36v2) HRQoL Survey.

RESULTS

The sample had a mean age of 26.7 years and 56% (n=72) were women. Preoperative HRQoL is impaired but by early postoperative (1 year) there is significant improvement across all domains (p<0.05) apart from mental health (p=0.081). At mid-term (2 years), HRQoL remained substantially improved from preoperative measurement with mental health now significantly better (p=0.028). However, compared with the early follow-up outcomes, at mid-term physical function (p=0.001), role-physical (p=0.002) and role-emotional (p=0.042) domains significantly declined. By late follow-up (>2 years), all HRQoL domains, except for mental health, were significantly better than preoperative (p=0.066 ). Predictors of less improved HRQoL included having an isolated mitral valve replacement (MVR) (for six of eight health domains, p<0.05), older age (three domains; role-physical, vitality and bodily pain, p<0.05) and male gender (in the role-emotional domain, p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This first investigation of the HRQoL of people in a developing country after VR surgery for RHD found significant improvement from surgery with this improvement generally sustained. The lack of improvement in mental health requires further exploration as does the influence of an isolated MVR, age and gender.

Health-related quality of life of patients after mechanical valve replacement surgery: an integrative review

BACKGROUND

Heart valve replacement surgery is undertaken to improve cardiac function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Mechanical valves are typically used for younger people (aged <65 years). Implantation of these valves comes with life-long health self-management requirements which potentially impact on HRQoL.

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to identify the short and long-term impact on HRQoL after mechanical valve replacement surgery.

METHODS

Multiple electronic databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies published between 2000-2013, which focused on patients who had mechanical valve replacement, aged <65 years, and used a valid measure of HRQoL.

RESULTS

Eight papers were included, all of which used the Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36). Preoperatively, HRQoL was impaired, particularly in the SF-36 health domains of role-physical, physical-functioning, vitality and role-emotional. Postoperatively, most people had positive and sustained HRQoL improvement. In the early postoperative period all data showed significant improvement in at least four of eight health domains (physical function, role-physical, vitality, social function). Two-thirds of people also had significant improvement in an additional two health domains (general and mental-health). Whilst most people sustained HRQoL over time, one-third of younger adults (age <24 years) showed impairment in three domains (physical-function, mental-health and general-health).

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanical valve replacement surgery results in important and sustained improvements in HRQoL. Future research should include investigation of HRQoL outcomes after mechanical valve replacement for specific groups such as younger adults and people in developing countries, and include evaluations of the potential impact of valve-specific factors and health self-management requirements.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Thoracic Aortic Disease: Part II. After Surgery on the Proximal (Root, Ascending, Arch) Aorta

BACKGROUND

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has been reported to be near-to-normal after operations on the proximal aorta. However, a thorough evaluation of variables related to postoperative HRQOL is lacking. We report HRQOL after surgery on the proximal aorta acknowledging current symptoms and conditions. If modifiable factors affect HRQOL, surgical treatment could be tailored to optimize outcomes.

METHODS

The short form 36 item (SF-36) questionnaire was used to measure HRQOL in eight domains and a physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) score. Median differences (Δ) between the component summary scores and a sex- and age-matched reference group from the general population were the primary outcome measures, along with comparisons of patient subgroups according to pathology (aneurysm versus dissection), aortic valve procedure, and circulatory arrest.

RESULTS

In 207 patients operated on the proximal aorta, after a mean of three years, there were no significant differences in median PCS (Δ = -0.3 [95% confidence limits -2.6, 2.0]) and MCS (Δ = 1.7 [-0.4, 2.9]) scores compared to the reference group, but median scores for the physical functioning, general health, and mental health domains were significantly lower. There were no statistically significant differences in PCS, MCS, or domain scores for patients with aneurysm versus dissection, for patients undergoing aortic valve procedures or not, or for patients managed with circulatory arrest or not. In multivariable analysis, exertional dyspnea was independently related to both ΔPCS (-6.5 [-13, -0.44]) and ΔMCS (-7.5 [-13, -1.6]), whereas age, exertional calf pain, and myocardial infarction were related only to ΔPCS.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall HRQOL after surgery on the proximal aorta is encouraging, which remains important when benchmarking against novel therapeutic procedures. At follow-up, HRQOL appears related to current symptoms and conditions, but not to operative procedures. To better understand their impact on HRQOL, prospective studies comparing pre- and postoperative scores are needed.

Effect of comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation after heart valve surgery (CopenHeartVR): study protocol for a randomised clinical trial

Background

Heart valve diseases are common with an estimated prevalence of 2.5% in the Western world. The number is rising due to an ageing population. Once symptomatic, heart valve diseases are potentially lethal, and heavily influence daily living and quality of life. Surgical treatment, either valve replacement or repair, remains the treatment of choice. However, post surgery, the transition to daily living may become a physical, mental and social challenge. We hypothesise that a comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation programme can improve physical capacity and self-assessed mental health and reduce hospitalisation and healthcare costs after heart valve surgery.

Methods

A randomised clinical trial, CopenHeart_VR, aims to investigate whether cardiac rehabilitation in addition to usual care is superior to treatment as usual after heart valve surgery. The trial will randomly allocate 210 patients, 1:1 intervention to control group, using central randomisation, and blinded outcome assessment and statistical analyses. The intervention consists of 12 weeks of physical exercise, and a psycho-educational intervention comprising five consultations. Primary outcome is peak oxygen uptake (VO₂ peak) measured by cardiopulmonary exercise testing with ventilatory gas analysis. Secondary outcome is self-assessed mental health measured by the standardised questionnaire Short Form 36. Also, long-term healthcare utilisation and mortality as well as biochemistry, echocardiography and cost-benefit will be assessed. A mixed-method design is used to evaluate qualitative and quantitative findings encompassing a survey-based study before the trial and a qualitative pre- and post-intervention study.

Discussion

The study is approved by the local regional Research Ethics Committee (H-1-2011-157), and the Danish Data Protection Agency (j.nr. 2007-58-0015).

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (http://NCT01558765).

A systematic review on the quality of life benefits after aortic valve replacement in the elderly

BACKGROUND

Surgical aortic valve replacement is being increasingly performed in elderly patients with good perioperative outcomes and long-term survival. Evidence is limited on health-related quality of life after aortic valve replacement, which is an important measure of operative success in the elderly.

METHODS

A systematic review of clinical studies after January 2000 was performed to identify health-related quality of life in the elderly after aortic valve replacement. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Quality appraisal of each study also was performed using predefined criteria. Health-related quality of life results were synthesized through a narrative review with full tabulation of the results of all included studies.

RESULTS

Health-related quality of life improvements were shown across most or all domains in different health-related quality of life instruments. Elderly patients experienced marked symptomatic improvement. Health-related quality of life was equivalent or superior to both an age-matched population and younger patients undergoing identical procedures. There were excellent functional gains after surgery, but elderly patients remain susceptible to geriatric issues and mood problems. Concomitant coronary artery bypass did not affect health-related quality of life. There was a diverse range of study designs, methods, and follow-up times that limited direct comparison between studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Aortic valve replacement results in significant health-related quality of life benefits across a broad range of health domains in elderly patients. Age alone should not be a precluding factor for surgery. Data are heterogeneous and mostly retrospective. We recommend future studies based on consistent guidelines provided in this systematic review.

Adapting to living with a mechanical aortic heart valve: a phenomenographic study

AIM

To describe how patients adapt to living with a mechanical aortic heart valve.

BACKGROUND

Aortic valve replacement with a mechanical prosthesis is preferred for patients with life expectancy of more than 10 years as they are more durable than bioprosthetic valves. Mechanical valves have some disadvantages, such as higher risk of thrombosis and embolism, increased risk of bleeding related to lifelong oral anticoagulation treatment and noise from the valve.

DESIGN

An explorative design with a phenomenographic approach was employed.

METHODS

An explorative design with a phenomenographic approach was applied. Interviews were conducted over 4 months during 2010-2011 with 20 strategically sampled patients, aged 24-74 years having undergone aortic valve replacement with mechanical prosthesis during the last 10 years.

FINDINGS

Patients adapted to living with a mechanical aortic heart valve in four ways: 'The competent patient' wanted to stay in control of his/her life. 'The adjusted patient' considered the implications of having a mechanical aortic valve as part of his/her daily life. 'The unaware patient' was not aware of warfarin-diet-medication interactions. 'The worried patient' was bothered with the oral anticoagulation and annoyed by the sound of the valve. Patients moved between the different ways of adapting.

CONCLUSIONS

The oral anticoagulation therapy was considered the most troublesome consequence, but also the sound of the valve was difficult to accept. Patient counselling and adequate follow-up can make patients with mechanical aortic heart valves more confident and competent to manage their own health. We recommend that patients should participate in a rehabilitation programme following cardiac surgery.