Peng DM, Yu S, Lowery R, Ventresco C, Cousino MK, St Louis JD, Blume ED, Uzark K. Self-reported quality of life in children with ventricular assist devices.
Pediatr Transplant 2022;
26:e14237. [PMID:
35102660 DOI:
10.1111/petr.14237]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
We sought to describe QOL in children with VAD and to identify factors associated with impaired QOL.
METHODS
There were 82 children (6-19 years) in the Pediatric Interagency Registry for Mechanical Circulatory Support who completed the PedsQL +/- a VAD-specific QOL assessment pre-VAD implant (n = 18), 3 months post-VAD (n = 63), and/or 6 months post-VAD (n = 38). Significantly impaired QOL is a score >1 SD below norms.
RESULTS
Study patients were 59% male, 67% Caucasian, with cardiomyopathy diagnosis in 82%, and median age at implant of 14 y (IQR 11-17). PedsQL scores were lower than norms for physical (p < .0001) and psychosocial (p < .01) QOL in pre- and post-VAD groups. Compared to chronic health condition and complex or severe heart disease groups, PedsQL scores were lower for physical and psychosocial QOL in the pre-VAD group (p < .0001); however, psychosocial QOL was not significantly different in post-VAD groups. Psychosocial QOL was impaired in 67%, 40%, and 24% in pre-VAD, 3-month, and 6-month post-VAD groups, respectively. Total and psychosocial QOL scores were significantly higher in the 3-month and 6-month post-VAD group than pre-VAD (all p ≤ .02). VAD patients were most bothered by their inability to participate in usual play activities. Impaired QOL 3 months post-VAD was associated with inotropic support >2 weeks/ongoing post-VAD (p = .04).
CONCLUSION
Physical QOL is significantly impaired in most children pre- and post-VAD. However, psychosocial QOL is not significantly impaired in most children post-VAD suggesting VAD implantation may improve psychosocial QOL in children.
Collapse