Post-Discharge Depression Status for Survivors of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO): Comparison of Veno-Venous ECMO and Veno-Arterial ECMO

Depressive symptoms over time among survivors after critical illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Critical illness survivors frequently experience various degrees of depressive symptoms, which hinder their recovery and return to daily life. However, substantial variability in the prevalence of depressive symptoms has been reported among critical illness survivors. The exact prevalence remains uncertain.

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO from inception to August 2023 for observational studies that reported depressive symptoms in adult critical illness survivors. The random-effects model was used to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were conducted to explore potential moderators of heterogeneity. Study quality was evaluated using the Joanna Briggs Institute's tool and the GRADE approach.

RESULTS

Fifty-two studies with 24,849 participants met the inclusion criteria. Overall prevalence estimate of depressive symptoms was 21.1% (95% CI, 18.3-24.1%). The prevalence of depressive symptoms remains stable over time. Point prevalence estimates were 21.3% (95% CI, 9.9-35.4%), 19.9% (95% CI, 14.6-25.9%), 18.5% (95% CI, 9.6-29.2%), 21.0% (95% CI, 16.8-25.5%), and 22.6% (95% CI, 14.4-31.8%) at <3, 3, 6, 12, and > 12 months after discharge from intensive care unit (ICU), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Depressive symptoms may impact 1 in 5 adult critically ill patients within 1 year or more following ICU discharge. An influx of rehabilitation service demand is expected, and risk stratification to make optimal clinical decisions is essential. More importantly, to propose measures for the prevention and improvement of depressive symptoms in patients after critical care, given the continuous, dynamic management of ICU patients, including ICU stay, transition to general wards, and post-hospital.

Long-term outcomes of patients supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is increasingly used to support patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The impact of ECMO on long-term outcomes of patients with severe ARDS is unclear.

METHODS

We searched electronic databases from inception to January 17th 2023. We selected clinical trials and observational studies reporting on long-term outcomes of patients supported with ECMO for ARDS. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included cognitive function, mental health, functional status, respiratory symptoms, and return to work.

RESULTS

Of the 7126 screened citations, 1 randomized clinical trial and 31 observational studies were included, of which 7 compared conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) and ECMO. Overall quality of studies of the included studies was limited, with the majority being either low (45%) or fair (32%) quality. There was no significant difference in HRQoL measured with the SF-36 score between ECMO and CMV patients (physical component score [PCS]: mean difference 3.91 (- 6.22 to 14.05), mental component score [MCS] mean difference 1.33 (- 3.93 to 6.60)). There was no difference between cognitive function, mental health, functional status, and respiratory symptoms between ECMO and CMV, but data available for comparison were limited. There were high rates of disability for ECMO survivors with 49% of patients returning to work and 23% needing assistance at home on follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Survivors of ECMO for ARDS experience significant disability in multiple domains. Further studies are needed to examine the effect of ECMO on long-term outcomes of patients compared to CMV.

Effect of intra-dialytic physical exercise on depression in prevalent hemodialysis patients

Background

Depression is associated with morbidity, death, diminished quality of life, decreased longevity, and even suicidal ideation in hemodialysis patients. Intra-dialytic exercise is considered as integral component of the clinical care management of hemodialysis patients as it improves hemodialysis effectiveness, reducing systemic inflammation, increasing exercise tolerance, decreasing depression and improving quality of life. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of intra-dialytic physical exercise on depression and physical activity in prevalent hemodialysis patients. This prospective cohort research comprised 50 hemodialysis patients maintained on regular hemodialysis 3 times/week with duration since starting dialysis (1–5 years), not practicing any previous physical activity, suffering from depressive symptoms, not maintained on antidepressants and separated into two groups: group I underwent intra-dialytic exercise for 3 months and group II was matched in age and gender but did not undertake any exercise.

Results

Hamilton depression rating scale was significantly decreased in group I after completing the exercise program compared to baseline (P = 0.000), while there was no significant change in group II. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha significantly decreased in group I compared to baseline (P = 0.000), while there was no significant change in group II. A positive correlation was found between serum tumor necrosis factor alpha and Hamilton depression rating scale (r = 0.676), (P = 0.000). Physical activity tests; 6-min walk test, rapid assessment of physical activity and peak volume of oxygen consumption were significantly improved in group I compared to baseline (P = 0.000), while there was no statistically significant difference in group II. Serum phosphorus and parathyroid hormone levels were significantly decreased in group I compared to baseline (P < 0.01), while urea reduction ratio was significantly increased in group I compared to baseline (P = 0.000), but there was no significant change in group II.

Conclusions

Intra-dialysis exercise can improve depression and physical performance in hemodialysis patients. As positive correlation was found between serum tumor necrosis factor alpha and Hamilton depression rating scale, so tumor necrosis factor alpha may be considered as marker of depression in hemodialysis patients. Intra-dialytic exercise can improve dialysis efficacy by improving urea reduction ratio.