Abstract
PURPOSE: To examine pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among SARS survivors.
METHODS: We evaluated survivors with confirmed SARS at the Prince of Wales Hospital, HK, at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after symptom onset. Our assessment included: lung volume (TLC, VC, RV, FRC), spirometry (FVC, FEV1), diffusing capacity (DLCO), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and HRQoL by SF-36 questionnaire.
RESULTS: 86 patients completed the serial assessments. There were 27 males, 59 females, and half were healthcare workers with age 39.9(SD11.5) years and BMI 23.7(3.9) kg/m2. At 18 months, 8(9.3%), 3(3.5%), and 24 (27.9%) patients had FVC, TLC, and DLCO below 80% of predicted values respectively. The 6MWD at 18 months was 492.8(85.7)m, which was higher than at 3 months [452.9(80.7)m but not different from 12 months [494.8(85.4)m]. The 6MWD was lower than normal controls of the same age groups and there was impairment of HRQoL at 18 months. Patients who required ICU admission (n=20) showed lower% predicted DLCO than those who did not [78.1(21.1) vs 88.6(15.1), p=0.048] but there were no differences in 6MWD and health status.
CONCLUSION: Significant impairment in diffusing capacity was noted in 27.9% of survivors 18 months after illness onset. The exercise capacity and health status of SARS survivors was still remarkably lower than that of a normal population.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: SARS causes significant long-term adverse impact on pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and quality of life among the survivors.
DISCLOSURE: David Hui, Grant monies (from sources other than industry) Research Fund for the Control of Infectious Diseases (Health, Welfare and Food Bureau, HKSAR).
Monday, October 31, 2005
2:30 PM - 4:00 PM