title: Physical function after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in patients pre or post heart transplantation - An observational study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To describe physical function, leg complications and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in the three months following extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) pre- or post-heart transplantation (HTx).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Little is known about functional recovery following ECMO before or after HTx.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 2-year retrospective study in patients who received ECMO pre or post HTx. Strength, mobility, leg complications and HRQOL were recorded to hospital discharge. Six-minute walk distance (6MWD) was assessed at hospital discharge and 3 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  25 patients were included, with 80% (20/25) survival to hospital discharge. At ICU discharge, strength and mobility were poor but improved by hospital discharge (p < 0.001) despite leg complications in 44% (11/25) of patients. The 6MWD improved over time (mean 203 m, 95% confidence interval 140-265). HRQOL scores were lower than Australian norms (p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients requiring ECMO pre or post HTx had impaired physical function at ICU discharge and leg complications were common.
authors: Department of Physiotherapy, The Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3181, Australia; Discipline of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Electronic address: k.hayes@alfred.org.au.
authors: Kate
authors: K
authors: Hayes
authors: Department of Physiotherapy, The Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3181, Australia; Discipline of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors: Anne E
authors: AE
authors: Holland
authors: Intensive Care Department, The Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors: Vincent A
authors: VA
authors: Pellegrino
authors: Heart Transplant Unit, The Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Baker Heart Institute, 75 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3004, Australia.
authors: Angeline S
authors: AS
authors: Leet
authors: Department of Physiotherapy, The Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3181, Australia; Discipline of Physiotherapy, La Trobe University, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
authors: Louise M
authors: LM
authors: Fuller
authors: Department of Physiotherapy, The Alfred Hospital, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne, Victoria, 3181, Australia; Australian and New Zealand Intensive Care Research Centre, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004, Australia.
authors: Carol L
authors: CL
authors: Hodgson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005080:Exercise Test; D015199:Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D016027:Heart Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D010351:Patient Discharge; D011788:Quality of Life; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: ECMO; Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation; Heart transplantation; Physical therapy; Quality of life