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Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis (CTH), University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, GermanyClinic of Angiology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
Department of Research and Development, CIRO+, Horn, the NetherlandsNUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht, the NetherlandsDepartment of Respiratory Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
Center for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, GermanyDepartment of Clinical Epidemiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
Corresponding author at: Department of Medicine - Thrombosis and Hemostasis, LUMC (C7Q-14), Albinusdreef 2, Postbus 9600, 2300 RC Leiden, the Netherlands.
We studied physiological determinants in patients with Post-Pulmonary Embolism Syndrome (PPES).
•
Insufficient cardiopulmonary responses to exercise were common in these patients.
•
These findings were not limited to patients with persistent vascular occlusions.
•
Offering a 12-week pulmonary rehabilitation program seems safe and promising.
•
‘Post-VTE Functional Status’ improved after completing rehabilitation training.
Abstract
Background
The Post-Pulmonary Embolism Syndrome (PPES) comprises heterogeneous entities, including chronic thromboembolic disease with/without pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH/CTEPD), and deconditioning.
Objectives
To assess underlying physiological determinants of PPES, and efficacy and safety of rehabilitation training in these patients.
Methods
56 consecutive PE patients with persistent dyspnea and/or functional limitations despite ≥3 months of anticoagulation underwent standardized diagnostic work-up including exercise testing as part of routine practice. All diagnostic (imaging and cardiopulmonary function) tests were interpreted by a core group of experienced clinicians. A subgroup of patients without CTEPH or other treatable conditions was referred for a 12-week personalized rehabilitation program, studying changes in physical condition and patient-reported outcome measures.
Results
Persistent vascular occlusions were observed in 21/56 patients (38%) and CTEPH was confirmed in ten (18%). Regarding those without CTEPH, impaired cardiopulmonary responses were evident in 18/39 patients with available CPET data (46%), unrelated to chronic thrombi. Rehabilitation was completed by 27 patients after excluding 29 (patients with CTEPH or treatable comorbidities, refusal, ineligibility, or training elsewhere). Training intensity, PE-specific quality of life (PEmb-QoL) and fatigue (CIS) improved with a median difference of 20 W (p = 0.001), 3.9 points (p < 0.001) and 16 points (p = 0.003), respectively. Functional status (Post-VTE Functional Status Scale) improved ≥1 grade in 18 (67%) patients, and declined in one (3.7%).
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that abnormal cardiopulmonary responses to exercise are common in patients with PPES and are not limited to those with chronic thrombi. Offering pulmonary rehabilitation to patients not treated otherwise seems safe and promising.
Persistent right ventricular dysfunction, functional capacity limitation, exercise intolerance, and quality of life impairment following pulmonary embolism: systematic review with meta-analysis.
]. The so-called Post-PE Syndrome (PPES) is characterized by a combination of abnormalities in echocardiographic parameters of right ventricular function, pulmonary artery hemodynamics and impaired gas exchange with increased dead-space ventilation at rest or during exercise, all possibly caused by the persistent thrombotic obstruction of the pulmonary arteries [
]. Even if pulmonary artery pressures at rest are normal in the presence of persistent perfusion defects, a relatively high pulmonary vascular resistance, reduced right ventricular contractile reserve and increased dead-space ventilation may account for debilitating exertional dyspnea, also referred to as chronic thromboembolic pulmonary disease (CTEPD) [
Prospective evaluation of right ventricular function and functional status 6 months after acute submassive pulmonary embolism: frequency of persistent or subsequent elevation in estimated pulmonary artery pressure.
]. Depressive disorders, fear for potential complications or recurrences, and post-thrombotic panic syndrome further contribute to long-term functional impairment, which may lead to physical inactivity, subsequent deconditioning and a downward spiral as result [
]. Altogether, PPES is associated with decreased quality of life, unemployment and increased utilization of healthcare resources, although the underlying physiological determinants are largely unknown [
Curative treatment for CTEPH is available, preferably pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA), whereas the optimal management of other forms of the PPES is not well established [
2015 ESC/ERS guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension: the joint task force for the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary hypertension of the european Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Respiratory Society (ERS): endorsed by: Association for European Paediatric and Congenital Cardiology (AEPC), International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation (ISHLT).
]. Small studies have shown promising results of PEA or balloon pulmonary angiography (BPA) in patients with CTEPD, but this is currently not the standard of care [
]. Although only few experience is available for pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with PPES, small studies do suggest positive effects on exercise capacity and quality of life in both PE patients [
Effect of a physiotherapist-guided home-based exercise intervention on physical capacity and patient-reported outcomes among patients with acute pulmonary embolism: a randomized clinical trial.
Supervised exercise training in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension as early follow-up treatment after pulmonary endarterectomy: a prospective cohort study.
The effects of a 10-wk outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program on exercise performance, muscle strength, soluble biomarkers, and quality of life in patients with pulmonary hypertension.
Exercise training improves peak oxygen consumption and haemodynamics in patients with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension and inoperable chronic thrombo-embolic pulmonary hypertension: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.
]. In the setting of other acute and chronic cardiopulmonary conditions e.g. coronary heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and interstitial lung disease, cardiac and/or pulmonary rehabilitation programs are routinely offered because of established reduction of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity, as well as improvement in quality of life, symptoms and exercise capacity [
2013 ESC guidelines on the management of stable coronary artery disease: the task force on the management of stable coronary artery disease of the European Society of Cardiology.
]. We hypothesized that a personalized rehabilitation program may also improve functional status in patients with PPES.
In this study, we studied the underlying determinants of persistent complaints in patients with PPES, and aimed to get insight into the efficacy and safety of an outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program in patients with PPES in whom CTEPH and CTEPD suitable for PEA or BPA were ruled out.
2. Methods
2.1 Study design and patients
This observational cohort study is a description of routine care. We prospectively followed all consecutive patients with imaging-confirmed acute PE [
]. Firstly, in this dedicated clinic, adult PE patients with persistent moderate-to-severe dyspnea (modified Borg scale ≥3 at rest) and/or patient-reported relevant functional limitations despite adequate anticoagulation for at least 3 months were subjected to a standardized diagnostic work-up. Secondly, a subgroup of these patients that were not subjected to specific CTEPH/CTEPD treatment and did not have underlying comorbidities explaining their persistent symptoms, were invited to follow a post-PE-specific pulmonary rehabilitation program in an expertise center for specialist medical rehabilitation care (Basalt, Leiden, the Netherlands).
The local Ethics Committees of both LUMC and Basalt waived the need for informed consent because of the observational design of this study. All patients were actively informed of the intention to use the results and outcome of the dedicated clinic for scientific purposes and we have explicitly offered all patients to opt out. None objected to the use of anonymized data.
2.2 Objectives
The primary objectives of this study were: 1) to evaluate the underlying physiological determinants of exertional dyspnea in all patients referred to our ‘post-PE syndrome clinic’; and 2) to get insight in the safety and efficacy of a rehabilitation program on training intensity, and patient-reported outcome measures in a subgroup of patients in whom CTEPH and CTEPD suitable for PEA or BPA were ruled out after standardized diagnostic work-up.
2.3 Procedures
2.3.1 Diagnostic work-up
This includes routine blood testing, resting echocardiography, computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) with subtraction perfusion mapping, cardiopulmonary exercise test using a stationary cycle ergometer (CPET), and pulmonary function test, if relevant followed by invasive right heart catheterization (RHC), ventilation/perfusion imaging and/or pulmonary angiography [
]. The baseline test results were discussed in a multidisciplinary team of pulmonary hypertension experts, including cardiologists, pulmonologists, rheumatologists and vascular medicine specialists. Patients with (suspected) CTEPH or CTEPD potentially suitable for PEA or BPA were referred to the VU University Medical Center (CTEPH expertise center) for appropriate treatment. CTEPH was established if the following strict diagnostic criteria were met: 1) ≥1 mismatched segmental perfusion defect demonstrated by ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) scanning after ≥3 months of adequate therapeutic anticoagulation; 2) mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) ≥25 mm Hg at rest measured by RHC; and 3) pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) ≤15 mm Hg [
]. In case a treatable comorbidity was found, e.g. asthma, interstitial lung disease or left heart failure, treatment optimization was provided by the relevant medical specialist of the multidisciplinary team.
2.3.2 Rehabilitation program
The 12-week outpatient rehabilitation program in the previously mentioned subgroup was based on the Official ATS/ERS Statement: Key Concepts and Advances in Pulmonary Rehabilitation [
]. Patients participated in twice-weekly sessions of 90 min of supervised exercise training and, after two weeks, supplemented with one unsupervised training at home (Appendix A). During the supervised sessions, patients performed 30 to 40 min of endurance exercise, and 30 min of strength exercises. The endurance training was performed on a stationary cycle ergometer and/or a treadmill, and comprised endurance and/or interval exercise. According to current guidelines, each training was targeted at 70 to 80% of patients' individual maximum heart rate, which was routinely checked by the physiotherapist supervising the training [
]. When patients were over- or underperforming, if tolerable, this was corrected by adjusting the workload of the training in order to acquire the targeted heart rate. Strength training was aimed at either improving absolute muscle strength or improvement in muscle endurance using medical fitness equipment. For improvement of strength, patients trained at 75% of their one repetition maximum (1RM), performing 3 series of 8 repetitions. When training muscle endurance, 2 series of 15 repetitions at 65% of the 1RM were performed. Concerning the third training each week performed at home, patients were instructed to reach the same intensity as they did in the supervised training sessions. Additional counselling was tailored to the individual patient's needs and included support by a psychologist, dietician, occupational therapist or social worker including smoking cessation counselling if relevant (Appendix A).
2.4 Measurements
2.4.1 Diagnostic work-up
An incremental symptom-limited CPET was performed, if possible along with arterial blood sampling. Individual CPET results were used to evaluate cardiopulmonary responses to exercise in PPES according to the ATS/ACCP Statement and Wasserman's algorithms, particularly concerning presence of respiratory gas exchange, ventilatory efficiency and abnormal dead-space ventilation. Typical patterns of impaired (i.e. insufficient) cardiopulmonary responses to exercise are shown in Table 1 [
]. Evaluation of results was done by 2 independent researchers (GJAMB and MKN). Parameters collected throughout the test include: oxygen uptake (VO2), heart rate (HR), minute ventilation (VE), O2 pulse (VO2/HR), anaerobic threshold (AT, determined using the V-slope method), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), arterial oxygen saturation, ventilatory equivalents for carbon dioxide (VE/VCO2, point measure at AT), dead-space fraction (Vd/Vt), alveolar-arterial gradient (p(A-a)O2). Since maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV) was not directly measured, it was calculated using the following prediction equation (FEV1 × 40) [
Respiratory impairment refers to parenchymal disease including obstructive and restrictive lung diseases and lung disease with impaired peripheral oxygenation.
a Cardiovascular impairment refers to left ventricular failure, congestive heart disease and myocardial ischemia.
b Respiratory impairment refers to parenchymal disease including obstructive and restrictive lung diseases and lung disease with impaired peripheral oxygenation.
c Pulmonary vascular impairment refers to diseases with increased dead-space ventilation.
]. Echocardiographic explanations of persistent dyspnea were classified as signs of pulmonary hypertension, signs of diastolic or systolic dysfunction, valvular heart disease, and/or cardiomyopathy. CTPA with iodine perfusion mapping was performed to assess the presence of residual thrombotic lesions and/or persistent perfusion defects on CT scanners with at least 64 slices and a reconstructed slice thickness of 1 to 3 mm.
2.4.2 Rehabilitation program
Training intensity (defined as peak power output in W) was used as a surrogate for measuring the effect of rehabilitation since maximal workload as determined by CPET was not available at discharge. Peak power output was assessed during the first and last training sessions of the rehabilitation program. Questionnaires on self-reported quality of life (PEmb-QoL, PE-specific Quality of Life), fatigue (CIS, Checklist Individual Strength-Fatigue), and anxiety and depression (HADS, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) were completed before start and after completion of the rehabilitation program [
]. Two independent researchers (SMJJ and GJAMB) evaluated functional status before and after the rehabilitation program for each participant and assigned a grade on the Post-VTE Functional Status (PVFS) Scale (Appendix B) [
]. Subsequently, the degree of improvement or decline was evaluated, both at group and at individual level. Safety issues were closely monitored and reported 1) during a specific training session (i.e. syncope or arrhythmia); or 2) while completing the rehabilitation program (i.e. symptomatic recurrent venous thromboembolism, new cardiopulmonary diagnoses, death). Data on relevant patient demographics, the PE diagnosis, comorbidities, relevant outpatient follow-up details, results of the standardized diagnostic testing and details of the rehabilitation program were extracted from the medical charts by the treating physician.
2.5 Statistical analysis
Baseline characteristics are described as mean with standard deviation (SD), median with interquartile range (IQR), or numbers with proportions if appropriate. Comparison of variables before start and after completing the rehabilitation program was performed using the paired t-test or Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test where appropriate. Measures of odds ratio (OR) are reported as point estimates with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). All statistical tests were performed using SPSS Statistics software (version 25.0, IBM) and visualisation was conducted using SankeyMATIC (http://sankeymatic.com/build/). Validated minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) of the individual tests and questionnaires have been used if available to determine relevant outcomes when comparing results before and after completing the rehabilitation program [
The baseline characteristics of 56 patients referred to the ‘post-PE syndrome clinic’ after adequate anticoagulant treatment are displayed in Table 2, all of whom underwent standardized diagnostic work-up (Fig. 1). Of the total study population, cardiopulmonary responses were evaluated in 45 patients after excluding those with alternative diagnoses (N = 3) and those whom refused to undergo a CPET (N = 8). A total of 27 patients participated in the PE-specific rehabilitation program after the exclusion of 29 patients (CTEPH, N = 10; alternative diagnoses, N = 3; ineligibility to participate, N = 3; or lack of motivation, N = 6). Rehabilitation was performed elsewhere because of patient preferences in 7 patients.
Table 2Baseline characteristics of the patients with Post-PE Syndrome subjected to the standardized diagnostic work-up.
All PE patients (N = 56)
Age at PE event (years, mean ± SD)
54 (14)
Male sex (N, %)
22 (39%)
BMI (kg/m2, mean ± SD)
29 (6.3)
Located in main pulmonary artery
14 (25%)
Unprovoked PE (N, %)
29 (52%)
Previous VTE (N, %)
15 (27%)
Pre-existing comorbidity (N, %)
COPD/asthma
10 (18%)
Diabetes mellitus
3 (5.4%)
Coronary artery disease
2 (3.6%)
Heart failure
2 (3.6%)
Active malignancy
1 (1.8%)
Smoking status (N, %)
Never
30 (54%)
Quit smoking
19 (34%) Pack years (mean ± SD): 16 (11)
Currently smoking
7 (13%) Pack years (mean ± SD): 35 (18)
Type of anticoagulant treatment (N, %)
DOAC
27 (48%)
VKA
26 (46%)
LMWH
2 (3.6%)
Indefinite anticoagulant treatment (N, %)
34 (61%)
Abbreviations: PE, pulmonary embolism; SD, standard deviation; BMI, body mass index; VTE, venous thromboembolism; COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; LMWH, low-molecular-weight heparin; VKA, vitamin K antagonist; DOAC, direct oral anticoagulant.
Fig. 1Flowchart of study patients highlighting both stages of the study: 1) Diagnostic work-up with CTPA and echocardiography was performed in all patients, but CPET allowing cardiopulmonary response evaluation data was only available for 45 patients. The presence/absence of CTEPH and the presence/absence of persistent vascular occlusions are shown, with corresponding CPET findings. 2) The rehabilitation program was completed by 27 patients.
Median time from PE diagnosis till referral was 6.4 months (IQR 4.3–31). A total of 16 of 56 (29%) patients had at least one pre-existing comorbidity, including 10 patients (18%) having COPD/asthma and 3 (5.4%) having diabetes mellitus. After completing standardized diagnostic work-up in the total population, CTEPH was confirmed by right heart catheterization (RHC) in ten patients (18%). Median time between PE and CTEPH diagnosis was 4.5 months (IQR 3.0–11). Echocardiography revealed signs of PH in three other patients, whom had no PH at invasive measurement by RHC, and diastolic dysfunction was observed in two. In addition to CTEPH patients, unresolved thrombi (according to CTPA assessment) and/or persistent perfusion defects (based on V/Q scan) were present in 21 patients (38%), none of whom were treated with PEA or BPA. Of the remaining 25 patients, previously unknown conditions were considered to be the primary etiology of the persistent dyspnea in three (5%) patients: iron deficiency anemia in one and interstitial lung disease in two patients.
During peak exercise, CPET revealed a median power output of 120 W (IQR 80 to 180) with a mean heart rate of 146/min (SD 24) and a median breathing frequency of 35/min (IQR 31 to 43) (Table 3). Mean peak VO2 was 1683 (SD 785) ml/min and was reduced (<85% of predicted) in 19 of 45 patients (42%). Mean minute ventilation at peak exercise consisted of 71 L/min (SD 27), which is 61% of MVV (SD 0.16). Unresolved thrombi and/or persistent perfusion defects were present in 24 of 45 patients (53%) including 6 with CTEPH. Of 39 non-CTEPH cases, either pulmonary vascular or cardiovascular impairment was observed during incremental exercise in 21 (54%) patients, of whom 11 (52%) had residual vascular occlusions (odds ratio 1.7, 95%CI 0.48 to 6.2). Pulmonary vascular impairment was the exclusive underlying determinant in six (15%) patients and cardiovascular impairment in one (2.6%). All CTEPH patients had either signs of pulmonary vascular or cardiovascular impairment. Parenchymal lung disease was ruled out as primary etiology in any of these study patients. Mild respiratory impairment, however, contributed partially in two patients, i.e. asthma and interstitial lung disease (Table 3).
Table 3Cardiopulmonary responses to exercise in PPES patients.
Patients with insufficient cardiopulmonary responses as determined by CPET despite the absence of objectified persistent vascular occlusions on CTPA and/or V/Q scan.
No. 29
95
78
121
100
53%
31,7
–
No cardiovascular, respiratory or pulmonary vascular impairment
No. 30
103
79
131
99
62%
29,5
23
3,1
–
No cardiovascular, respiratory or pulmonary vascular impairment
No. 31
85
70
120
100
53%
34,4
–
No cardiovascular, respiratory or pulmonary vascular impairment
Patients with insufficient cardiopulmonary responses as determined by CPET despite the absence of objectified persistent vascular occlusions on CTPA and/or V/Q scan.
(combined with a component asthma)
No. 33
83
58
143
98
53%
39,4
–
Pulmonary vascular impairment and cardiovascular impairment
Patients with insufficient cardiopulmonary responses as determined by CPET despite the absence of objectified persistent vascular occlusions on CTPA and/or V/Q scan.
No. 34
105
106
99
97
42%
28,7
3,82
–
No cardiovascular, respiratory or pulmonary vascular impairment
No. 35
85
97
89
99
49%
31,1
–
No cardiovascular, respiratory or pulmonary vascular impairment
Patients with insufficient cardiopulmonary responses as determined by CPET despite the absence of objectified persistent vascular occlusions on CTPA and/or V/Q scan.
No. 37
88
96
135
–
No cardiovascular, respiratory or pulmonary vascular impairment
Patients with insufficient cardiopulmonary responses as determined by CPET despite the absence of objectified persistent vascular occlusions on CTPA and/or V/Q scan.
Patients with insufficient cardiopulmonary responses as determined by CPET despite the absence of objectified persistent vascular occlusions on CTPA and/or V/Q scan.
Patients with insufficient cardiopulmonary responses as determined by CPET despite the absence of objectified persistent vascular occlusions on CTPA and/or V/Q scan.
No. 41
104
98
106
98
69%
26,6
17
3,77
–
No cardiovascular, respiratory or pulmonary vascular impairment
Patients with insufficient cardiopulmonary responses as determined by CPET despite the absence of objectified persistent vascular occlusions on CTPA and/or V/Q scan.
Patients with insufficient cardiopulmonary responses as determined by CPET despite the absence of objectified persistent vascular occlusions on CTPA and/or V/Q scan.
Patients with insufficient cardiopulmonary responses as determined by CPET despite the absence of objectified persistent vascular occlusions on CTPA and/or V/Q scan.
No. 45
114
91
126
98
57%
23,3
12
–
No cardiovascular, respiratory or pulmonary vascular impairment
a Peripheral oxygen saturation is mentioned given lack of arterial blood gases in the majority of patients.
b Unresolved thrombi according to CTPA assessment and/or perfusion defects based on V/Q scan.
c Patients with insufficient cardiopulmonary responses as determined by CPET despite the absence of objectified persistent vascular occlusions on CTPA and/or V/Q scan.
Our personalized 12-week rehabilitation program was completed by 27 patients, of whom 17 were female (63%) and mean age was 51 years (SD 14). At baseline, PEmb-QoL score was median 15 points (IQR 12 to 17) whereas the median CIS score was above the cut-off value for problematic fatigue (≥76): 93 (IQR 76 to 104) [
]. HADS anxiety and depression scores exceeded the cut-off value of ≥8.0 points in three and four patients, respectively, indicating a possible anxiety or depressive disorder before start of the rehabilitation program. Median score for anxiety was 4.0 points (IQR 2.0 to 7.0), and for depression 6.0 points (IQR 3.0 to 8.0). Supervised training sessions were provided twice a week in 23 participants, and three times a week in 4 participants since full supervision in exercise training was required in these patients. Additional counselling was provided by a social worker in 24 (89%), a dietician in 19 (70%), occupational therapist in 17 (63%), and a psychologist in 15 (56%) patients. Two patients underwent smoking cessation counselling (7.4%), of whom one quitted smoking.
The duration of the rehabilitation program was median 13 weeks (IQR 11 to 16). Peak power output during the first versus the last training session was median 65 W (IQR 40 to 90) versus 75 W (IQR 40 to 135) with a median difference of 20 W (IQR 5.0 to 40; p = 0.001). Quality of life was improved after rehabilitation with a median difference of 3.9 points (IQR −6.2 to −1.2; p < 0.001) on the PEmb-Qol total score (Table 4). Changes in individual dimensions of the Pemb-QoL questionnaire are displayed in Fig. 2. The burden of fatigue decreased with a median difference of 16 points on the CIS score (−39 to −3.5; p = 0.003), reflecting statistically relevant improvement. Lower burden on both anxiety and depression domains of the HADS were reported (median difference 1.0 point, IQR −2.0 to 1.0 for each) with no improvement (p = 0.19 and p = 0.096), respectively (Table 4).
Fig. 2Radar chart representing the change in all dimensions of the PEmb-Qol questionnaire before and after the rehabilitation program (N = 22); lower scores indicate better quality of life.
Moderate or severe functional limitations (PVFS scale grade ≥3) were present in 18 of 27 (67%) patients before rehabilitation, and in 7/27 (26%) at post-rehabilitation assessment, which is reflected by an overall improvement on the PVFS scale (p < 0.001; Fig. 3). Fourteen patients (52%) improved one grade on the PVFS scale and four patients (15%) improved two grades. Functional status remained unchanged in 8 patients (30%), whereas the remaining patient had a decline of one grade (3.7%). Importantly, while closely monitoring safety during the rehabilitation program, no thromboembolic or cardiac complications were observed besides one patient with new-onset atrial fibrillation.
Fig. 3Assignments of the Post-VTE Functional Status (PVFS) scale grades before and after completing the 12-week pulmonary rehabilitation program (N = 27).
This study demonstrates that insufficient cardiopulmonary responses to exercise are common among patients who suffer from the PPES, which is not limited to patients with persistent vascular occlusions. Exercise limitation was consistent with pulmonary vascular and/or cardiovascular impairment rather than respiratory impairment in all CTEPH patients, and also in more than half of non-CTEPH cases. A personalized 12-week rehabilitation program in patients with PPES in whom CTEPH and CTEPD suitable for PEA or BPA were ruled out, appeared to improve the training intensity, the PE-specific quality of life as well as the burden of fatigue. Functional status in patients' daily lives improved as well during the rehabilitation program. During the program, one patient was diagnosed with new-onset with atrial fibrillation, no other complications occurred.
Persistent thrombotic obstruction of pulmonary arteries was identified in about half of the non-CTEPH cases. However, increased dead-space ventilation or cardiovascular impairment was not observed in all of these patients. This illustrates the heterogeneous nature of physiological etiologies explaining exertional dyspnea in this patient group. The lack of correlation between reduced exercise capacity and imaging abnormalities in our and previous studies further suggests a multifactorial etiology rather than vascular disease in pulmonary arteries as only physiological determinant of post-PE dyspnea [
]. This study was not designed to identify deconditioning since clear diagnostic criteria are lacking. Therefore, the prevalence of deconditioning may be underestimated, also because alternative reasons for exercise limitation might be predominant. An incremental symptom-limited CPET is the recommended tool to comprehensively evaluate cardiovascular, ventilatory and peripheral metabolism responses in case of exertional dyspnea [
]. In a Canadian prospective cohort study, the majority (87.5%) of patients with an abnormal 12-month CPET after their first episode of PE had deconditioning, 12.5% were classified to have ventilatory impairment and none were considered to have cardiovascular impairment [
]. Of note, this was an unselected PE population with relatively low-risk PE patients. A recent observational study including 40 patients with PPES revealed increased dead-space ventilation and/or decreased stroke volume reserve in up to 65% after 90 days of anticoagulant therapy [
]. Importantly, given the absence of unambiguous clinical algorithms for interpreting cardiopulmonary responses to exercise, some phenotypes of exercise intolerance overlap. As such, CPET mainly functions as a first means of identifying patterns rather than making a clear distinction between different causes. Taking into account our results, we argue that rehabilitation is a safe and promising approach that is mainly valuable in a population of adequately selected PE patients suffering from persistent dyspnea. This is fueled by a recent randomized trial in which an 8-week home-based exercise program was initiated shortly after acute PE regardless of symptoms or pre-existing physical fitness [
Effect of a physiotherapist-guided home-based exercise intervention on physical capacity and patient-reported outcomes among patients with acute pulmonary embolism: a randomized clinical trial.
]. Although this physiotherapist-guided program proved to be safe, the predefined criteria for efficacy have not been met. A currently ongoing randomized study evaluates whether a rehabilitation program improves exercise capacity in PPES patients (NCT03405480). Speculating, exercise training might also contribute to functional improvements in PPES patients treated with surgical, angioplasty or PH targeted therapy. Further randomized studies are needed to define criteria for adequate selection of particular PE patients who will likely benefit most from a rehabilitation program.
Strengths of our study include the standardized diagnostic work-up in all patients including pulmonary perfusion imaging, CPET and echocardiography in all patients, as well as the application of a state-of-the art supervised rehabilitation program [
]. Limitations include its relatively small sample size, the single-center design and the likely selection bias leading to an enriched CTEPH prevalence in the study population due to referral from elsewhere to our unique ‘post-PE syndrome clinic’. Therefore, the proportion of CTEPH versus CTEPD is probably not representative. Moreover, since pulmonary angiography was performed in case of suspected CTEPH only, i.e. in those patients with intermediate or high probability of CTEPH based on echocardiography, we cannot state with complete certainty that none of the other patients with persistent perfusion defects actually had CTEPH. Also, the observational nature of our study without a control group hinders to reliably quantify the full effect of a rehabilitation program compared to standard recovery. Interestingly, most study patients also received other types of allied healthcare, which may have contributed to an improvement in the functional status, a better quality of life and reduction in fatigue. However, previous prospective studies have shown limited improvement in the natural course of acute PE, especially when no rehabilitation program is offered. For example, a recent German cohort study following 620 PE patients showed that quality of life using the PEmb-QoL score improved between 3- and 12-month follow-up, but the MCID of 15 points was only attained in 118 patients (19%) [
]. Lastly, limitations of the pre-post study design are known and includes the lack of clear causality of the intervention on the observed changes, also due to unexpected temporal changes, regression to the mean, testing threat, and non-specific effects of the intervention.
In summary, insufficient cardiopulmonary responses to exercise seem to play an important role in the etiology of exertional dyspnea and functional limitations after acute PE, and were independent of persistent perfusion defects in the studied cohort. Our data suggest that offering a personalized pulmonary rehabilitation program to patients with PPES not otherwise treated is safe and promising given the observed improvement in patient-relevant outcomes. Randomized studies are nonetheless required to validate our findings and to further determine which PPES patients benefit most from rehabilitation.
GJAMB and FAK were responsible for design of the study, data collection, analysis and interpretation as well as drafting of the manuscript. Both guarantor of the paper.
SMJJ, JJA were responsible for design of the study, data collection, and critically revised the manuscript for important intellectual content.
HJB, MKN, MAS and AVN were responsible for design of the study, data analysis and interpretation and critically revised the manuscript for important intellectual content.
SB, WG, LJMK, LJM, EJN, PS, HWV, MVH and BS were responsible for data analysis and interpretation and critically revised the manuscript for important intellectual content.
Declaration of competing interest
GJAMB was supported by the Dutch Heart Foundation (2017T064).
MAS reports grants from Lung Foundation Netherlands, grants from Stichting Astma Bestrijding, grants from and speaker fees from AstraZeneca and grants and speakers fees from Boehringer Ingelheim, outside the submitted work.
AVN reports grants from Netherlands CardioVascular Research Initiative, grants from Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, other from Johnson & Johnson and Ferrer in the past 3 years, non-financial support from member of scientific advisory board of Morphogen-XI, outside the submitted work.
MVH reports grants from ZonMW Dutch Healthcare Fund, grants and personal fees from Pfizer-BMS, grants and personal fees from Bayer Health Care, grants and personal fees from Daiichi-Sankyo, grants from Leo Pharma, outside the submitted work.
FAK reports research grants from Bayer, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Boehringer-Ingelheim, Daiichi-Sankyo, MSD and Actelion, the Dutch Heart foundation (2017T064) and the Dutch Thrombosis association, all outside the submitted work.
SMJJ, SB, HJB, WG, LJMK, LJM, MKN, EJN, PS, HWV, AVN, BS, JJA have nothing to disclose.
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by unrestricted grants from Bayer/Merck Sharp & Dohme (MSD) and Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Appendix A: Group and individual sessions during 12-week pulmonary rehabilitation program; Appendix B: Post-VTE Functional Status (PVFS) Scale.
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Persistent right ventricular dysfunction, functional capacity limitation, exercise intolerance, and quality of life impairment following pulmonary embolism: systematic review with meta-analysis.
Prospective evaluation of right ventricular function and functional status 6 months after acute submassive pulmonary embolism: frequency of persistent or subsequent elevation in estimated pulmonary artery pressure.
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Effect of a physiotherapist-guided home-based exercise intervention on physical capacity and patient-reported outcomes among patients with acute pulmonary embolism: a randomized clinical trial.
Supervised exercise training in patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension as early follow-up treatment after pulmonary endarterectomy: a prospective cohort study.
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